Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, X166 (USA / CAN)

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, X166 (USA / CAN) differential fluid capacity ranges from 0,8 liter to 1,2 liter. The data covers 14 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 166.824 (2011-2015)
  • Front
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8 liter
  • GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 166.824 (2011-2015)
  • Front, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8 liter
  • Code: ALU-VAG
  • GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 166.824 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,95 liter
  • Code: 187 FE, Ø 187 mm
  • GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 166.824 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,1 liter
  • Code: 200 FE Ø 200 mm
  • GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 166.824 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: 215 FE, Ø 215 mm
  • GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 166.824 (2011-2015)
  • Rear, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Fill up to lower edge of level plug opening
  • Code: ALU-HAG
  • GL 450 4MATIC, 166.872 (2011-2015)
  • Front
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8 liter
  • GL 450 4MATIC, 166.872 (2011-2015)
  • Front, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8 liter
  • Code: ALU-VAG
  • GL 450 4MATIC, 166.872 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: 215 FE, Ø 215 mm
  • GL 450 4MATIC, 166.872 (2011-2015)
  • Rear, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Fill up to lower edge of level plug opening
  • Code: ALU-HAG
  • GL 550 4MATIC, 166.873 (2011-2015)
  • Front
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8 liter
  • GL 550 4MATIC, 166.873 (2011-2015)
  • Front, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8 liter
  • Code: ALU-VAG
  • GL 550 4MATIC, 166.873 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: 215 FE, Ø 215 mm
  • GL 550 4MATIC, 166.873 (2011-2015)
  • Rear, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Fill up to lower edge of level plug opening
  • Code: ALU-HAG

Additional Notes

  • The front differential capacity across the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166 (USA/CAN) lineup holds at 0.8 liter for all three variants — the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (166.824), GL 450 4MATIC (166.872), and GL 550 4MATIC (166.873) — regardless of whether the housing is standard or light alloy construction.
  • The rear differential on the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (166.824) carries three distinct fixed-volume capacity figures: 0.95 liter, 1.1 liter, and 1.2 liter, indicating that multiple rear differential unit variants were fitted to the same engine/model code across the 2011-2015 production span.
  • Both the GL 450 4MATIC and GL 550 4MATIC specify a single rear differential capacity of 1.2 liters for standard housing units, a value that also appears as one of the three rear differential capacities listed for the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC.
  • Light alloy rear differential housings across all three variants — the 166.824, 166.872, and 166.873 — do not carry a fixed volumetric capacity figure. Instead, the specification calls for filling to the lower edge of the level plug opening, a method used when the precise internal volume can vary and a visual reference point serves as the fill indicator.
  • The front differential light alloy housing specification retains the same 0.8 liter fixed capacity as the standard housing across all three variants, meaning the housing material distinction does not affect the front fill volume the way it does at the rear.
  • All differential service entries across the 2011-2015 GL-Class X166 are designated for normal use conditions, with no separate severe-duty interval or capacity listed for any axle position or housing type.

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