2008 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 rear view mirror

210 Controls in detail
Good visibility
Folding the exterior rear view mirrors
in and out manually
The button is located on the door control
panel.
1Button for folding exterior rear view
mirrors in and out
Switch on the ignition (page 42).Folding in
Briefly press button1.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold in.
Folding out
Briefly press button1 again.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold out.
Sun visors
The sun visors protect you from sun glare
while driving.
iThe exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely.
iIf you are driving at more than approximately
30 mph (47 km/h), you will not be able to fold
the exterior mirrors in.
!If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear) or
forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the front)
press button1 to fold mirrors in, then press
button1 again to fold mirrors out. Do not force
mirrors by hand as this may damage the adjust-
ment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly positioned
and you can adjust the mirror in the usual
manner.
Please make sure both rear view mirrors are
folded out before driving off.
Warning!G
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the mirrors in the sun visors closed
while vehicle is in motion. Reflected glare
can endanger you and others.
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294 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The rear view camera is an optical parking
aid. It shows you the area behind the vehi-
cle in the COMAND system display when
reverse gearR is engaged, for example
during parallel parking.
The rear view camera is located near the
tailgate handle.
1Rear view cameraSwitching the rear view camera on and
off
Switch on the ignition (page 42).
Shift the automatic transmission in
positionR (
page 191).
The area behind the vehicle appears in
the COMAND system display.
Shift the automatic transmission
intoP,N orD to switch off the rear
view camera.
iThe area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image, like
in the rear view mirror.
iThe image from the rear view camera will no
longer be displayed if you select another
function on the COMAND system while reverse
gearR is engaged. To display the image again,
disengage and reengage reverse gearR.
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333 Controls in detail
Useful features
Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated automatical-
ly following an accident in which the emer-
gency tensioning devices (ETDs) or
air bags deploy.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually by opening the cover next to the
interior rear view mirror labeled SOS, then
briefly pressing the button located under
the cover. See (
page 334) for
instructions on initiating an emergency call
manually.Once the emergency call is in progress, the
indicator lamp on the SOS button will
begin to flash. The message
Connecting Call appears in the multifunc-
tion display. When the connection is estab-
lished, the message
Call Connected
appears in the multifunction display. All in-
formation relevant to the emergency, such
as the location of the vehicle (determined
by the GPS satellite location system), vehi-
cle model, identification number and color
are generated.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established automatically soon af-
ter the emergency call has been initiated.
The Response Center will attempt to
determine more precisely the nature of the
accident provided they can speak to an
occupant of the vehicle.The Tele Aid system is available if

it has been activated and is operation-
al. Activation requires a subscription
for monitoring services, connection
and cellular air time

vehicle battery power is available

the relevant cellular phone network
and GPS signals are available and pass
the information on to the Response
Center
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined
above, the system may not operate as
expected. Have the system checked at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
as soon as possible.
iLocation of the vehicle on a map is only pos-
sible if the vehicle is able to receive signals from
the GPS satellite network and pass the informa-
tion on to the Response Center.
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339 Controls in detail
Useful features
Interior rear view mirror with integrated
remote control
1Indicator lamp
2 3 4Signal transmitter button
Needed for programming (not part of vehi-
cle equipment):
5Hand-held remote control of ga-
rage door opener, gate operator
or other device
6Hand-held remote control but-
tonProgramming the integrated remote
control
Step 1:
Switch on the ignition (page 42).
Warning!G
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent po-
tential harm or damage. When programming
a garage door opener, the door moves up or
down. When programming a gate operator,
the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control
with any garage door opener that lacks
safety stop and reverse features as required
by U.S. federal safety standards (this
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
A garage door that cannot detect an object
– signaling the door to stop and reverse –
does not meet current U.S. federal safety
standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park the vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming
the integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health.
All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide
(CO), and inhaling it can cause unconscious-
ness and possible death.

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367 Operation
Driving instructions
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP (
page 191).
Set the parking brake for the vehicle
(
page 67).
Start the engine (page 56).
Set the vehicle level to Highway
(
page 279).
Vehicle with ADS*: Set the ADS* to
AUTO or COMFORT (
page 278).
Turn off the engine (page 68).
Close all doors and the tailgate.
Attach the trailer.
Plug in all electrical connectors.
Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be le-
gal, not only for where you reside, but also
for where you will be driving. A good
source for this information can be the po-
lice or local authorities.Note the following points, when driving
with the trailer:
In order to gain skill and an understand-
ing of the vehicle’s behavior, you
should practice turning, stopping and
backing up in an area which is free from
traffic.

Before you start driving check the

trailer hitch

break-away switch

safety chains

electrical connections

lighting and tires

Adjust the mirrors (page 51) to
permit unobstructed view beyond rear
of trailer.

If the trailer has electric brakes, start
your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply only the trailer brake
controller by hand to make sure the
brakes are working properly.
!Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system, as your vehicle is
equipped with antilock brakes. If you do, neither
the vehicle’s brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will
function properly.
iThe provided vehicle electrical connector for
trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hook-up
to a brake controller.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iWhen you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level always remains in the Highway setting.
The following applies additionally when towing a
trailer:

The vehicle is lowered to the highway level
when it reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h)
if not set to highway level.

The high-speed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also apply
when using accessories that are connected to
the trailer power socket, such as a bicycle rack.
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428 Operation
Vehicle care
Automatic car wash
You can have your car washed in an auto-
matic car wash from the start. Automatic
car washes without brushes are prefera-
ble.
To protect the filter system, switch the
climate control system (
page 216) or
the automatic climate control system*
(
page 230) to air recirculation mode.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it
before running it through the automatic
car wash.When taking the vehicle through an auto-
matic conveyor type car wash, observe the
following instructions.Vehicles with SmartKey:
With the vehicle at a standstill and the
ignition switched on shift the automatic
transmission to neutral positionN.
If engaged, release the parking brake
(
page 59).
Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.
With the ignition switched on shift the
automatic transmission to park
positionP.
Release the brake pedal.
Remove the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button from the starter switch
(
page 43).
Insert the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* into the starter switch.
Switch on the ignition.
!Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which use caustic spray.
Otherwise the caustic spray will damage the
paint or ornamental moldings.
!Make sure that the windshield wiper switch
is set to0 (
page 63). Otherwise, e.g. the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers to
move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle
damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior
rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle
through an automatic car wash to prevent
damage to the mirrors.
Warning!G
When leaving the SmartKey or SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch, do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle.
It is possible for children to switch on the
ignition which could result in unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment.
A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
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482 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
. Turn Signal
Rear LeftThe left rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(
page 511).
Turn Signal
Rear RightThe right rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(
page 511).
Turn Signal
Front LeftThe left front turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(
page 509).
Turn Signal
Front RightThe right front turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(
page 509).
Turn Signal
Left MirrorThe turn signal in the left exteri-
or rear view mirror is malfunc-
tioning. This message will only
appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
Turn Signal
Right MirrorThe turn signal in the right exte-
rior rear view mirror is malfunc-
tioning. This message will only
appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
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506 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement

Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.

Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.

Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.

Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.

If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following
lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center:

the additional turn signal lamps in the
exterior rear view mirrors

the high mounted brake lamp

the Bi-Xenon* low beam lamps

the Bi-Xenon high beam flasher spot-
light*
Warning!G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow the lamp to cool down before chang-
ing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:

touch or move it when hot

drop the bulb

scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
!Do not replace the LEDs yourself. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs or parts of the vehi-
cle. Only have the LEDs replaced by a an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iReplacing the bulbs for the front lamps is a
technically complex process. For your conve-
nience, we recommend that you have this work
carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Have the headlamp adjustment checked
regularly.
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