For the 2012 Mercedes Benz GL350 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine (Code 642.820 J Diesel Turbo), the oil capacity is 9 quarts with a filter change. AMSOIL recommends using AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA) for exceptional engine protection that does not harm emissions systems. Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 and 0W-40 for all temperatures.
What oil does a 2012 Mercedes Benz GL350 take?
The 2012 Mercedes Benz GL350 with the 642.820 J diesel engine requires specific viscosities depending on your ambient operating temperature. The AMSOIL lookup lists several options to ensure proper lubrication across various climates.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for your Mercedes Benz GL350, here are the recommended products to maintain your diesel engine and drivetrain components.
| Component | Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EOTQT-EA |
| Oil Filter | MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
| Antifreeze | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Antifreeze (Concentrate) | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Engine Oil Viscosity Options
| Temperature Range | Recommended Viscosities |
|---|---|
| All Temperatures | 0W-30, 0W-40 |
| Above -25°C | 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 |
| Above -20°C | 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, 10W-60 |
| Above -15°C | 15W-30, 15W-40, 15W-50 |
| Above -5°C | 20W-40, 20W-50 |
Engine Oil Capacity and Specs
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity | 9 quarts (with filter) |
| Oil Grade | SEO59 (AMSOIL lookup oil grade) |
| Drain Plug Torque | 24 MM Plug – 33 ft/lbs |
Note: After refilling, always check the oil level.
Oil Filter and Air Filter Specifications
Using a high-quality filter is essential for maintaining engine cleanliness and meeting OEM drain intervals on your BlueTEC diesel engine.
Oil Filter Recommendation
| Product | Part Number |
|---|---|
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
The MANN-FILTERS premium media is designed to help reduce engine wear and offers OEM drain intervals.
Air Filter Information
No recommendations available for the air filter or oil vapor filter from the provided source data.
Transmission and Transfer Case Fluids
The GL350 utilizes a 7-speed automatic transmission (722.9). The required fluid color and type depend on your specific vehicle datacard code.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (722.9)
| Condition | Fluid Color | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Without A89 Code | Red | 9.5 quarts (Total Fill) |
| With A89 Code (Reduced-Friction) | Blue | 9.5 quarts (Total Fill) |
For these applications, AMSOIL lists ATLPK-EA and OTLQT-EA.
Transfer Case Lubricant
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Double Speed (SL055) | 3.2 pints |
| Single Speed (SL055) | 1.1 pints |
The AMSOIL lookup lists ATLPK-EA and OTLQT-EA for transfer case service.
Coolant Specifications
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for protecting engine metals, gaskets, and hoses. The capacity for this vehicle is 10 quarts.
| Product | Type/Notes |
|---|---|
| ANTPC1G-EA | 50/50 Pre-mix (Ethylene Glycol) |
| ANT1G-EA | Concentrated (Requires mixing with distilled water) |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines, particularly BlueTEC models, face unique challenges regarding soot and emissions hardware.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions System Health | Soot and deposits can clog DPF/SCR systems. | EOTQT-EA | Designed for European vehicles without harming emissions systems. | Does not repair existing clogs. |
| Extreme Temperatures | Viscosity changes can affect lubrication during startup. | EOTQT-EA | Provides 0W viscosity for all temperatures. | N/A |
| Transmission Wear | Heavy towing and heat stress the 722.9 unit. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | N/A |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Emissions Monitoring: As a BlueTEC model, this vehicle uses advanced NOx reduction technologies (SCR or DeNOx). Diligent monitoring of the urea injection system and exhaust aftertreatment is critical.
- Fuel Quality: The OM642 engine features a high-pressure common rail system with an 18.0:1 compression ratio; maintaining fuel integrity is paramount to preventing costly repairs.
- Oil Level Verification: Always check the oil level after refilling following an oil change.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the 2012 GL350 should be aware of several technical areas that require regular inspection:
- Emissions Aftertreatment: The BlueTEC technology (DPF/SCR) requires careful monitoring to ensure compliance and prevent system failure.
- Brake Booster Integrity: Moisture accumulation in the brake booster housing can lead to corrosion and reduced performance.
- Air Bag Safety: Certain models have been subject to recalls regarding driver-side frontal air bag inflator modules.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates the following official recall information for this vehicle model:
- Air Bag Inflator: A recall (Campaign 16V081000) was issued because excessive internal pressure in the driver’s frontal air bag inflator could cause it to rupture during deployment.
- Brake Booster: A recall (Campaign 22V315000) addressed moisture accumulation in the brake booster housing, which may cause corrosion and reduced braking performance or failure.
Important: Always verify open recalls by checking your specific VIN through Mercedes-Benz or the NHTSA website.
About this vehicle
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 represents a significant era in the GL-Class lineup, marking the transition period between the first-generation (X164) and second-generation (X166) luxury crossover SUVs. This vehicle is powered by the OM642 engine family, a 3.0L V6 diesel powerplant known for its aluminum construction and common rail direct injection technology.
The OM642 engine utilizes a variable nozzle turbocharger and incorporates a counter-rotating balance shaft to mitigate the vibrations typically inherent in a 72-degree V6 design. As part of the BlueTEC lineup, this vehicle is equipped with advanced NOx reduction technologies designed to meet stringent emissions standards. Depending on the specific configuration, Mercedes-Benz employs Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) using diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) or DeNOx systems involving NOx adsorbers and a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Because this is a high-pressure common rail system with a compression ratio of 18.0:1, maintenance focus should remain on diesel-specific requirements, including specialized oil specifications for soot management and regular inspection of the urea injection system if equipped. Owners often research the long-term maintenance considerations of BlueTEC technology due to its complexity and importance in emissions compliance.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my GL350 take?
The 2012 Mercedes Benz GL350 3.0L engine requires 9 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes the filter.
What is the correct oil viscosity for my diesel engine?
For all temperatures, 0W-30 and 0W-40 are recommended. Other options like 5W-30 or 15W-40 are available depending on whether the temperature is above -25°C or -15°C respectively.
What transmission fluid should I use for the 7-speed automatic?
The capacity is 9.5 quarts total fill. You must check your datacard: if you have the A89 code, use blue fluid; if not, use red fluid. AMSOIL offers ATLPK-EA and OTLQT-EA for this application.
Does the oil change affect my emissions system?
Using a high-quality synthetic like EOTQT-EA is designed to provide exceptional protection without harming emissions systems.
What should I do about the brake booster recall?
If your vehicle is part of the brake booster recall, dealers will inspect and replace the booster as necessary free of charge. You should verify this with a dealer using your VIN.
How often should I change my coolant?
While specific intervals vary, AMSOIL products like ANTPC1G-EA are engineered to provide protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult a certified service manual and verify your specific vehicle’s requirements via VIN before performing maintenance.