🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

GL450

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

X164

Engine Code:

M273.920

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Affluent families seeking luxury, space, comfort, and advanced technology in an SUV.

Key Competitors:

BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Porsche Cayenne.

Vehicle Philosophy:

Combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and refinement with the practicality and versatility of a large SUV, emphasizing comfort, safety, and on-road prowess.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authorized diagnostic and repair procedures, ensuring factory-correct maintenance and minimizing the risk of incorrect repairs, crucial for complex Mercedes-Benz systems.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive Service & Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for official Mercedes-Benz factory manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely a searchable digital format, e.g., PDF archive, proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (including V8 M273, timing, seals, gaskets), engine management (fuel injection, ignition, emissions), cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.

Transmission Systems:

7G-TRONIC automatic transmission (722.9), transmission control module (TCM), hydraulic system, torque converter, shift mechanisms, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain Systems:

All-wheel drive (4MATIC) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel hubs.

Suspension Systems:

Adaptive Damping System (ADS), AIRMATIC air suspension, control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, stabilizers, steering linkage, power steering system.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Brake Assist, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical Systems:

12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power seats, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuse boxes, relay locations.

Body And Chassis:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seat removal, sunroof, chassis components, corrosion protection.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), A/C system components, refrigerant handling, heating system, ventilation, cabin filters.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding strategies, wiring diagrams, component testing.

Airbag System:

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components, airbag modules, seatbelt pre-tensioners, crash sensors, diagnostic procedures.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission service, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair/replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing procedures.

Diagnostic Tool Usage:

Information on using Mercedes-Benz proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS/XENTRY) and common aftermarket scan tools for reading and clearing DTCs, performing module programming/coding, and actuation tests.

Depth Of Information:

Factory-level technical details, including component removal/installation sequences, torque specifications, diagnostic parameters, wiring schematics, and detailed system operation explanations.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures for complex electronic systems, including sensor data interpretation, actuator testing, and module initialization/configuration.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Likely a compiled software package, potentially with an embedded browser or executable. Compatibility with common operating systems (Windows) is expected. Searchable text and hyperlinked navigation are standard for such software.

Print Quality:

Digital format, optimized for screen viewing. Printable pages typically have high resolution for clarity.

Binding Type:

N/A (Software/Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software/Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

4.6 Liters (4663 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Engine Code:

M273.920

Horsepower:

335 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft (460 Nm) @ 2700-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch ME 9.7 control unit)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Emission Controls:

Secondary air injection, catalytic converters, O2 sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) if applicable by region.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-Speed Automatic

Transmission Code:

7G-TRONIC (722.9)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (7G-TRONIC was standard for the GL450 in 2008)

Drive Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB Approval 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 134, Fuchs Titan ATF 4134)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

200.3 inches (5087 mm)

Width:

76.4 inches (1940 mm)

Height:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Wheelbase:

118.1 inches (3000 mm)

Seating Capacity:

7 passengers (standard 3 rows)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

14.3 cu ft (0.40 m³)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

43.8 cu ft (1.24 m³)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

78.2 cu ft (2.21 m³)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 5,027 lbs (2280 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 6,768 lbs (3070 kg)

Towing Capacity:

7,000 lbs (3175 kg) (with optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

★★★★★ (5-Star)

NHTSA Side Crash Test Rating:

★★★★★ (5-Star)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (ASR)

Brake Assist:

Standard BAS (Brake Assist)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags (front and rear), side curtain airbags (front and 3rd row).

Seatbelts:

3-point safety belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Latch Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation System)

Display:

7-inch color display with integrated navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear), rear-view camera.

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Optional Blind Spot Assist.

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically indicated by the 'Assyst' service reminder system. Generally, every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000 miles or as indicated by service reminder.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Mercedes-Benz generally recommends a transmission fluid and filter change every 60,000 miles for the 7G-TRONIC transmission.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic engine oil meeting MB Approval 229.5.

Coolant Spec:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G48, Pentofrost G05) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV)

Common Wear Items:

AIRMATIC air springs (can develop leaks), drive belts, suspension components (control arms, ball joints), catalytic converters, ignition coils.

Common Electrical Issues:

Sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors, ABS wheel speed sensors), SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, gateway module problems.

Common Transmission Issues:

Valve body issues in the 7G-TRONIC, conductor plate failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz boasts a long history of engineering excellence, luxury, and automotive innovation dating back to the invention of the automobile.

First Generation:

The GL-Class (X164) was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size SUV, designed to compete with established luxury players.

2008 Model Year Updates:

The 2008 model year saw minor adjustments, but remained largely consistent with the initial introduction, focusing on the established luxury and capability.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant protection.