🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

GL-Class

Model Variant:

GL320 Bluetec

Year:

2009

Generation Designation:

X164

Generation Years:

2007-2009

Engine Code:

OM642 (3.0L V6 Turbodiesel)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Affluent families seeking a spacious, luxurious, and capable premium SUV with the efficiency benefits of a diesel engine.

Key Competitors:

BMW X5 (e.g., X5 35d), Audi Q7 (3.0 TDI), Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX, Lincoln Navigator

Engine Technology:

Bluetec diesel injection system with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for reduced emissions.

Drivetrain:

Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and stability.

Suspension:

AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension system offering adjustable ride height and damping.

Interior Appointments:

Premium materials, comfortable seating for up to seven occupants, advanced infotainment and climate control systems.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 Bluetec

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 400-500 pages (typical for a Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (OM642 Bluetec V6 Diesel), Fuel System, Exhaust System (including Bluetec emissions components), Transmission (7G-TRONIC Automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension (AIRMATIC), Brakes (ABS, ESP), Steering, Drivetrain (4MATIC All-Wheel Drive)

Body And Interior:

Doors, Locks, Security System, Seating (Power Adjustments, Memory), Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), Interior Lighting, Exterior Lighting (Headlamps, Tail Lamps), Power Windows, Sunroof/Panorama Roof

Electrical And Electronics:

Instrument Cluster, Infotainment System (Audio, Navigation, COMAND), Bluetooth Connectivity, Driver Assistance Systems (e.g., PARKTRONIC, DISTRONIC-if equipped), Keyless-Go (if equipped)

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, Shifting gears, Using cruise control, Operating the infotainment system, Adjusting seating and mirrors, Using climate controls, Operating lights and wipers, Locking and unlocking the vehicle, Using the power liftgate

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), Tire pressure checks, Wiper blade replacement, Bulb replacement (exterior and interior), AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) refilling, Battery maintenance, Cleaning procedures

Safety:

Understanding warning lamps and messages, Proper use of seatbelts and child restraints, Child safety locks, Emergency procedures, Safety defect reporting (U.S. only)

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information for safe and efficient operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing users to find specific topics quickly.

Print Quality:

Digital - Quality depends on the original factory scan/creation. Generally high for factory manuals.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (OM642)

Displacement:

2987 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

17.0:1

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 3400 rpm

Torque:

398 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm

Injection Type:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) with Bluetec technology

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Emission Control:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection

Engine Oil Specification:

MB Approval 228.51 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)

Air Filter Part Number:

Refer to manual or dealer for exact part number (e.g., A 251 830 02 03, A 251 830 05 03 - verify for specific VIN)

Adblue Tank Capacity:

Typically 25-30 liters (varies by specific configuration)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7G-TRONIC (7-speed automatic)

Drivetrain:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

Selectable Modes:

Comfort (C), Sport (S)

Fluid Specification:

MB Approval 236.14 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134)

Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5-8.5 liters (dry fill) - verify with manual/service data

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 5059 mm (199.2 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1921 mm (75.6 inches) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 1802 mm (70.9 inches) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 3075 mm (121.1 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2260-2300 kg (4982-5071 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3050 kg (6724 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3000 kg (6613 lbs) (check local regulations and specific vehicle configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 330 liters (11.7 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 1240 liters (43.8 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 2300 liters (81.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Likely 5-Star (based on 2008-2009 model year testing for GL-Class, specific GL320 Bluetec may vary)

IIHS Rating:

Likely 'Good' in relevant categories (Top Safety Pick designation often achieved by GL-Class models)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)

Airbags:

Front airbags, Side airbags (front and rear), Curtain airbags (window airbags)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters

Child Restraint:

ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchors

Parking Assistance:

PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear)

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC (optional feature, may be present)

💡 Technology Features

Display System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) APS system, typically with a central color display.

Audio Features:

AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Compatibility, Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound audio system (optional, but common).

Navigation:

Integrated GPS navigation system with map data on DVD or HDD.

Parking Sensors:

PARKTRONIC with audible and visual warnings.

Bluetooth:

Integrated Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack for external devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the Flexible Service System 'ASSYST')

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 10,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Adblue Refill:

As indicated by the vehicle's warning system, typically requires refilling every few thousand miles depending on driving style and mileage.

Transmission Service:

Every 40,000-60,000 miles, including filter replacement.

Coolant Type:

MB Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz approved antifreeze/coolant concentrate)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB Approval 343.0 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S)

Diesel Particulate Filter:

Potential for DPF clogging if the vehicle is frequently used for short trips and not allowed to complete regeneration cycles.

Adblue System:

Issues with AdBlue sensors, pumps, or heaters can lead to emissions-related warning lights and reduced engine power.

Airmatic Suspension:

Potential for air leaks in lines, valve blocks, or air springs leading to uneven ride height or failure.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Egr:

EGR valve can become clogged with soot, affecting performance and emissions.

Glow Plugs:

Glow plug failure can lead to difficult cold starts.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz, established in 1926, renowned for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovation.

Gl Class Introduction:

The GL-Class was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size, body-on-frame (though unibody construction with integrated ladder frame) SUV, designed to compete in the premium large SUV segment.

X164 Generation:

The X164 generation (2007-2009) offered a blend of luxury, comfort, and capability, with the GL320 Bluetec being a key model for introducing more fuel-efficient diesel technology to the US market.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The GL-Class has historically been recognized for its luxury, comfort, and safety features within the large luxury SUV segment.

Diesel Powertrain Recognition:

The Bluetec diesel technology received recognition for improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in larger vehicles.