2005 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG towing

357 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
For more information, see “Battery”
(page 351) and “Jump starting”
(page 354).
For information on manually unlocking
transmission gear selector lever, see
(page 327).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in
usual manner – only the selected turn
signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, the vehicle doors
lock if the wheels are turning at vehicle
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
To prevent the vehicle doors from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central
locking (
page 141).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the towing eye. Never at-
tach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension
parts.

358 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleTransporting the vehicle
When transporting the vehicle, you can use
the towing eyes for pulling the vehicle onto
a trailer or transporter. 
Move the gear selector lever to posi-
tion N.

Shift the transfer case to neutral posi-
tion N.

To avoid damaging the vehicle, it
should only be tied down on the
wheels / wheel rims, not on chassis
components such as the transverse
link or trailing arm.Towing the vehicle - various problem
scenarios
Comply with all towing information
(page 356).
In case of engine damage, transmission
damage or malfunctions in electrical
equipment

Move the gear selector lever to posi-
tion N.

Shift the transfer case to neutral posi-
tion N.In case of transfer case damage or for
towing vehicle distances exceeding
30 miles (50 km)
The propeller shafts to the drive axles must
be removed.
In case of front axle damage
Raise the front axle when towing. The pro-
peller shaft between the rear axle and the
transfer case must be removed.
In case of rear axle damage
When the rear axle is raised, the vehicle
can only be towed with a wheel lift or a dol-
ly placed under its front wheels.!When removing drive shaft, place M10
nuts on bolts as distance sleeves and
tighten using M8 nuts.
Always install new self-locking nuts
when reinstalling the drive shaft.

359 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Front towing eye
In the front, the towing eye is located on
the driver’s side under the bumper.
1Towing eye
Rear towing eye
In the rear, the towing eye is located on the
driver’s side under the bumper.
1Towing eye
Freeing a stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should
be done with the greatest of care, especial-
ly if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Avoid pulling the vehicle jerkily or diago-
nally, since it could result in damage to the
chassis alignment.
Never try to free a vehicle that is still cou-
pled to a trailer.
If possible, a vehicle equipped with trailer
hitch receiver should be pulled backward
in its own previously made tracks.

394 IndexEngine oil level see Oil level
Enlarged cargo compartment 183
ESP 25, 80, 84, 382
Messages in display 300
Switching off 86
Switching on 87
Synchronizing 300
Warning lamp 293
ETD 62, 71, 382
Safety guidelines 66
Exterior lamp switch 110
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 139
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 41
Parking position for 143F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 135
Fastening the seat belts 43
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 178
First aid kit 321
Flat tire 346
Lowering the vehicle 350
Mounting the spare wheel 347
Spare wheel 323
Flexible Service System (FSS, Canada
vehicles) 382
Fog lamp, rear 114, 334
Fog lamps, front 113
Messages in display 313
4-ETS 80, 83
Front airbags 67
Front axle differential lock
Switching on 159
Front fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 334, 338Front lamps
Messages in display 312, 314
Replacing bulbs 334, 335
Switching on 110
Front seat head restraints
Installing 102
Removing 101
Front towing eye 359
Front turn signal lamp
Replacing bulbs 339
FSS (Flexible Service System, Canada
vehicles) 382
Fuel 236
Additives 377
Fuel reserve warning lamp 294
Gasoline additives 377
Premium unleaded gasoline 236,
374, 376
Refueling 235
Requirements 377
Reserve warning 25
Technical data 374

403 Index
Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated
tires 260
Power assistance 217
Power seat
Adjusting backrest tilt 39
Adjusting head restraint height 39
Adjusting head restraint tilt 39
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 39
Adjusting seat height 39
Seat fore and aft adjustment 38
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 173
Power train 384
Power windows 171
Blocking of rear door window
operation 78
Convenience feature 172
Side windows 171
Summer opening feature 172
Power washer 281
Practical hints
First aid kit 321
Fuses 360
Lamp in center console 295
Lamps in instrument cluster 288
Messages in the display 296Spare wheel 323
Towing the vehicle 356
Vehicle jack 322
Vehicle tool kit 321
Premium unleaded gasoline 376
Problems
While driving 55
Product information 9
Production options weight 272
PSI 272, 273Q
Quick search
Phone book 147

404 IndexR
Radio
Satellite (USA only) 129
Selecting stations 129
Station search 129
Station selection setting 141
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 231
Range (distance to empty)
Calling up 145
Range of sensor
Rear Parking Assist* 180
Reading lamp 30
Rear axle differential lock
Switching on 159
Rear bench seat
Foldable 183
Rear door window
Blocking operation 78
Rear fog lamp
Replacing bulbs 342
Rear lamps see Tail lampsRear Parking Assist* 179, 384
Cleaning sensors 283
Malfunction 181
Monitoring reach 180
Warning indicators 181
Rear seat head restraints 102
Installing 103
Removing 103
Rear towing eye 359
Rear view mirror auto-dimming 160
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 163
Activating 163
Deactivating 163
Rear window wiper/washer 54
Recommended inflation pressure 272
Reconnecting
Vehicle battery 353
Recovery services
For stolen vehicle 205
Refrigerant
Air conditioning 376
Refueling 235
Regular checks 236Remote controls
SmartKey 92
Remote door unlock
With Tele Aid 205
Removing
Cargo compartment cover 183
Wheel 349
Wiper blades 344
Replacing
Brake lamp bulbs 334
Bulbs 333
Front lamp bulbs 335
Rear lamp bulbs 334, 341
SmartKey batteries 331
Wiper blades 344
Resetting
All functions (control system) 132
All functions of a submenu 133
Fuel consumption 144
Maintenance service indicator 279
Trip odometer 121
Residual heat utilization 384
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 384

410 Index
Rotating 274
Service life 249
Temperature 258, 270
Tread depth 250, 275
Wear pattern 274
Winter 275
Tools 321
Tow-away alarm 28, 89
Arming 89
Disarming 89
Disarming for transport 89
Tow-away alarm system
Canceling alarm 90
Towing eye, front 359
Towing eye, rear 359
Towing the vehicle 356
Stranded vehicle 359
Towing the vehicle - various problem
scenarios 358
Traction 273
Transfer case 154, 386
Gear range 154
Messages in the multifunction
display 155
Switching 154Transfer case differential lock
Switching on 158
Transmission gear selector lever 327
Unlocking manually 327
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Tread 273
Tread depth 250
Tread depth (tires) 275
Treadwear indicators 273
Trip computer 144
Trip odometer
Resetting 121
Trunk see Cargo compartment
Tilt/sliding sunroof
Closing with SmartKey 175
Turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 334
Turn signals 23, 52
Additional in mirrors 334
Cleaning lenses 282
Front bulbs 334
Indicator lamps 25
Rear bulbs 334
Turning off
Engine 58U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards 273
Units
Setting speedometer units 136
Setting temperature units 135
Setting time units 135
Unlocking 34, 92
Driver’s door in an emergency 325
Fuel filler flap 235
Global 94
In an emergency 325
Selective settings 94
Tailgate in an emergency 325
Transmission gear selector lever
manually 327
Vehicle in an emergency 205
With the SmartKey 34
Upgrade signals
Tele Aid 204
Uphill driving
Cruise control 177
Upshifting 149

411 Index
Useful features 190
Ashtrays 194
Cigarette lighter 195
Electrical outlet 196
Floormats 196
Storage compartments 190
Tele Aid 198
Telephone* 197V
Vehicle
Data recording 20
Individual settings 132, 134
Locking 28
Locking in an emergency 326
Lowering 350
Service battery 351
Towing 356
Unlocking 28
Unlocking in an emergency 325
Vehicle battery 351
Vehicle capacity weight 273
Vehicle care 280
Cup holders 284
Engine cleaning 282
Gear selector lever 284
Hard plastic trim items 284
Headlamps 282
Instrument cluster 284
Leather upholstery 285
Light alloy wheels 284
MB Tex upholstery 285
Ornamental moldings 282
Paintwork 281Plastic and rubber parts 285
Power washer 281
Seat belts 284
Side markers 282
Steering wheel 284
Tail lamps 282
Tar stains 281
Turn signals 282
Vehicle washing 282
Window cleaning 283
Wiper blades 283
Wood trims 285
Vehicle data recording 20
Vehicle identification number (VIN) 366
Vehicle jack 322
Vehicle loading terminology 271
Vehicle maximum load on the tire 274
Vehicle status message memory 131
Calling up 131
Clearing 131
Vehicle tool kit 321
Vehicle washing 282
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 366,
386
Voice control system* 386