Market Position:
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 (X164) represented a premium segment entry in the large luxury SUV market, known for its refined comfort, robust diesel engine, and advanced safety features. This manual targets owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain and repair this sophisticated vehicle.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles such as the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Cadillac Escalade. The GL320's key differentiators were its standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, potent yet efficient V6 diesel engine, and the renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality and luxury appointments.
Key Features:
Luxury 7-seater SUV, powerful and torquey 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, available AIRMATIC air suspension, advanced safety systems, premium interior materials, and comprehensive technological integration for its era.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Page Count:
Est. 2500+ pages (Digital Format)
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software (Digital)
Format:
Software/Digital Download (PDF or Proprietary Viewer)
Systems Covered:
Engine (OM642), Transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), Drivetrain (4MATIC AWD), Suspension (AIRMATIC), Brakes (ABS, ESP, SBC), Steering, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Electrical System (Body, Chassis, Powertrain), Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), SRS Airbag System, Infotainment System, Lighting, Body Control Modules, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Service & Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Diagnosis, Electrical Component Testing, HVAC System Repair, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Component Replacement, Software Updates & Coding
Technical Depth:
Expert Level: From basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, in-depth electrical system diagnosis with detailed wiring diagrams, and advanced troubleshooting for all major vehicle systems. Includes torque specifications, component tolerances, and repair sequences.
Primary Engine:
3.0L V6 Turbocharged Diesel (OM642)
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 3400 rpm
Torque:
398 lb-ft @ 1600-2200 rpm
Fuel System:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)
Emission Control:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-40 (MB 229.51 specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification MB 325.0 (Glysantin G05)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11 liters (11.6 US quarts)
Standard Transmission:
7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (7G-TRONIC standard for GL320 Diesel)
Transmission Features:
Driver-adaptive shift programming, Comfort, Sport, and Manual modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0-9.0 liters (dry fill), lower for fluid change
Length:
200.3 inches (5087 mm)
Width:
76.6 inches (1946 mm)
Height:
72.6 inches (1844 mm)
Wheelbase:
121.6 inches (3089 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
13.7 cubic feet (0.39 m³)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
43.6 cubic feet (1.23 m³)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
79.4 cubic feet (2.25 m³)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,000 lbs (2270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,614 lbs (3000 kg)
Towing Capacity:
7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2008 model year)
Active Safety Features:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Curtain-generation side airbags (for all three rows), Active head restraints, Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, LATCH child seat anchors
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) with 6.5-inch color display
Audio Features:
AM/FM radio, CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system
Navigation:
Optional hard-drive based navigation system
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, optional rearview camera
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (optional/standard on higher trims), possibly SiriusXM or other telematics features
Comfort Features:
Multi-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC), heated and ventilated front seats (optional), power-adjustable steering column, sunroof
Service A Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (indicated by 'Service A' on the vehicle's display)
Service B Interval:
Typically 20,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first (indicated by 'Service B' on the vehicle's display)
Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration:
Automatic regeneration cycles; manual or forced regeneration procedures outlined in manual for persistent issues.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 343.0 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Adblue Fluid Specification:
ISO 22241-1 (if equipped with SCR system for emissions)
Known Issues Diesel:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging, EGR valve issues, Turbocharger wastegate actuator problems, AdBlue system faults (if equipped), Injector issues (less common but possible), Glow plug failures.
Known Issues Suspension:
AIRMATIC suspension leaks (air springs, lines, compressor), ABS/ESP sensor failures, control arm bushings wear.
Known Issues Electrical:
Command system glitches, CAN bus communication errors, tailgate actuator failures, ambient lighting issues.
Common Repairs Covered:
DPF cleaning/replacement, EGR valve cleaning/replacement, Turbocharger service, Injector replacement, AIRMATIC compressor replacement, Air spring replacement, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Drive belt and tensioner replacement, Fuel filter replacement, Cabin air filter replacement.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz boasts over a century of automotive innovation, renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and pioneering technologies, setting standards in the global automotive industry.
Model Evolution:
The X164 GL-Class was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size luxury SUV, designed to compete in the large SUV segment. The 2008 model year saw the introduction of the highly efficient OM642 diesel engine, replacing the previous V8 gasoline engine option for the GL320 designation. It was characterized by its spacious interior, advanced technology, and significant towing capability.
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
