2007 MERCEDES-BENZ GL320CDI cruise control

271 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting the following distance in
Distronic
You can set the specified following
distance for Distronic by varying the time
setting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Us-
ing this time setting and the current speed
of your vehicle, Distronic calculates and
sets the required following distance to the
preceding vehicle. The set distance will be
shown in the multifunction display
(
page 267).
The distance setting switch for the time
setting is located on the cruise control le-
ver on the left-hand side of the steering
column.
iThe Distronic switches off automatically
when

you step on the brake pedal

you depress the parking brake pedal
In this case, the Distronic speed segments in the
speedometer (
page 265) will go out.

the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)

the ESP® is in operation

the ESP® is switched off with the ESP®
switch (
page 107)

the ESP® has switched off due to a
malfunction (
page 441)

you set the automatic transmission toN
while driving
The Distronic speed segments in the
speedometer (
page 265) will go out and an
acoustic warning will sound.
Warning!G
Distronic switches off and releases the
brakes when the vehicle decelerates below
the minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h)
by operation of the system. At that time the
driver must apply the brakes in order to
reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a
stop.
!Setting the automatic transmission toN
while driving cancels the Distronic. However, the
automatic transmission should not be set toN
while driving except to coast when the vehicle is
in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads).
iDepressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the Distronic. After a brief accelera-
tion (e.g. for passing), the Distronic will resume
the last set speed.
Warning!G
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving recom-
mendations for safe following distance.

276 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Switching the Downhill Speed
Regulation on/off
The switch is located on the upper part of
the center console.
Vehicles without enhanced off-road
package*
1DSR on/off
2Indicator lamp
Vehicles with enhanced off-road package*
1DSR on/off
2Indicator lamp
iWhenever DSR is switched on, DSR will use
the programmed default speed to regulate the
vehicle’s speed. The default speed programmed
at the factory is 4 mph (Canada: 6 km / h). The
default speed can be reprogrammed using the
control system (
page 186). The next time DSR
is switched on, DSR will use the newly pro-
grammed default speed to regulate the vehicle’s
speed.
Once DSR is switched on, you can adjust the set
speed using the cruise control lever
(
page 267). Keep in mind that adjusting the
set speed using the cruise control lever with DSR
switched on will not change the programmed
default speed. If DSR is switched off and then
switched on again, DSR will use the programmed
default speed.
Depending on the road surface and level of
downhill grade, the DSR may not be able to
maintain the set speed. To maintain the set
speed, apply the brakes if necessary.

278 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Adjusting Downhill Speed Regulation
speed with DSR switched on
With the DSR switched on (
page 276),
the speed setting can be changed using
the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever on the left-hand side of the steering
column.
Cruise control lever
1Increase set speed
2Reduce set speed
You can change the set speed between
3 - 10 mph (Canada: 4 - 18 km/h).You can increase or reduce the set speed
in two ways.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments
Increase set speed:
Briefly lift the cruise control lever up to
the resistance point in direction of
arrow1 (
page 278).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in incre-
ments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).Reduce set speed:
Briefly press the cruise control lever
down to the resistance point in direc-
tion of arrow2 (
page 278).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in incre-
ments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed,
DSR will appear in the multifunction dis-
play and the changed set speed is
shown.
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments each time
you lift or depress the cruise control lever to the
resistance point.
iThe set speed is canceled when DSR is
switched off. If DSR is switched on again, DSR
will use the programmed default speed
(
page 186).

279 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Adjustment in 5 mph
(Canada: 10 km/h) increments
Increase set speed:
Briefly lift the cruise control lever up
past the resistance point in direction of
arrow1 (
page 278).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in incre-
ments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Reduce set speed:
Briefly press the cruise control lever
down past the resistance point in direc-
tion of arrow2 (
page 278).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in incre-
ments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed,
DSR will appear in the multifunction dis-
play and the newly set speed is shown.Off-road driving program (Vehicles
without enhanced off-road package*)
The off-road driving program is designed to
assist the driver when driving off-road in
terrain and crossing water. The off-road
driving program adjusts the engine power
and shifting of the automatic transmission
to be more suitable for the off-road use of
the vehicle. In addition, the ABS, ESP
®, and
4-ETS designed for off-road use are
automatically activated.
In the following situations you should
switch to the off-road driving program:

during off-road driving

when crossing water (page 362)

when towing up or down on steep
gradients
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments each time
you lift or depress the cruise control lever past
the resistance point.
iThe new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that it
may take a brief moment until the vehicle has
reached the new set speed.
iThe set speed is canceled when DSR is
switched off. If DSR is switched on again, DSR
will use the programmed default speed
(
page 186).

355 Operation
Driving instructions
GL 320 CDI, GL 450
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).
GL 450*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
shift the automatic transmission to
positionN. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
iFor information on speed ratings for winter
tires, see “Winter tires” (
page 420).
For additional general information on tire speed
markings on the tire sidewall, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 418).
iFor information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 421).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Do not engage the transfer case in position
LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At
speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle
steering is adversely affected by the
Off-road – ABS (
page 104).

442 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
vThe yellow ABS/ESP® warning
lamp flashes while driving.The ESP®, ABS, or traction control has come
into operation because of detected traction
loss in at least one tire.
The cruise control and the Distronic* system
are deactivated.When driving off, apply as little throt-
tle as possible.
While driving, ease up on the acceler-
ator.
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road and weather condi-
tions.
Do not deactivate the ESP®.
Exceptions: (
page 107).
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
The yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp in the fuel gauge
comes on while driving.The fuel level has gone below the reserve
mark.Refuel at the next gas station
(
page 375).

454 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ABSunavailable
See Operator’s ManualIf the yellow ESP® warning
lampv flashes while driving and
this message appears, the electron-
ic traction system has switched off
to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.As soon as the brakes have cooled off,
the electronic traction system switches
on again.
The message in the multifunction dis-
play disappears and the ESP
® warning
lampv goes out.
The self-diagnosis has not yet been
completed yet.The display will clear after driving a
short distance at a vehicle speed of
above 12 mph (20 km/h).
Cruise control and
SPEEDTRONICinoperativeThe cruise control is malfunctioning.Have cruise control checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Cruise control--- mphYou have attempted to set a speed
while driving below 20 mph
(30 km/h).Accelerate to a speed exceeding
20 mph (30 km/h) and set the
speed (
page 257).
The ESP® is switched off.Switch on the ESP® (page 105).
The automatic transmission is set to
positionP, R, orN.Set the automatic transmission to
positionD (
page 194).
The vehicle is secured with the
parking brake.Release the parking brake
(
page 60).

573 Index
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 150
Messages in the
multifunction display 481
Replacing bulbs 514
Crossing obstacles 363
Cruise control 257
Activating 259
Messages in the
multifunction display 454
Cup holders 321
Cleaning 322
Front center console 322
Front center console,
Removing/Installing 322
Rear armrest 321
Curb weight 416
D
Date display, Setting 176, 177
Daytime running lamp mode 147
Setting 178
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 223, 237
Defrosting, Front 223, 237
Defrosting, Rear 215Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 179
Interior lighting 180
Department of Transportation see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp 29
Differential locks* 206
A few words about 206
Messages in the
multifunction display 493
Switching 207
Difficulties
While driving 66
While starting 60
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 157, 165
Dimensions, Vehicle 558
Direction of rotation (tires) 388
Displays
Digital speedometer 157, 165
Distronic* 265
Maintenance service indicator 422
Messages in the
multifunction display 451
Multifunction display 157Outside temperature 157, 165
Selecting 175
Symbol messages 469
Text messages 453
Vehicle status message 170, 451
Vehicle system settings, Control
system 161, 163, 170
Distance to empty (range), Trip
Computer 187
Distronic* 262
Activating 268
Cleaning system sensor 430
Control system 266
Deactivating 270
Distance warning function* 274
Distance warning function*
activating/deactivating 186
Driving hints 272
Messages in the
multifunction display 455
Sensor cover 430
Warning and indicator lamps 265