Ensuring your 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL550 receives the correct lubricants is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. This vehicle is equipped with a robust 5.5L V8 engine (Engine Code 273.963 V) designed for luxury and capability. Proper fluid selection goes beyond simple protection; it ensures optimal thermal management, reduces friction within critical components, and helps the vehicle withstand the demands of towing, heavy hauling, and extreme driving conditions.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Engineered with a European formula specifically designed for the unique demands of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid European vehicles, offering precise blending of synthetic base oils and premium additives for maximum engine cleanliness and wear protection.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A top-tier choice for extreme temperature performance, this oil flows freely in sub-zero conditions while providing a robust film strength at high temperatures, ensuring your engine starts smoothly and runs reliably year-round.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Designed to exceed industry standards, this filter captures 99% of contaminants down to 20 microns, offering greater capacity for wear-causing debris and helping reduce engine wear compared to standard filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative featuring advanced filtration media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, ensuring reliable engine protection and contaminant removal.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that exceeds original equipment manufacturer requirements, providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years with a pre-mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol solution suitable for all cooling system metals and hoses.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, phosphate- and silicate-free option that delivers outstanding corrosion and erosion protection, suitable for both passenger cars and heavy-duty applications when mixed with distilled water.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A premium fluid that withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions to provide reserve protection during heavy use and abuse.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A high-quality alternative designed to protect against wear and maintain transmission efficiency, ideal for drivers seeking premium protection at a value price point.
Engine Oil and Filtration Specifications
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL550 requires high-quality synthetic lubricants to handle the stress placed on its 5.5L V8 engine. Whether you live in a region with freezing winters or scorching summers, AMSOIL 5W-40 FS and AMSOIL 0W-40 FS are formulated to meet the stringent requirements of German engineering. The engine accepts a capacity of 9.5 quarts when the AMSOIL Oil Filter is replaced, so ensuring the correct volume and viscosity is critical for proper lubrication levels.
Owners can choose between AMSOIL 5W-40 FS or AMSOIL 0W-40 FS. The 5W-40 grade is an excellent choice for temperatures above -25°C, offering a balanced viscosity that protects engine components under heavy load. Conversely, the 0W-40 grade provides superior cold-weather starting performance, ensuring that oil circulates instantly upon startup to prevent dry starts, which are a primary cause of engine wear. Both oils feature a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives designed to reduce sludge, varnish, and carbon buildup, keeping the engine running cleaner for longer.
Filtration is equally important. The vehicle benefits from high-efficiency filtration that captures smaller particles than standard filters. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K39-EA) utilizes premium media to trap contaminants effectively, maintaining oil cleanliness and extending the life of the engine. For those who prefer a well-known brand, the WIX Oil Filter (57078-EA) also offers superior filtration capabilities, serving as a reliable alternative that enhances the performance of the synthetic oil in use.
Transmission and Transfer Case Lubrication
The automatic transmission in the 2009 GL550, identified as the 722.9 series, operates under significant thermal and mechanical stress. To maintain smooth shifting and prolong transmission life, AMSOIL recommends their fuel-efficient synthetic transmission fluids. Whether the vehicle has the “A89” reduced-friction code or not, the total fill capacity for the 7-speed 722.9 transmission is approximately 9.5 quarts. Using the correct fluid ensures that the transmission remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and resists oxidation and sludge formation caused by the heat of towing and heavy loads.
The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATLPK-EA) is engineered for severe service. It provides a high level of protection against wear, ensuring that the complex internal components of the transmission continue to operate smoothly even during extended periods of heavy use. For owners looking for a cost-effective yet high-performance option, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (OTLQT-EA) offers excellent wear protection and compatibility with the vehicle’s transmission system.
Additionally, the transfer case, a critical component for this four-wheel-drive SUV, requires specific lubrication. Depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with Code 430, the capacity varies significantly. Models with Code 430 require 3.2 pints of lubricant, while those without the code require only 1.1 pints. Using the appropriate fluid ensures that power is distributed effectively to all four wheels, maintaining traction and stability in various road conditions.
Cooling System and Seasonal Maintenance
The cooling system for the GL550 requires a capacity of 12.7 quarts to function correctly. The engine operates at high temperatures, and effective cooling is vital to prevent overheating and thermal degradation of internal parts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant provides a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. Its phosphate-, nitrite-, and silicate-free composition makes it safe for use with various types of cooling systems and compatible with other antifreeze colors.
For those who prefer a concentrated coolant that can be mixed to the desired specification, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a high-performance alternative. This product greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, making it suitable for extended service intervals up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is particularly beneficial for those who plan to extend their vehicle’s service life beyond the standard maintenance intervals.
During the colder months, when the vehicle is not in regular use, seasonal maintenance products can help preserve the engine and fuel system. The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing the varnish and gum buildup that can clog injectors and carburetors. For long-term storage, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil provides a protective coating on internal components, preventing rust and corrosion during periods of inactivity. These additions ensure that when the vehicle is returned to service, it starts reliably and runs smoothly.
About the Vehicle
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL550 represents a pinnacle of luxury SUV engineering, combining the rugged capabilities of an off-road vehicle with the refined comfort and performance expected from the Mercedes-Benz brand. Built on the robust ML platform but elevated in power and luxury, this model features a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers substantial horsepower and torque. This engine code, 273.963 V, is renowned for its smooth power delivery and reliability when properly maintained.
As a full-size luxury SUV, the GL550 was designed for those who require a high degree of versatility. It is capable of towing significant loads and navigating challenging terrain thanks to its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, yet it provides a quiet, plush interior that rivals many sedans in terms of comfort. The vehicle’s status as a flagship model within the GL-Class lineup highlights its importance in Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio, appealing to owners who need space, safety, and performance without compromising on style. Owners of this vehicle often value its reputation for durability and the sophisticated driving dynamics that the V8 engine provides, making it a popular choice for families and individuals who traverse both city streets and remote trails.