For the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL320 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine (Code 642.940 F Diesel Turbo), the oil capacity is 9 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 or 0W-40 for all temperatures, and 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50 for temperatures above -25°C. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA) and the MANN-FILTERS HU821X-EA oil filter.
What oil does a 2008 Mercedes Benz GL320 take?
The 2008 Mercedes Benz GL320 with the 642.940 F diesel engine requires specific viscosities to ensure proper lubrication across varying temperature ranges. The AMSOIL lookup provides several options depending on your local climate and operating conditions.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the vehicle lookup for the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL320, the following AMSOIL products are recommended to maintain engine and component health.
| Component | Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EOTQT-EA |
| Oil Filter | MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
| Antifreeze/Coolant | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Antifreeze/Coolant | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
| Transfer Case | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
Engine Oil Viscosity Options
| Condition | Viscosity |
|---|---|
| All Temperatures | 0W-30, 0W-40 |
| Above -25°C | 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 |
Engine Oil Details
| Feature | Specification/Detail |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Lookup Oil Grade | SEO59 |
| Oil Capacity | 9 quarts (with filter) |
| Drain Plug Torque | 22 ft/lbs |
Note: On models equipped with an oil cooler, additional oil may be required when the cooler is drained. Always allow 5 minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level.
Oil Filter Information
| Product | Part Number |
|---|---|
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
The premium media in this filter offers improvements over OEM-branded filters and helps reduce engine wear while offering OEM drain intervals.
How much coolant and transmission fluid is needed?
Proper fluid levels are critical for the thermal management and shifting performance of your Mercedes BlueTEC diesel. Ensure you use the correct capacity for your specific transmission type (722.9) and transfer case configuration.
Coolant Specifications
| Component | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Engine Coolant | 10 quarts |
AMSOIL offers two options: a 50/50 pre-mix (ANTPC1G-EA) and a concentrated version (ANT1G-EA) that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Transmission & Transfer Case Capacities
| Application | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 7-speed 722.9 (Total Fill) | 9.5 quarts |
| Double Speed Transfer Case | 3.2 pints |
| Single Speed Transfer Case | 1.1 pints |
Transmission Notes:
• For models with A89 code (Reduced-Friction) on datacard: Fluid is Blue in color.
• For models without A89 code on datacard: Fluid is Red in color.
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Check: After refilling the engine oil, wait at least 5 minutes before checking the level to ensure an accurate reading.
- Emissions Systems: The AMSOIL European formula is designed to provide protection without harming emissions systems, which is vital for BlueTEC diesel engines.
- Coolant Compatibility: Both recommended AMSOIL coolants are phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, making them compatible with other colors.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses including soot loading and high operating temperatures. Proper lubrication is essential for longevity.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharger Protection | High heat and speed can cause oil breakdown. | EOTQT-EA | Provides exceptional protection for European diesel engines. | Does not repair mechanical damage. |
| Transmission Heat | Heavy towing causes fluid degradation. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Requires proper fill levels. |
| Engine Wear | Diesel soot can increase friction. | HU821X-EA | Premium media helps reduce engine wear. | Must follow OEM drain intervals. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on the technical profile of the OM642 engine, owners should monitor several key areas:
- Emissions Management: As a BlueTEC vehicle, monitoring the health of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and exhaust fluid usage is important.
- Injection System: The high-pressure common rail system requires clean fuel and consistent lubrication to maintain integrity.
- Turbocharger Health: Ensuring high-quality synthetic oil is used can help support the longevity of the variable nozzle turbocharger.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates two recall campaigns related to the braking system for this vehicle generation:
- Campaign 22V315000: Moisture may accumulate in the brake booster housing, potentially causing reduced performance or failure.
- Campaign 24V298000: An expansion of the previous recall regarding moisture and corrosion in the brake booster housing unit.
Note: These recalls apply to certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Owners should verify if their specific VIN is affected by contacting MBUSA at 1-800-367-6372 or checking the official NHTSA website.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 is powered by the OM642 engine, a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s diesel technology. This 3.0-liter V6 engine features an aluminum block and heads in a 72-degree configuration. It was engineered to replace older straight-cylinder designs, utilizing common rail direct injection and a variable nozzle turbocharger to balance performance with efficiency.
A notable technical feature of the OM642 is its counter-rotating balance shaft located between the cylinder banks, which helps mitigate the vibrations common in V6 diesel configurations. The engine operates with a high compression ratio of 18.0:1 and an injection system capable of reaching approximately 1,600 bar.
As part of the Mercedes BlueTEC lineup, this vehicle incorporates sophisticated emissions management technology. This often includes AdBlue urea injection or a NOx storage catalyst to meet stringent environmental standards. Because these systems are complex, maintenance research for owners typically focuses on the health of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), turbocharger functionality, and the integrity of the high-pressure fuel system. Owners should be mindful of exhaust fluid usage and sensor accuracy to ensure optimal performance.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the engine oil capacity for my GL320?
The capacity is 9 quarts when performing an oil change with a new filter. If your model has an oil cooler that was drained, you may need additional oil.
Which AMSOIL oil is best for my Mercedes diesel?
For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA).
How do I know which transmission fluid to use?
You must check your datacard. If it has the A89 code (Reduced-Friction), the fluid is blue. If it does not have the A89 code, the fluid is red. Both options are covered by AMSOIL Signature Series or OE products.
Can I use any antifreeze in my Mercedes?
It is recommended to use a high-quality coolant like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze, which is phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, to protect all cooling system metals and gaskets.
What torque spec should I use for the oil drain plug?
The confirmed torque specification for the oil drain plug is 22 ft/lbs.
How can I verify if my vehicle has an open recall?
While NHTSA data shows recalls regarding brake booster corrosion, you should always verify your specific vehicle’s status by checking your VIN on the official Mercedes-Benz or NHTSA websites.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always verify all capacities, specifications, and torque values against your official vehicle owner’s manual or a certified service database before performing maintenance.