2008 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV technical data

Operating safety
16 Operating safety
Safety notes
G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have work on the vehicle carried out
by a qualified specialist workshop. In par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems as well as maintenance
work must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. The workshop must have
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose. G
Risk of accident and injury
Some safety systems only function while
the engine is running. Therefore, do not
switch the engine off when driving. Other-
wise, the safety systems in your vehicle
may no longer function correctly and
thereby not provide you or others with the
intended degree of protection. There is also
a risk that you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident. G
Risk of accident and injury
Work carried out incorrectly or impermissi-
ble modifications to the vehicle, for exam-
ple cables laid under trim, can impair the
function of the safety systems. The safety
systems may no longer be able to protect
you or others as they are designed to do.
There is also a risk that you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Have all work on and modifications to the
vehicle, such as installations or conver-
sions, carried out at a qualified workshop. G
Risk of accident
A heavy impact to the underbody, tyres or
wheels, for example when bottoming out on
rough terrain or driving over an obstacle at
high speed, could damage your vehicle. As
a result, you could cause an accident. This
also applies to vehicles which are equipped
with underbody protection.
For this reason, drive slowly over obstacles,
avoid bottoming out the vehicle in rough
terrain and, if necessary, have your vehicle
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. G
Risk of accident
If work on electronic equipment and its
software is carried out incorrectly, the equipment could stop functioning. The
electronic systems are networked via inter-
faces. Tampering with these electronic sys-
tems could cause malfunctions in systems
which have not been modified. Such mal-
functions can seriously compromise the
vehicle’s operating safety and your own
safety as well.
Have all work on and modifications to elec-
tronic components carried out at a qualified
workshop. Vehicle registration
Mercedes-Benz may ask its Service Centres
to carry out technical inspections on certain
vehicles to improve their quality or safety.
If you did not purchase your vehicle from an
authorised specialist dealer and your vehicle
has never been inspected at a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre, it is possible that your
vehicle is not registered in your name with
Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz can only
inform you about vehicle checks if it has your
registration data.
It is advisable to register your vehicle with a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Introduction
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Operating safety
17
Inform Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible
about any change in address or vehicle own-
ership. Correct use
Observe the following information when using
your vehicle:
R The safety notes in this manual
R The "Technical data" section in this manual
R national road traffic regulations
R national road traffic licensing regulations G
Risk of injury
Various warning stickers are affixed to your
vehicle. Their purpose is to draw your atten-
tion, and the attention of others, to various
dangers. Therefore, do not remove any
warning stickers unless the sticker clearly
states that you may do so.
If you remove the warning stickers, you or
others could be injured by failing to recog-
nise certain dangers. Introduction
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Loading and stowing
139Roof rack system*
G
Risk of accident and injury
An incorrectly secured roof rack, ski rack
or load could become detached from the
vehicle. These objects may then be thrown
around and can injure you or others or
cause an accident. Follow the roof rack/ski
rack manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and special instructions for use.
The roof load raises the vehicle's centre of
gravity, thereby affecting vehicle handling.
Always observe the maximum roof load
(see the "Technical Data" section). Always
adapt your driving style to the prevailing
road, traffic and weather conditions and
drive with particular care if the roof is laden.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof rack systems which have
been tested and approved for Mercedes-
Benz vehicles. This helps to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof rack in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain dam-
age even when it is in motion.
Make sure that, depending on the vehicle's
equipment, you can fully raise the sliding/ tilting sunroof* and fully open the rear door
(station wagon).
X Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions when fitting the roof carrier
system. Luggage net in the front-passenger
footwell G
Risk of injury
Only place lightweight objects in the lug-
gage net. Do not use it to transport heavy,
sharp-edged or fragile objects. The luggage
net cannot secure the objects sufficiently
in the event of an accident. Loading guidelines
G
Risk of poisoning
Keep the boot lid/tailgate closed when the
engine is running. Otherwise, you could be
poisoned by exhaust fumes entering the
vehicle.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle depend on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle. You should therefore load
your vehicle as shown in the illustrations. Load distribution
Observe the following notes when transport-
ing a load:
R When transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants).
R Position heavy loads as far forwards and as
low down in the luggage compartment as
possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
R Always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests. Controls
* optional
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Engine compartment
159Engine oil
Depending on driving style, the vehicle con-
sumes a maximum of 0.8 l oil per 1,000 km.
The oil consumption may be higher than this
when the vehicle is new or if you frequently
drive at high engine speeds. You can only
estimate the oil consumption after you have
driven a considerable distance.
You will find further information about engine
oil in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 279).
Checking the engine oil level To do so:
R
the vehicle should be parked on level
ground.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least five minutes if the engine was at nor-
mal operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine was not at
operating temperature (i.e. if you only star-
ted the engine briefly). Via the on-board computer
i
Only possible on the G 55 AMG. On all
other models, a dipstick is used to check
the engine oil level (Y page 160).
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock (Y page 59).
X Press konce on the multi-function
steering wheel. The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
display:
R
Engine oil level OK
R Add 1.0 litre to reach maximum oil
level R
Add 1.5 litres to reach maximum oil
level
R Add 2.0 litres to reach maximum oil
level
X Top up the oil if necessary ( Ypage 160).
Other messages in the multi-function dis-
play
If the engine is at normal operating tempera-
ture and there is too much oil, you will see the
following message: Eng. oil level
Reduce oil level.
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
! There is a risk of damage to the engine or
the catalytic converter if there is excess oil
in the engine.
If the Switch ignition on to check
engine oil level message appears:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 59).
You will see the following message if you did
not observe the required waiting time:
Observe waiting period Operation
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Tyres and wheels
162
X
Top up the coolant if necessary.
X Replace cap 1and tighten all the way to
the stop.
You will find further information about coolant
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 280). Windscreen washer system/head-
lamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment on the right when
viewed in the direction of travel. The head-
lamp cleaning system is also supplied from
the washer fluid reservoir. 1
Cap
X Add windscreen washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. G
Risk of fire
Windscreen washer concentrate is highly
flammable. Fire, naked flames and smoking
are prohibited when windscreen washer
concentrate is being handled.
Use
R a windscreen washer fluid additive
such as MB Summerwash to prevent
smearing (for temperatures above freez-
ing).
R a windscreen washer fluid additive with
antifreeze properties such as MB Winter-
wash (if there is a risk of frost).
X Mix the windscreen washer fluid in a con-
tainer beforehand. Adapt the mixing ratio
to the outside temperatures.
! Only use windscreen washer fluid which
is suitable for plastic lamp lenses. Unsuit-
able windscreen washer fluid could dam-
age the plastic lamp lenses of the head-
lamps.
X To open: pull cap1upwards by the tab.
X To close: press cap 1onto the filler neck
until it clicks into place. Tyres and wheels
Points to remember
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you only use tyres and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehi-
cle. These tyres have been specially adap-
ted for use with the control systems, such
as ABS or ESP ®
, and are marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
If you use other tyres and wheels,
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept any respon-
sibility for damage that may result. Further
information about tyres, wheels and
approved combinations can be obtained
from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
If you use tyres other than those tested and
recommended for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles, characteristics such as handling, vehi-
cle noise emissions and fuel consumption
may be adversely affected. In addition, the
wheels may come into contact with the
body or axle components when heavily loa-
ded or when driving with snow chains. This
could result in damage to the tyres or the
vehicle. Operation
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Trailer towing*
178 cialist workshop which has the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools to carry out
the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
X Have the headlamps switched over at a
qualified specialist workshop, e. g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
Risk of accident
Have your headlamps switched back to
asymmetrical dipped beam if you are driv-
ing in a country in which traffic drives on
the same side of the road as in the country
in which your vehicle was registered. Oth-
erwise, you may dazzle the oncoming traffic
and could cause an accident. Trailer towing*
Notes on towing a trailer
G
Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the tow-
ing vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification plates and those for the towing vehicle in
the "Technical data" section.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 274).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is:
R 140 kg (long-wheelbase station wagon)
R 115 kg (short-wheelbase station wagon
and cabriolet)
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer coupling
and trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 80 kg; otherwise, the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar. Operation
* optional
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Mercedes-Benz genuine parts
259Notes on the technical data
i The technical data was determined in
accordance with EU directives. All data
applies to the vehicle's standard equip-
ment. The data may therefore differ for
vehicles with optional equipment. You can
obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Mercedes-Benz genuine parts
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts and con-
version parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to evaluate other parts. Mercedes-
Benz therefore accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles, even if they have been independently or
officially approved.
In Germany and some other countries, certain
parts are only officially approved for installa-
tion or modification if they comply with legal
requirements. All genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts meet this requirement. The use of non-
approved parts may invalidate the vehicle's
general operating permit. This is the case if:
R they cause a change of the vehicle type
from that for which the vehicle's general
operating permit was granted
R other road users could be endangered
R the emission or noise levels are adversely
affected
The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-
Benz therefore recommends genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and conversion parts
and accessories that have been approved for
your vehicle. H
Environmental note
Daimler also supplies reconditioned
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. For these, the same
warranty applies as for new parts.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and approved
conversion parts and accessories are availa-
ble from Mercedes-Benz Service Centres.
There, you can also receive advice about tech-
nical modifications and have the parts pro-
fessionally fitted.
Always quote the vehicle identification num-
ber and the engine number when ordering
genuine parts. You will find these numbers on
the vehicle data card in the Service Booklet
or on your vehicle's identification plates
(Y page 261). Technical data
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Vehicle electronics
260 Vehicle electronics
Tampering
with the engine electron-
ics G
Risk of accident
Only have work on the engine electronics
and related components carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the work required. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
The vehicle's roadworthiness could other-
wise be affected.
! Only have work done on the engine elec-
tronics and its associated parts, such as
control units, sensors and connector leads,
carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre. Otherwise, vehicle components
may wear more quickly and your vehicle's
warranty and operating permit may be inva-
lidated. Retrofitting electrical and electronic
equipment
Electrical and electronic equipment can jeop-
ardise the operating safety of your vehicle. If
equipment of this kind is retrofitted, it must
be type-approved and bear the emark. The
e mark may be obtained from the equipment
manufacturer or an authorised testing centre.
! Damage or consequential damage arising
from fitting equipment not approved by
Mercedes-Benz is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
If you wish to install two-way radios in the
vehicle, you must obtain formal approval.
Mercedes-Benz approves the installation of
two-way radios if such equipment is installed
professionally and a low-reflection exterior
aerial is used.
The transmission output of the two-way radio
must not exceed the maximum transmission
outputs listed. G
Risk of accident
Two-way radios may interfere with the vehi-
cle electronics and thereby jeopardise the
operational safety of the vehicle and your
own safety if: R
they do not have an exterior aerial
R the exterior aerial is not a low-reflection
aerial
R the exterior aerial has been fitted incor-
rectly G
Risk of injury
Excessive electromagnetic radiation may
also cause damage to your health and the
health of others. Using an exterior aerial
takes into account current scientific dis-
cussions relating to the possible health haz-
ards that may result from electromagnetic
fields.
For this reason, only have the exterior aerial
fitted at a qualified specialist workshop
which has the necessary specialist knowl-
edge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre for this purpose. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related sys-
tems must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
an approved exterior aerial. This ensures
optimal reception quality for mobile tele- Technical data
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