2008 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV tow bar

Driving sys
tems 119
!
When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer towbars. The ultra-
sonic reversing aid does not detect such
objects when they are in the immediate
vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage
the vehicle or the objects.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, a lorry's compressed-air brakes
or a pneumatic drill could cause the ultra-
sonic reversing aid to malfunction.
Minimum distance Centre Approximately 30 cm
Corners Approximately 30 cm
If there is an obstacle within this range, all
warning displays flash and a warning tone
sounds. If the distance falls below the mini-
mum clearance, it may no longer be shown.
Warning displays
The warning display shows the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle.
Station wagon: the warning display is in the
rear next to the tailgate.
Cabriolet: the warning display is on the front-
passenger side at the top on the roll bar. Example: station wagon
The warning display is divided into four yellow
and two red segments. If you hear a warning
tone and all segments light up briefly, the
ultrasonic reversing aid is operational.
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance to the obstacle.
From the:
R
fourth segment you will hear an intermit-
tent warning tone
R fifth segment you will hear a faster inter-
mittent warning tone
R sixth segment you will hear a very fast inter-
mittent warning tone. You have reached
the minimum distance. Trailer towing The ultrasonic reversing aid is deactivated
when you connect the trailer to your vehicle
electrically.
!
The ultrasonic reversing aid measures
the minimum detection range to an obsta-
cle from the bumper, not the ball coupling
or the spare wheel. Reversing camera* (Station wagon)
The reversing camera is an optical aid. It
shows the area behind your vehicle in the
COMAND APS display. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are
in the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
The reversing camera is in the tailgate above
the rear window wiper. Controls
* optional
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Cabriolet soft top
136 come loose. You could lose control of your
vehicle and injure yourself and other per-
sons.
Do not drive the vehicle with the draught
stop fitted if the rear seat is occupied.
Do not place any objects on top of the fitted
draught stop.
Fitting 1
Bag with zipper
2 Draught stop
X Take draught stop 2out of bag 1. X
Attach the rails of draught stop 2to the
vehicle roll bar (arrows). 3
Securing bar
4 Bracket X
Hook securing bar 3into brackets 4in
the side trim panels on both sides.
X Press securing bar 3into brackets 4until
you feel it engage on both sides.
Removing
X Pull securing bar 3out of bracket 4on
both sides.
X Unhook the rails of draught stop 2from
the roll bar.
X Stow the draught stop so that it is protec-
ted from damage, for example, in the bag
behind the rear seat.
Tonneau cover* The tonneau cover protects the opened con-
vertible soft top from dirt and the effects of
weather. It is located in a bag in the luggage
compartment.
Fitting
X
Take the tonneau cover out of the bag in
the load compartment.
X Fold out the tonneau cover and lay it over
the opened soft top. Controls
* optional
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Tyres and wheels
165G
Risk of accident
Should the tyre pressure drop repeatedly:
R Check the tyre for foreign bodies.
R Check whether the wheel is losing air or
the valve is leaking.
Tyre pressure that is too low has a negative
effect on the vehicle’s active safety, which
could lead to your causing an accident.
Tyre pressure changes by approximately
0.1 bar for every 10 °C change in ambient
temperature.
If you measure the tyre pressure in enclosed
spaces where the temperature differs from
the outside temperature, you will have to cor-
rect the measured value accordingly.
When the vehicle is driven, the tyre tempera-
ture, and with it the tyre pressure, will
increase depending on the road speed and
the load on the tyres.
Therefore, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold.
The pressure of warm tyres should only be
corrected if it is too low for the current oper-
ating conditions. Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R
shorten the service life of the tyres
R increase the likelihood of tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics (e.g. by causing aquaplaning)
i The tyre pressure values given for low
loads are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort characteristics.
However, you can, also use the values given
for higher loads. These are permissible and
will not adversely affect the running of the
vehicle.
Also check the tyre pressure of the spare
wheel regularly. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days. Tyre pressure monitor*
The tyre pressure monitor only functions if
the correct wheel electronics are fitted to all
wheels. These monitor the pressure in all four
tyres, which you have set when restarting the
tyre pressure monitor. The monitor warns you
when the pressure drops in one or more of
the tyres.
The function of the tyre pressure monitor is
limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres
R road conditions are wintry
R you are driving on sand or gravel
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration)
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof) G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure monitor does not warn
you of an incorrectly set tyre pressure. The
table on the inside of the fuel filler flap will Operation
* optional
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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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Trailer towing*
179
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not connect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
! Do not uncouple a trailer with overrun
brake between the bumper and drawbar,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged
by the spring action of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tips In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
! A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer. The vehicle/trailer combination:
R
is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
X On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or Speedtronic.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to
LOW (Ypage 92).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so less braking will be required to
maintain the speed. This relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continu-
ously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause the brakes to rub by applying
constant slight pedal pressure. This causes
the brake system to overheat, increases
the braking distance and can lead to the
brakes failing completely.
Driving tips
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. Operation
* optional
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Towing and tow-starting
252
The jump-starting terminals are on the left-
hand side in the engine compartment when
viewed in the direction of travel. 1
Cover
2 Positive terminal (+)
3 Negative terminal (-)
X Lift up the cover of positive terminal 2on
your own vehicle.
X Connect positive terminal 2on your vehi-
cle to positive terminal of the donor battery
using the jump lead, beginning with your
own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal 3of the donor
battery to negative terminal of your vehi- cle's battery using the jump lead, connect-
ing the jump lead to the donor battery first.
X Start the engine.
X Electrical consumers can be switched on
again. Do not switch the lights on, however,
as this will overload the battery.
X Remove the jump lead from the negative
terminals 3first, and then from the posi-
tive terminals 2, each time disconnecting
from the battery on your own vehicle first.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. Towing and tow-starting
Points to remember
G
Risk of accident
If you have the vehicle towed, you must use
a rigid towing bar if:
R the engine is not running.
R there is a brake system malfunction.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage sup-
ply or the vehicle's electrical system.
The electric power steering and the brake
force booster do not work when the engine
is not running. Greater braking force will
then be required and brake pedal travel will
be longer. If necessary, depress the brake
pedal with full force.
Do not tow the vehicle if the key cannot be
turned in the ignition lock. If this is the case,
the steering is locked and the vehicle can-
not be steered.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed. Practical advice
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Towing and tow-starting
253
When towing, observe the legal requirements
in all countries concerned.
!
When towing, pull away slowly and with-
out jerking. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
of 50 km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
not be exceeded.
With towing distances over 50 km, the
entire vehicle needs to be lifted up and
transported.
! Only secure the tow cable or towing bar
to the towing eyes. You may otherwise
damage the vehicle.
R Vehicles with an automatic transmission
must not be tow-started.
R If the transfer case can be shifted into neu-
tral N, you can tow the vehicle.
R If the transfer case cannot be shifted into
neutral N, you can tow the vehicle with one
axle raised. Please bear the following in
mind: -
remove the propeller shaft between the
transfer case and the rolling axle.
- turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock.
R If the engine does not start, try jump start-
ing (Y page 251).
R If it is not possible to jump-start the vehicle,
have it towed to the nearest qualified spe-
cialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
R Before towing the vehicle, make sure that
the battery is connected and charged. Oth-
erwise:
- you cannot switch on the ignition
- you cannot move the selector lever to N
i Switch off the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 108).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle. Towing eye
Towing eye, front The vehicle is equipped with two towing eyes.
These are located at the front, under the
bumper.
1
Example: front towing eye, left-hand side Practical advice
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Vehicle weights
272
Short wheelbase station wagon G 500 G 320 CDI
Unladen weight (in accordance with EC direc-
tive) 2,315 kg 2,275 kg
Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
2,850 kg 2,850 kg
Maximum permissible front axle load
1,400 kg 1,400 kg
Maximum permissible rear axle load
1,700 kg 1,700 kg
Only when towing a trailer: permissible gross
weight of vehicle/trailer combination 5,700 kg 5,700 kg
Only when towing a trailer: permissible rear
axle load 25 1,800 kg 1,800 kg
Maximum roof load
150 kg 150 kg
Maximum permissible load 535 kg 575 kg
Cabriolet
G 500 G 320 CDI
Unladen weight (in accordance with EC direc-
tive) 2,300 kg 2,260 kg
Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
2,850 kg 2,850 kg
Maximum permissible front axle load
1,400 kg 1,400 kg
25
Drawbar noseweight is not included in the trailer load. Te
chnical da ta
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