Mercedes M273
The unit is considered problematic and its weak point is timing drive.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engines
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a German full-size crossover car from the manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The model has been produced since 2006 in the USA. The full name of the car is Geländewagen Lang, which means “elongated off-road vehicle”. The car is produced in the second generation since 2012. In 2015, its restyled version was released. Since the start of production in 5 years, the company has produced about 160 thousand cars. More than 30% of sales are carried out in the USA, the rest in Russia, Europe and Asia.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was offered with 6 engines between 2006 and 2019 (4 petrol, 2 diesel). Displacement ranges from 3.0 to 5.5 liters, power output from 184 to 585 hp. All of them use a timing chain. 5 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mercedes OM642 (about 450,000 km).
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X164 2006–2012 | |||||||
| Mercedes OM629 | 2006–2010 | 4.0 L V8 | 306–320 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 10.5 L | ~280,000 km |
| Mercedes M273 | 2006–2012 | 4.7–5.5 L V8 | 340–388 hp | petrol | chain | 8.5 L | ~350,000 km |
| Mercedes OM642 | 2006–2012 | 3.0 L V6 | 184–265 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 8–12 L | ~450,000 km |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166 2012–2019 | |||||||
| Mercedes M278 DE46 | 2012–2015 | 4.7 L V8 | 367–455 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 8.5 L | ~300,000 km |
| Mercedes M157 DE55 | 2012–2019 | 5.5 L V8 | 525–585 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 8.5 L | ~250,000 km |
| Mercedes M276 DE30 | 2014–2019 | 3.0 L V6 | 272–367 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 8 L | ~250,000 km |
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X164 (2006–2012): Mercedes OM629, Mercedes M273 and Mercedes OM642; Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166 (2012–2019): Mercedes M278 DE46, Mercedes M157 DE55 and Mercedes M276 DE30.
Which Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engines are: Mercedes OM642 — about 450,000 km; Mercedes M273 — about 350,000 km; Mercedes M278 DE46 — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Mercedes M157 DE55 — 8.5 L (0W-40); Mercedes M273 — 8.5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M276 DE30 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes M278 DE46 — 8.5 L (0W-40); Mercedes OM629 — 10.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes OM642 — 8–12 L (5W-30, MB 228.51/229.51).
Does the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Mercedes M157 DE55, Mercedes M273, Mercedes M276 DE30, Mercedes M278 DE46, Mercedes OM629 and Mercedes OM642.
Was the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Mercedes OM629 and Mercedes OM642.
Engine details
Mercedes OM629
This diesel engine has become more reliable than its predecessor, but still causes a lot of trouble.
Mercedes OM642
The most famous problem of this diesel engine is leaking on the heat exchanger gaskets, and since it is in the collapse…
Mercedes M157 DE55
This unit is often tuned and its resource depends on the degree of forcing.
Mercedes M276 DE30
The most problematic place of this power unit is the timing chain tensioners.
Mercedes M278 DE46
Due to the design features of the motor, the timing chain tensioners quickly fail.
Models with the same engines
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 6 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class 6 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class 6 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 4 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz R-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2 shared engines