2008 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 ground clearance

14 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Warning!G
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel drive
passenger cars are not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which
may occur on streets, highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you make
sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a signifi-
cantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and
severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator’s Manual. Take time to become familiar with the driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than
a person wearing a seat belt.
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280 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The parked vehicle begins adjusting to the
set vehicle level as soon the doors and tail-
gate are

unlocked
or

opened or closed with the vehicle
unlocked
In order to operate the vehicle level control
switch (
page 281), however, the engine
must be running.
For information on off-road driving, see
“Off-road driving” (
page 355).
Warning!G
Make sure that no one is near the wheel
housing or under the vehicle when you lower
the vehicle while it is standing still. Limbs
could become wedged into or under the ve-
hicle.
For safety reasons, the vehicle can only be
lowered with all doors and the tailgate
closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door or
the tailgate is opened and will continue after
the door is closed again.
Warning!G
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises. There-
fore, always ensure that the vehicle level is
as low as possible. With higher ride height
the ESP
® may activate earlier in certain
situations.
Adapt your speed and driving to possible
changed driving behavior of the vehicle after
changing the vehicle level. The ESP
® cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed. The ESP
® cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.
!Keep in mind that in rough or uneven ter-
rain, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may
cause the vehicle underbody to come in contact
with the ground and result in damage to the vehi-
cle underbody. Always make sure the vehicle has
sufficient ground clearance before adjusting it to
a lower level.
!Before jacking up the vehicle with equip-
ment that lifts one or more of the wheels com-
pletely off of the ground, remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
!Please also note the information in the sec-
tion on towing (
page 538).
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282 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Raised level
Only select the raised level if appropriate
for the driving situation encountered.
Otherwise:

fuel consumption may increase

handling characteristics of the vehicle
may be unfavorable
Start the engine (page 41).
If indicator lamp2 (
page 281) is off.
Press switch1 (page 281).
Indicator lamp2 flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the raised level.The following message appears in the mul-
tifunction display while the level is being
set:
When the raised level is reached, indicator
lamp2 (
page 281) comes on continu-
ously and the following message appears
in the multifunction display for 5 seconds:Highway level
Start the engine (page 41).
If indicator lamp2 (
page 281) is on.
Press switch1 (page 281).
Indicator lamp2 flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the highway level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set:
iYou can select the raised level at speeds up
to 40 mph (64 km/h). At higher speeds, the
messagen
Level Selection Not
Permitted
appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
theèÿk or buttonj on the
multifunction steering wheel.
!Keep in mind that in rough or uneven roads,
adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may cause
the vehicle underbody to come in contact with
the road and result in damage to the vehicle un-
derbody. Always make sure the vehicle has suffi-
cient ground clearance before adjusting it to a
lower level.
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287 Controls in detail
Driving systems
You will see, for example, the following
message in the multifunction display:

At speeds above 60 mph (96 km/h)
the off-road level 1 setting is canceled
and the vehicle is lowered to the high-
way level.
You will see, for example, the following
message in the multifunction display:

Depending on the ADS setting
(
page 278), the vehicle will be low-
ered to the high-speed level when trav-
eling at higher speeds. At speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) at the latest, it will
be returned to the highway level.
Highway level
Start the engine (page 41).If one or more of the indicator lamps
(
page 281) are on:
Press switch2 (page 283)
repeatedly until all lit indicator
lamps3 flash.
The vehicle adjusts to the highway
level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set:
iThe setting is stored when you turn off the
engine.
!Keep in mind that in rough or uneven roads,
adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may cause
the vehicle underbody to come in contact with
the road and result in damage to the vehicle un-
derbody. Always make sure the vehicle has suffi-
cient ground clearance before adjusting it to a
lower level.
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
theèÿk or buttonj on the
multifunction steering wheel.
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356 Operation
Driving instructions
Read this chapter carefully before you be-
gin off-road travel.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle char-
acteristics and gear changing before you
attempt any difficult terrain off-road driv-
ing. We recommend that you start out with
easy off-road travel.Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available
for specific kind of operation:

Off-road – ABS (page 102)

Off-road – ESP® (page 106)

Off-road – 4-ETS (page 108)

Hill start assist system (page 196)

LOW RANGE mode* (page 201)

Differential locks* (page 204)

Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
(
page 273)

Off-road driving program (Vehicles
without enhanced off-road package*)
(
page 277)

Air suspension (page 278)Off-road driving rules

Engage the off-road driving program
(
page 277) or LOW RANGE mode*
(
page 201) before driving under
off-road conditions.

If necessary, activate differential
locks* (
page 204).

Make sure you select a vehicle level
(
page 279) appropriate to the topo-
graphical conditions. Always make
sure the vehicle has enough ground
clearance.

Fasten items being carried as securely
as possible (
page 295).

Always navigate gradients with the en-
gine on and with the transmission en-
gaged in a gear. Switch on the DSR
(
page 274) to help maintain a preset
speed.
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361 Operation
Driving instructions

Select the highest vehicle level
possible (
page 279).

Switch to off-road driving program
(
page 277) or LOW RANGE mode*
(
page 201) before driving through
water.

Shift automatic transmission to
position1 or2 (
page 197).

Avoid high engine speeds.

Enter and leave the water only at a
shallow spot, driving at walking speed.

Drive through the water slowly and at a
constant speed.

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.

There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.

Make sure that only small bow waves
are formed when driving the vehicle
through water.

Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.

To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times while driving
after leaving the water.Crossing obstacles
!Never accelerate before driving into the
water. The bow wave could force water into the
engine and auxiliary equipment, thus damaging
them.
!Do not open any of the vehicle’s doors while
driving through water. Water could otherwise en-
ter the vehicle interior and damage the vehicle’s
electronics, as well as the interior equipment.
!Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If possi-
ble use the assistance of a second person out-
side the vehicle to scout the path you intend to
take and check for adequate ground clearance
when you cross obstacles with your vehicle. The
person assisting you outside the vehicle should
always be a safe distance away from the vehicle
and positioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obstacles, in-
spect vehicle for any damage, especially vehicle
underbody and suspension components. Failure
to do so can adversely affect the vehicle’s future
performance, including increased chance of an
accident.
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362 Operation
Driving instructions
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks
and other obstacles, observe the following
rules:

Make sure the off-road driving program
(
page 277) or if equipped the LOW
RANGE mode* (
page 201) is
switched on.

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 197).

Check the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.

Cross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or
big rocks) very slowly by aiming one of
the front wheels at the center of the ob-
stacle, and repeat same with the rear
wheel.Driving on sand
When driving on sand, observe the follow-
ing rules:

Set the raised level (page 279).

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift automatic transmission into a
gear range that is appropriate for the
terrain.

In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and re-
duce the likelihood of the vehicle sink-
ing into the ground.

Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they
are not too deep and you have suffi-
cient clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other by-
ways have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.

Make sure the off-road driving program
(
page 277), or if equipped, the LOW
RANGE mode* (
page 201) is
switched on.

Set the raised level (page 279).!Special attention is needed when you cross
obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result of its
possible slanted position which in turn may
result in the vehicle tipping or rolling over.
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 395) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
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363 Operation
Driving instructions

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 197).

Drive next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.

If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive
with one side of the vehicle on the
grassy center strip if the route permits.Returning from off-road drivingOff-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehi-
cle for possible damage after each off-road
trip. Recognizing any damage and a subse-
quent timely repair reduces the chance of
a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:

Switch off the off-road driving program
(
page 278) or the LOW RANGE
mode* (
page 201).

Switch off the DSR (page 274).

Set the differential locks* to AUTO
(
page 205).

Lower the vehicle back to a level
suitable for road conditions, e.g. High-
way/High-speed level (
page 279).

Clean all exterior lamps and check for
possible damage.
!Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle’s clearance is sufficient. Otherwise:

your vehicle may be damaged

the underbody of the vehicle may come in
contact with the ground and you may get
stuck
Warning!G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion to an area which is a safe distance from
the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for
possible damage. If the vehicle or tires ap-
pear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
Damage to the vehicle may influence driving
comfort and pose the risk of accident to you
and other drivers.
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