2017–2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS

2017-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS — Engine Oil & Filter Change

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧🔧 Moderate 30-60 minutes $57 DIY

Save $63 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $120

Quick answer: Engine Oil & Filter Change on a 2017–2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is rated Moderate and takes about 30-60 minutes. You'll need 3 tools for this job, and parts cost about $57. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$57.00

Oil spec 3.0L I6 Turbo

Capacity 9.0 qt with filter Viscosity 0W-20

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Engine Oil (0W-20)	—	$45.00	Amazon
Correct engine oil filter and drain-plug washer for 2017-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS	—	$12.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Confirm your GLS's engine and oil spec

2020–2024 GLS 450 (M256 inline-6): 8.9 quarts (8.5L) 0W-20 with filter. The 2017–2019 3.0L V6 and GLS 580 (10.0 qt) differ — confirm your engine and capacity first. Cartridge in a TOP-side housing. Park level, brake set, chock wheels.

Access the filter housing and drain plug

Hood open: the cartridge housing cap is on top — no lifting for the filter. Drain side: warm briefly, shut off, get underneath, remove the undertray (8mm bolts). The 13mm plug is on the pan's bottom; pan under it.

Drain the oil and replace the cartridge

Loosen the 13mm plug; drain fully. Meanwhile unscrew the top cap, lift the old element, replace the O-rings pre-lubed with fresh oil. Seat the new element; reinstall the cap. Torque cap and plug per the manual — forced plastic cracks.

Reinstall, refill, and check the dipstick

Refit the plug with a fresh washer; refit the undertray with its 8mm bolts. Car level: pour 8.9 quarts 0W-20 (GLS 450). Wait several minutes, dipstick. Pour slowly — the narrow filler neck burps oil back.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

That narrow filler neck will burp 0W-20 straight back at you if you rush nearly nine quarts through it — I've worn it. Slow pours with pauses; the sump is big but the neck is not.

Check for leaks and reset the service indicator

Run 30 seconds; check plug and top housing for leaks. Off, wait five minutes, recheck dipstick. Reset the service indicator via the cluster. Recheck underneath after the first drive — housing O-rings are the usual drip suspect.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong viscosity, capacity, or filter
• Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack
• Reusing a crushed drain-plug washer or leaving the old filter gasket stuck
• Over-tightening the filter or drain plug
• Starting the engine without first verifying oil was added

Tools You'll Need

Floor jack or ramps and rated jack stands if needed Oil-drain pan, funnel, gloves, and eye protection Socket or wrench for the drain plug and oil-filter tool Calibrated torque wrench and shop towels 8mm Socket

⚠️ Safety First!

• Informational DIY. EZ Car Fix is not a shop.
• Work on level ground with the engine off and only safely supported by ramps or rated jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Verify oil viscosity, capacity, filter, and drain-plug washer for the exact engine. Do not mix fluids or overfill.
• Hot oil can burn. Wear gloves and eye protection, keep spills away from tires, and dispose of used oil at an approved collection point.
• Stop if the drain plug, filter housing, pan, or threads are damaged or leaking.