359 Operation
Driving instructions
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick (
page 381).
Only with a proper oil level can the
vehicle obtain a trouble-free oil supply,
even on steep gradients.Tires
Check the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure
(a placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures is located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (
page 389)).
Check tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.
Replace missing valve caps.
Rims
Dented or bent rims can cause tire in-
flation pressure loss and damage the
tire beads. For this reason, check and,
if necessary, change rims before driv-
ing off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
Check if the vehicle jack (page 497)
is functional.
In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small
plank (to put under the vehicle jack on
sandy soil) with you.
In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as al-
lowed by conditions. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.
Always drive onto slopes with the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
Do not shift automatic transmission to
positionN.
Warning!G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure (
page 396) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
!If the engine oil level warning lamp
(
page 476) comes on while driving, stop the
vehicle in a safe location or as soon at is safe to
do so. Check the engine oil level (
page 381).
The engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
381 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption
can occur when
the vehicle is new
the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
When checking the oil level
the vehicle must be parked on level
ground
the vehicle must have been stationary
for at least 5 minutes with the engine
turned off
Example GL 450 (GL 320 CDI similar)
1Oil dipstick
2Upper mark
3Lower mark
Open the hood (page 379).
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the
dipstick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick1 again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is be-
tween lower mark3 (min.) and upper
mark2 (max.) of the oil dipstick.
If necessary, add engine oil
(
page 382).
For more information on engine oil, see
“Technical data” section (
page 560) and
(
page 562).
iDo not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is available at
any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iThe filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
575 Index
Emergency operation
Fuel filler flap 501
Locking/unlocking the vehicle 500,
501
Power tilt/sliding sunroof*,
Manual operation 503
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 202
Emergency operations
Exit for third-row seats 134
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid 338
Tailgate, Opening from the inside
manually 124
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
Emergency, In case of
Battery, Jump starting 538
Engine shut-down 546
First aid kit 495
Flat tire 523
Fuses 544
Hazard warning flasher 151
Instrument cluster, Indicator
lamps 436, 437, 438, 439, 440,
441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446
Roadside Assistance 12, 336
Towing the vehicle 540Emission control 373
Information label 551
System warranties 10
Vacuum line routing diagram
label 551
Engine
Belt layout 552
Belt layout (GL 320 CDI) 552
Break-in recommendations 381
Cleaning 427
Compartment 379
Emergency engine shut-down 546
Malfunction indicator lamp 29, 472
Maximum engine speed 156, 553
Messages in the
multifunction display 472
Number 551
Starting 57
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 59
Starting with the SmartKey 58
Tachometer 29, 156
Technical data 553
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 70
Turning off with the SmartKey 70Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 381, 562
Adding 382, 562
Additives 562
Changing 382, 562
Checking level 381
Checking with the oil dipstick 381
Consumption 381
Filler neck 382
Messages in the
multifunction display 476
Recommended engine oils and oil
filters 562
Enhanced Off-road Package*
Vehicle level control 285
ESP® 27, 105
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP® 105
Messages in the
multifunction display 459, 460
Off-road-ESP® 108
Warning lamp 27, 441, 442
