2012 Mercedes-benz GL Class Owners Manual

41 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section. 42 GL 350 BlueTEC: Canada only. 43 MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure loss

warning system or tire pressure monitor.

44 GL 350 BlueTEC: USA only. 45 GL 350 BlueTEC (USA only): standard tires without run-flat characteristics. Equipping with a TIREFIT kit is

recommended.

46 Not available ex factory.

366

Useful information ............................ 368
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 368
Warranty ............................................ 368
Identification plates ......................... 369
Service products and capacities ..... 370
Vehicle data ...................................... 377

367

368 Warranty

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 24).

Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts

All Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for necessary service and repair work. In addition, strategically located parts delivery centers provide for quick and reliable parts service. There are more than 300,000 different genuine Mercedes-Benz parts available for Mercedes-Benz models. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to strict quality control. Each part has been specially developed, manufactured or selected for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and fine-tuned for them. Therefore, only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should be used. G WARNING Driving safety may be impaired if non- approved parts, tires and wheels or safety- relevant accessories are used. This could lead to malfunctions in safety- relevant systems, e.g. the brake system. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal quality. Only use tires, wheels

and accessories that have been specifically approved for your vehicle.

! Air bags and Emergency Tensioning Devices, as well as control units and sensors for these restraint systems may be installed in the following areas of your vehicle: Rdoors Rdoor pillars Rdoor sills Rseats Rdashboard Rinstrument cluster Rcenter console Do not install accessories such as audio systems in these areas. Do not carry out repairs or welding. You could impair the operating efficiency of the restraint systems. Have aftermarket accessories installed at a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes- Benz recommends that you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. H Environmental note Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major assemblies and parts which are of the same quality as new parts. They are covered by the same Limited Warranty entitlements as new parts.

Always specify the vehicle identification number (VIN) (Y page 369) and the engine number (Y page 370) when ordering genuine Mercedes-Benz parts.

Warranty

The Service and Warranty Information booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your vehicle.

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will exchange or repair any defective parts originally installed in the vehicle in accordance with the terms of the following warranties: RNew Vehicle Limited Warranty REmission System Warranty REmission Performance Warranty RCalifornia, Connecticut, Maine,

Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont Emission Control Systems Warranty47

RState Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon

Laws)

Replacement parts and accessories are covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories warranties. You can obtain information about this from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. i Should you lose your Service and

Warranty Information booklet, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.

Identification plates Vehicle identification plate with vehicle identification number (VIN) and paint code number

X Open the driver's door.

You will see vehicle identification plate :.

47 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.

Identification plates

369

Example: vehicle identification plate (USA only) ; Paint code = VIN

Example: vehicle identification plate (Canada only) ; Paint code = VIN i The data shown on the identification plate is example data. This data is different for every vehicle and can deviate from the data shown here. You can find the data applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle's identification plate.

Vehicle identification number (VIN) The vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found in the following locations: Ron the vehicle identification plate

Rat the lower edge of the windshield

(Y page 369)

(Y page 370)

370 Service products and capacities

In addition to being stamped on the vehicle identification plate, the vehicle identification number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle body. It is located under the right-hand seat in the 2nd row of seats.

X Fold carpet : under the right-hand seat

forwards. You will see the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Engine number

: Emission control information plate,

including the certification of both federal and Californian emissions standards

; Engine number (stamped into the

crankcase)

= VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)

Service products and capacities Important safety notes Service products include the following: Rfuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel) Radditives for exhaust gas aftertreatment

(DEF)

Rlubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil) Rcoolant Rbrake fluid Rwindshield washer fluid Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. You should therefore only use products that have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Information on tested and approved products can be obtained at a Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at http:// www.mbusa.com (USA only). G WARNING Comply with all valid regulations with respect to handling, storing and disposing of service fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger persons or the environment. Keep service fluids out of the reach of children. For health reasons, you should prevent service fluids from coming into direct contact with your skin or clothing. If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a physician immediately.

Service products and capacities

371

Capacities

Vehicle model

Capacity

Engine oil and filter

Power steering

GL 350 BlueTEC GL 450
GL 550
All models

Cooling system GL 350 BlueTEC

GL 450
GL 550
All models All models

Tank capacity Reserve

9.0 US qt (8.5 l) 9.5 US qt (9.0 l)

Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)

Approximately 10.0 US qt (9.5 l) Approximately 12.7 US qt (12.0 l)

26.4 US gal (100.0 l) Approximately 3.4 US gal (13.0 l)

DEF tank

GL 350 BlueTEC

8.3 US gal (31.7 l)

Fuel, coolant, lubricants etc. Approved engine oils

MB power steering fluid or approved Dexron III ATF MB 326.0 corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze agent

Gasoline engines: premium-grade unleaded gasoline (at least 91 octane, average value between 96 RON/ 86 MON) Diesel engines: ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, maximum sulfur content 15 ppm) DEF in accordance with ISO 22241

372 Service products and capacities

Vehicle model

Capacity

All models

—

All models

7.6 US qt (7.2 l)

Air- conditioning system

Windshield/ headlamp cleaning system

Fuel, coolant, lubricants etc. Refrigerant R134a and special PAG lubricant (never R 12) MB windshield washer concentrate48
(Y page 377) Mixing ratio for washer fluid (Y page 377)

Fuel Important safety notes G WARNING Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable and poisonous. They burn violently and can cause serious injury. Never allow sparks, flames or smoking materials near gasoline or diesel fuel! Turn off the engine before refueling. Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking materials. Direct skin contact with fuels and the inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your health.

Premium-grade unleaded gasoline ! To ensure the longevity and full

performance of the engine, only premium- grade unleaded gasoline must be used.

If no premium-grade unleaded gasoline is available and regular unleaded gasoline must be used, observe the following precautions: Ronly fill the fuel tank to half full with

regular unleaded gasoline and fill the rest with premium-grade unleaded gasoline as soon as possible.

Rdo not drive at the maximum speed. Ravoid sudden acceleration. Rwhen the vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g. two passengers without luggage, do not allow the engine to rev above 3000 rpm.

Rwhen the vehicle is fully loaded or in

mountainous terrain, do not depress the accelerator pedal further than ⅔ of the pedal travel.

Fuel requirements Gasoline engines Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline. The octane number should be at least 91. Details can be found on the gas pump. The octane number is the average value of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the

48 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection.

Service products and capacities

373

Motor Octane Number (MON): (RON + MON) / 2, also known as knock resistance. Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or unleaded gasoline with additives can be used if the concentration of the additives in the fuel does not exceed 10%, e.g.: REthanol RTAME RETBE RIPA RTBA For MTBE, the concentration should not exceed 15%. The concentration of methanol in gasoline including other additives must not exceed 3%. Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used. All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel requirements, e.g.: Rknock resistance Rboiling point Rvapor pressure Diesel engines – Important safety notes ! Only use commercially available ULTRA- LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm MAXIMUM SULFUR) that meets the ASTM D975 standard. Failure to use ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD) can severely damage the vehicle's exhaust gas aftertreatment system.

! Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene. Otherwise, the fuel system and the engine could be damaged.

To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with improved flow characteristics is available in the winter months. Check with your gas station. Information on the fuel grade can usually be found on the gas pump. If the information cannot be found on the gas pump, ask the gas station personnel. For further information,

consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or go to the Internet site http://www.mbusa.com (USA only). Diesel engines – Fuels containing biodiesel (FAME [fatty acid methyl ester]) Mercedes-Benz USA approves the use of B5
(ULSD with a maximum of up to five percent by volume biodiesel) for all diesel engines with common rail direct injection (CDI) and BlueTEC. Pure biodiesel and diesel fuels that have a higher percentage of biodiesel, e.g. B20, can damage the fuel system and the engine and are therefore not approved. For further information, please ask the gas station personnel. The label on the gas pump must indicate clearly that the B5 biodiesel blend fulfills the ULSD standard. If the label is not clear, do not refuel the vehicle. Do not refuel your vehicle with fuels unless they have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Additives in gasoline One of the major problems with poor quality fuels is the creation of carbon deposits during the combustion process. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use fuel brands containing additives that prevent the build-up of carbon deposits. If you use fuels without these additives for an extended period of time, there may be a build up of carbon deposits, especially on the inlet valves and in the combustion chamber. This could lead to engine running problems, e.g.: Rlonger engine warm-up phase Runeven idle Rengine noise Rmisfiring Rloss of power In areas where the availability of gasoline with relevant additives is not adequate, carbon deposits can form. In this case, Mercedes- Benz recommends the use of additives that

374 Service products and capacities

have been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or go to the Internet site http://www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a list of approved products. Observe the instructions for use on the product label. Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This causes unnecessary costs and could damage the engine. ! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do not use fuel additives that are not tested and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel system may otherwise occur.

DEF Important safety notes i For BlueTEC vehicles only. DEF is a non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless, odorless and water-soluble fluid. ! Only use DEF that complies with ISO 22241. Do not add any special additives to DEF and do not thin DEF with water. This could destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment.

! Rinse surfaces that have come into

contact with DEF immediately with water or remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold water. If the DEF has already crystallized, use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF residues crystallize after time and contaminate the affected surfaces.

High outside temperatures If DEF heats up over 122 ‡ (50 † ) for longer periods, e.g. as a result of direct sunlight on the DEF reservoir, DEF can decompose. Ammonia vapors develop as a result. G WARNING When opening the filler cap of the DEF tank ammonia gas vapors may escape. Refill DEF

in a well ventilated area only. Ammonia gas vapors have a pungent odor and are particularly irritating for your skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Inhaling ammonia gas vapors will cause burning eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing and watering eyes.

Low outside temperatures DEF freezes at a temperature of approximately 12 ‡ (–11 † ). The vehicle is equipped with a DEF preheating system when it leaves the factory. Winter operation is therefore also guaranteed at temperatures below 12 ‡(–11 † ).

Additives ! Only use DEF in accordance with ISO

22241. Do not use additives with DEF and do not dilute DEF with water. This may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment system. Damage resulting from the use of additives or water is not covered by the Mercedes- Benz Limited Warranty.

Purity Assuring the purity of DEF is particularly important with respect to avoiding malfunctions in the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. If DEF is pumped out of the DEF tank, e.g. during repair work, it must not be returned to the tank. The purity of the fluid can no longer be guaranteed. ! Impurities in DEF, e.g. due to other

service products, cleaning agents or dust, lead to increased emission values, system malfunctions, catalytic converter damage or damage to the BlueTEC system.

Engine oil Please bear the following in mind The engine oils are matched to the performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and service intervals. You should therefore only use engine oils and oil filters that are approved for vehicles with maintenance systems. For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or go to the Internet site http://www.mbusa.com (USA only). ! Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a specification other than is necessary to fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do not change the engine oil or oil filter in order to achieve longer replacement intervals than those prescribed. You could otherwise cause engine damage or damage to the exhaust gas aftertreatment. Follow the instructions in the service interval display regarding the oil change. Otherwise, you may damage the engine and the exhaust gas aftertreatment.

The table shows which engine oils have been approved for your vehicle. Model

Engine model 642
273
273

MB Approval 229.51
229.5
229.5

GL 350 BlueTEC GL 450
GL 550

i MB Approval is indicated on the oil

containers.

Additives ! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.

This could damage the engine.

Service products and capacities

375

Engine oil viscosity Viscosity describes the flow characteristics of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity, this means that it is thick; a low viscosity means that it is thin. Select an engine oil with an SAE (viscosity) classification suitable for the prevailing outside temperatures. The following table shows the correct SAE classification to be used. The low-temperature characteristics of engine oils can deteriorate significantly, e.g. as a result of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It is therefore strongly recommended that you carry out regular oil changes using an approved engine oil with the appropriate SAE classification.

Refrigerant of the air-conditioning system The air-conditioning system is filled with R134a refrigerant and a special PAG lubricant. ! Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or

mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could damage the air-conditioning system.

Brake fluid G WARNING The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture from the air; this lowers its boiling point. If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the brake system

376 Service products and capacities

when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when driving downhill). This would impair braking efficiency. You should have the brake fluid renewed at regular intervals. The brake fluid change intervals can be found in the Service Booklet.

Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes- Benz. Information about approved brake fluids can be obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Coolant Important safety notes The coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs the following tasks: Ranti-corrosion protection Rantifreeze protection Rraising the boiling point The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with coolant which contains an antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures protection down to approximately -35 ‡ (-37 † ). ! Only add coolant that has been premixed

with the desired antifreeze protection. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Further information on coolants and on filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products, MB Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. You can also consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,

even in countries where high temperatures prevail. Otherwise, the cooling system will not be sufficiently protected from corrosion, and the boiling point will be too low.

If the coolant has antifreeze protection down to -35 ‡ (-37 † ), the boiling point of the

coolant in the pressurized system is approximately 266 ‡ (130 † ). Your vehicle has a range of aluminum components. Use of aluminum components in the engine make it necessary to specifically match the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor in these systems in order to protect the aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/ corrosion inhibitors without these characteristics affects the service life. The coolant must be used throughout the year in order to maintain the necessary corrosion protection and provide protection from overheating. In the Service Booklet, you can find information on the intervals for renewal. The renewal interval is determined by the coolant type and the engine cooling system design. The renewal interval in the Service Booklet is only valid if the coolant is renewed or replenished with Mercedes-Benz approved products. Therefore, only use MB 326.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor or another Mercedes-Benz approved product of the same specification. Information on other products with the same specifications that are approved by Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. The coolant is checked at every maintenance interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentration in the engine cooling system should: Rbe at least 50%. This will protect the engine

cooling system against freezing down to approximately -35 ‡ (-37 † ).

Rnot exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to -49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not dissipate as effectively.

If the coolant level is too low, MB 326.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor should be added. Have the engine cooling system checked for possible leaks.

Vehicle data 377

Windshield/headlamp cleaning system G WARNING Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/ antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may ignite and burn. You could be seriously burned.

Use MB SummerFit windshield washer concentrate at temperatures above freezing: X Mix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 parts

water.

Use MB WinterFit windshield washer concentrate at temperatures below freezing: X At temperatures down to 14 ‡(Ò 10 †): mix

1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.

X At temperatures down to Ò 4 ‡(Ò 20 †): mix

1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.

X At temperatures down to

Ò 20.2 ‡(Ò 29 †): mix 2 parts MB WinterFit with 1 part water.

! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can be

mixed. Otherwise, the jets could become blocked.

Vehicle data Vehicle data, GL 350 BlueTEC The data stated here refers specifically to a vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.

Vehicle dimensions, GL 350 BlueTEC Vehicle length 201.1 in (5108 mm) Vehicle width 85.4 in (2170 mm) including exterior mirrors Vehicle height

72.4 - 75.6 in (1840 - 1920 mm)49
72.4 - 76.8 in (1840 - 1950 mm)50
Wheelbase 121.1 in (3075 mm) Front track 64.8 in (1645 mm) Rear track 65.0 in (1650 mm) Ground clearance 8.0 - 10.9 in (202 -

277 mm)49
8.0 - 12.1 in (202 - 307 mm)50
39.7 ft (12.1 m)

Turning circle

Vehicle weight, GL 350 BlueTEC Maximum 198 lb (90 kg)

Maximum roof load

Vehicle data, GL 450
The data stated here refers specifically to a vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.

49 Vehicles without Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle

50 Vehicles with Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle

suspension.

suspension.

378 Vehicle data

Vehicle dimensions, GL 450

Vehicle dimensions, GL 550

Vehicle length Vehicle width including exterior mirrors Vehicle height

201.1 in (5108 mm) 85.4 in (2170 mm)

201.1 in (5108 mm) 85.4 in (2170 mm)

Vehicle length Vehicle width including exterior mirrors Vehicle height

72.4 - 75.6 in (1840 - 1920 mm)51
72.4 - 76.8 in (1840 - 1950 mm)52
Wheelbase 121.1 in (3075 mm) Front track 64.8 in (1645 mm) Rear track 65.0 in (1650 mm) Ground clearance 8.0 - 10.9 in (202 -

72.4 - 75.6 in (1840 - 1920 mm)53
72.4 - 76.8 in (1840 - 1950 mm)54
Wheelbase 121.1 in (3075 mm) Front track 66.3 in (1683 mm) Rear track 66.5 in (1688 mm) Ground clearance 8.0 - 10.9 in (202 -

277 mm)51
8.0 - 12.1 in (202 - 307 mm)52
39.7 ft (12.1 m)

277 mm)53
8.0 - 12.1 in (202 - 307 mm)54
39.7 ft (12.1 m)

Turning circle

Turning circle

Vehicle weight, GL 450

Vehicle weight, GL 550

Maximum roof load

Maximum 198 lb (90 kg)

Maximum roof load

Maximum 198 lb (90 kg)

Vehicle data, GL 550
The data stated here refers specifically to a vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.

51 Vehicles without Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle

52 Vehicles with Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle

53 Vehicles without Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle

54 Vehicles with Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle

suspension.

suspension.

suspension.

suspension.

379

380

Publication details Internet

Further information about Mercedes-Benz vehicles and about Daimler AG can be found on the following websites: http://www.mbusa.com (USA only) http://www.mercedes-benz.ca (Canada only)

Editorial office

Not to be reprinted, translated or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Daimler AG.

As at 03.11.2010

É1645846783YËÍ 1645846783

Order no. 6515 4349 13 Part no. 164 584 67 83 Edition A 2012