2008 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 oil dipstick

357 Operation
Driving instructions
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level

Check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick (
page 380).
Only with a proper oil level can the
vehicle obtain a trouble-free oil supply,
even on steep gradients.
!Observe the following during off-road
driving:

Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and
tilt/sliding sunroof* closed whenever driving
off-road.

Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain.
The more uneven, rutty and steeper the ter-
rain, the lower the speed should be. Drive
through water slowly at an even speed,
avoiding a bow wave.

Be especially careful when driving in un-
known territory. It may be necessary to get
out of the vehicle and scout the path you in-
tend to take.

Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and ruts.

Before driving through water, determine its
depth.

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in water,
and do not shut off the engine.

In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as al-
lowed by conditions. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.

Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.

Always drive onto slopes with the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.

Do not shift automatic transmission to
positionN.
Warning!G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure (
page 395) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
!If the engine oil level warning lamp
(
page 473) comes on while driving, stop the
vehicle in a safe location or as soon at is safe to
do so. Check the engine oil level (
page 380).
The engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
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380 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption
can occur when

the vehicle is new

the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.Checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground

the vehicle must have been stationary
for at least 5 minutes with the engine
turned off
Example illustration GL 450 (GL 320 CDI,
GL 550 similar)
1Oil dipstick
2Upper mark
3Lower mark
Open the hood (page 378).
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the
dipstick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick1 again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is be-
tween lower mark3 (min.) and upper
mark2 (max.) of the oil dipstick.
If necessary, add engine oil
(
page 381).
For more information on engine oil, see
“Technical data” section (
page 562) and
(
page 564).
!Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is available at
any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iThe filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
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577 Index
Emergency operation
Fuel filler flap 497
Locking/unlocking the vehicle 496,
497
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 200
Emergency operations
Exit for third-row seats 132
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid 337
Tailgate, Opening from the inside
manually 122
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
Emergency, In case of
Battery, Jump starting 536
Engine shut-down 545
First aid kit 490
Flat tire 519
Fuses 543
Hazard warning flasher 149
Instrument cluster, Indicator
lamps 436, 437, 438, 439, 440,
441, 442, 443, 444, 446
Roadside Assistance 12, 335
Towing the vehicle 538Emission control 372
Information label 551
System warranties 10
Engine
Belt layout (GL 450, GL 550) 552
Belt layout (GL 320 CDI) 552
Break-in recommendations 380
Cleaning 427
Compartment 378
Emergency engine shut-down 545
Malfunction indicator lamp 29
Maximum engine speed 153, 553
Number 551
Starting 56
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 57
Starting with the SmartKey 57
Tachometer 29, 153
Technical data 553
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 69
Turning off with the SmartKey 69Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 380, 564
Adding 381, 564
Additives 564
Changing 381, 564
Checking level 380
Checking with the oil dipstick 380
Consumption 380
Filler neck 381
Recommended engine oils and oil
filters 564
Enhanced Off-road Package*
Vehicle level control 283
ESP
®27, 103
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP
®103
Messages in the multifunction
display 457, 458
Off-road-ESP
®106
Warning lamp 27, 441
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