Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If
possible use the assistance of a second
person outside the vehicle to scout the
path you intend to take and check for
adequate ground clearance when you cross
obstacles with your vehicle. The person
assisting you outside the vehicle should
always be a safe distance away from the
vehicle and positioned so that he or she
cannot get hurt in case of any unexpected
vehicle movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obstacles,
inspect vehicle for any damage, especially
vehicle underbody and suspension
components. Failure to do so can adversely
affect the vehicle’s future performance,
including increased chance of an accident.
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks and
other obstacles, observe the following rules:
RMake sure the off-road driving program
(Y page 158) or if equipped the
LOW RANGE mode (Y page 120) is
switched on.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 118).
RCheck the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.
RCross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or big
rocks) very slowly by aiming one of the front
wheels at the center of the obstacle, and
repeat same with the rear wheel.
! Special attention is needed when you
cross obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result
of its possible slanted position which in turn
may result in the vehicle tipping or rolling
over.
Driving on sand
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
When driving on sand, observe the following
rules:RSet the raised level (Y page 159).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into a gear
range that is appropriate for the terrain.
RIn sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome the
vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the
likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
RDrive in tracks of other vehicles if they are
not too deep and you have sufficient
clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other byways
have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.
RMake sure the off-road driving program
(Y page 158) or, if equipped, the
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LOW RANGE mode (Y page 120) is
switched on.
R Set the raised level ( Y page 159).
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle’s clearance is sufficient.
Otherwise:
R your vehicle may be damaged
R the underbody of the vehicle may come
in contact with the ground and you may
get stuck
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Shift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 118).
R Drive next to the ruts rather than through
them if at all possible.
R If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive with
one side of the vehicle on the grassy center
strip if the route permits.
Returning from off-road driving GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
Off-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle
for possible damage after each off-road trip.
Recognizing any damage and a subsequent
timely repair reduces the chance of a possible
breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
R Switch off the off-road driving program
( Y page 158) or the LOW RANGE mode
( Y page 120).
R Switch off the DSR ( Y page 156).
R Set the differential locks to AUTO
( Y page 122).
R Lower the vehicle back to a level suitable
for road conditions, e.g. highway/high-
speed level ( Y page 159).
R Clean all exterior lamps and check for
possible damage.
R Clean the front and rear license plate.
R Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels,
wheel housings, and underbody.
For instance, after driving in mud, clean the
radiator, chassis, engine, brakes, and
wheels from extreme dirt using a strong jet
of water.
R Check tires for possible damage.
R Inspect vehicle underbody, oil pan, brake
hoses, etc., as well as vehicle underbody
for possible damage.
R Check for brush or branches caught in the
underbody.
! Brush or branches could increase the
possibility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/
or brake lines, puncture rubber bellows of
the axles or drive shafts.
R After continued operation in mud, sand,
water or other dirty conditions clean the
brake discs, wheels, brake pads and check
and clean axle joints.
R Conduct a brake test.268Driving instructionsOperation
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Vehicle specification GL 350 BlueTEC
(164.825)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.Engine GL 350 BlueTECEngine, type642Mode of operationDiesel 4-stroke engineNo. of cylinders6Bore3.27 in (83.00 mm)Stroke3.62 in (92.00 mm)Total piston
displacement182.3 cu in
(2 987 cm 3
)Compression
ratio16.5:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349210 hp/3 400 rpm
(157 kW/3 400 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349400 lb-ft/
1 600 - 2 400 rpm
(543 Nm/
1 600 - 2 400 rpm)Maximum engine
speed4 500 rpmFiring order1-4-2-5-3-6Poly-V-belt2 035 mmElectrical system GL 350 BlueTECAlternator14 V/220 AStarter motor12 V/2.0 kWBattery12 V/95 AhMain dimensions GL 350 BlueTECOverall vehicle
length201.1 in (5 108 mm)Overall vehicle
width 2383.6 in (2
124 mm)Overall vehicle
height72.4 - 75.6 in
(1 840 - 1 920 mm) 2472.4 - 76.8 in
(1 840 - 1 950 mm) 25Wheelbase121.1 in (3
075 mm)Track, front64.8 in (1 645 mm)Track, rear64.9 in (1 648 mm)Ground clearance8.0 - 10.9 in
(202 - 277 mm) 248.0 - 12.1 in
(202 - 307 mm) 2529Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Weights GL 350 BlueTECRoof loadmax. 198 lb (90 kg)
Vehicle specification GL 450
(164.871)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine GL 450Engine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection23 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.
24 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles without enhanced off-road package).
25 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with enhanced off-road package).
29 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with enhanced off-road package).362Vehicle specification GL 450 (164.871)Technical data
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Engine GL 450No. of cylinders8Bore3.66 in (92.90 mm)Stroke3.39 in (86.00 mm)Total piston
displacement284.5 cu in
(4 663 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 26335 hp/6
000 rpm
(250 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349339 lb-ft/
2 700 - 5 000 rpm
(460 Nm/
2 700 - 5 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 398 mmElectrical system GL 450Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.4 kWBattery12 V/95 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK PLKR 7ASpark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions GL 450Overall vehicle
length201.1 in (5 108 mm)Overall vehicle
width 2783.6 in (2
124 mm)Overall vehicle
height72.4 - 75.6 in
(1 840 - 1 920 mm) 2872.4 - 76.8 in
(1 840 - 1 950 mm) 29Wheelbase121.1 in (3
075 mm)Track, front64.8 in (1 645 mm)Track, rear64.9 in (1 648 mm)Ground clearance8.0 - 10.9 in
(202 - 277 mm) 288.0 - 12.1 in
(202 - 307 mm) 2529Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Weights GL 450Roof loadmax. 198 lb (90 kg)
Vehicle specification GL 550
(164.886)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
26 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
27 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.
28 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles without enhanced off-road package).
29 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with enhanced off-road package).
25 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with enhanced off-road package).Vehicle specification GL 550 (164.886)363Technical dataX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 363Z
Engine GL 550Engine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.2 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 30382 hp/6
000 rpm
(285 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349391 lb-ft/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm
(530 Nm/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 398 mmElectrical system GL 550Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.4 kWBattery12 V/95 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK PLKR 7AElectrical system GL 550Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions GL 550Overall vehicle
length200.8 in (5 101 mm)Overall vehicle
width 3183.6 in (2
124 mm)Overall vehicle
height72.4 - 75.6 in
(1 840 - 1 920 mm) 3272.4 - 76.8 in
(1 840 - 1 950 mm) 33Wheelbase121.1 in (3
075 mm)Track, front66.3 in (1 683 mm) 34Track, rear66.5 in (1
688 mm) 34Ground clearance8.0 - 10.9 in
(202 - 277 mm) 328.0 - 12.1 in
(202 - 307 mm) 33Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Weights GL 550Roof loadmax. 198 lb (90 kg)30
Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
31 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.
32 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles without enhanced off-road package).
33 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with enhanced off-road package).
34 21" wheels.364Vehicle specification GL 550 (164.886)Technical data
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