
Operating safety
Safety notes
G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have work on the vehicle carried out
by a qualified specialist workshop. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-rela-
ted systems as well as maintenance work
must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. The workshop must have the nec-
essary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose. G
Risk of accident and injury
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
switch off the engine when driving. Otherwise,
the safety systems of your vehicle may not
function correctly and as a result will no lon-
ger protect you and other persons as inten-
ded. In addition, there is a risk that you may
lose control of your vehicle and thus cause an
accident. G
Risk of accident and injury
Work carried out incorrectly, or alterations
made to the vehicle, e.g. rerouting of cables
under coverings, could cause the safety sys-
tems of your vehicle to stop working properly.
The safety systems would thus no longer pro-
tect you and other persons as intended. In
addition, there is a risk that you may lose con-
trol of your vehicle and thus cause an acci-
dent.
All work and alterations to the vehicle, e.g.
installations or modifications, should there-
fore be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
Risk of accident
If you drive over obstacles at high speed or if
the vehicle bottoms out in rough terrain, it
could cause heavy impacts to the vehicle
underbody, tyres or wheels. This could cause your vehicle to be damaged, which in turn
might lead to an accident. This also applies to
vehicles which are equipped with underbody
protection.
You should therefore drive over obstacles
slowly and prevent the vehicle from bottom-
ing out when driving off-road. If necessary,
have your vehicle inspected at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. G
Risk of accident
If work on electronic equipment and its soft-
ware is carried out incorrectly, the equipment
could stop functioning. The electronic sys-
tems are networked via interfaces. Tampering
with these electronic systems could cause
malfunctions in systems which have not been
modified. Such malfunctions 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.
Inform Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible
about any change in address or vehicle own-
ership. 18 Introduction
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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 warn-
ing 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 recognise
certain dangers. Introduction
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Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
i An emergency spare wheel* may also be
fitted against the direction of rotation. Tyre tread
G
Risk of accident
Bear in mind that:
R tyre grip decreases rapidly on wet roads
when the tread depth is less than 3 mm.
Thus, you should replace tyres that have
insufficient tread.
R winter tyres should be replaced when the
tread depth is 4 mm or less as they will no
longer provide adequate grip.
R the tread on a tyre may not wear evenly.
Thus, you should regularly check the tread
depth and the condition of the tread across
the entire width of all tyres. If necessary,
turn the steering wheel so that you can see
the tyre tread more easily.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident due to the reduced
grip of the tyres on the road. Tyre pressures
i You will find a table of tyre pressures for
various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The valid value for the "Minispare" emer-
gency spare wheel* is stated on the spare
wheel and in the technical data section. G
Risk of accident
Tyre pressure that is either too high or too low
has a negative effect on the vehicle’s driving
safety, which could lead you to cause an acci-
dent. Therefore, you should regularly check
the pressure of all the tyres, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as nec-
essary.
To test tyre pressure, use a suitable pressure
gauge. The outer appearance of a tyre does
not permit any reliable conclusion about the
tyre pressure. G
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.
R make sure that only a valve cap approved
by Mercedes-Benz has been fitted on the
tyre valve.
Tyre pressure that is too low has a negative
effect on the vehicle’s active safety, which
could lead to your causing an accident.
If possible, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold. Depending on
the ambient temperature, the speed you are
driving at and the load on the tyres, the tyre
temperature and thus the tyre pressure may
change by approximately 0.1 bar per 10 °C.
Take this into account when checking the
pressure of warm tyres and only correct it if
it is too low for the current operating condi-
tions.
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) 152 Ty
res and wheelsOperation
* optional
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removed, remove the ball coupling and clean
it.
If the ball coupling can still not be fitted
(locked) after it has been cleaned, remove the
ball coupling. The trailer coupling must then
not be used to tow a trailer, as safe operation
is not guaranteed.
Have the entire trailer coupling checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre for this purpose. In par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. 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 noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
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 vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section. You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 253).
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 80 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer coupling and
trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer
drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing 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 i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 53).
In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h. 164
Trailer towing*Operation
* optional
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Notes on the technical data.............242
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .........242
Vehicle electronics ...........................243
Vehicle identification plates ............244
Service products and capacities .....245
Vehicle data, GLK 280 4MATIC ........249
Vehicle data, GLK 350 4MATIC ........249
Vehicle data, GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC .250
Tyres and wheels .............................. 251
Trailer coupling* ............................... 253
241
Technical data
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Notes 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. Therefore, the data may differ for
vehicles with optional equipment. You can
obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Tailgate opening dimensions
:
Max. headroom
; Tailgate opening height : ;
Vehicle
1,943 mm –
1,955 mm 2,075 mm -
2,087 mm Fuel consumption in accordance with
RL 80/1268/EEC
The consumption figures have been deter-
mined according to applicable EU directives
and do not refer to one specific vehicle. Devi-
ations from these values may occur under
normal operating conditions. Genuine Mercedes-Benz 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. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz 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. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz recommends genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts and conversion parts
and accessories that have been approved for
your vehicle. H
Environmental note
Daimler also supplies reconditioned assem-
blies 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 242 Genuine Mercedes-Benz partsTechnical data
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Frequency range Maximum trans-
mission output
(watts)
Short wave
(<50 MHz) 100
4 m waveband 20
2 m waveband 50
70 cm waveband 35
25 cm waveband 10
!
If electrical or electronic equipment
which does not comply with the above
installation conditions is operated inside
the vehicle, the vehicle's operating permit
may be invalidated (EU Directive
95/54/EC - Automotive EMC directive). Vehicle identification plates
Vehicle identification plate with vehi-
cle identification number (VIN) and
paint code number
The vehicle identification plate is located on
the side of the door frame on the front-
passenger side. X
Open the driver's door.
You will see vehicle identification
plate :. Vehicle identification plate (example)
: Vehicle identification plate
; Vehicle manufacturer
= EU type approval number
? Vehicle identification number (VIN)
A Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight
B Maximum permissible towing weight
C Maximum permissible front axle load
D Maximum permissible rear axle load
E Paint code Vehicle identification number (VIN)
In addition to being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body. It is located on the floor in front of the
front-passenger seat. 244 Vehicle identification platesTechnical data
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X
Slide the right-hand front seat to its rear-
most position.
X Fold floor covering :upwards.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) ;. Engine number
The engine number is stamped on the crank-
case. More information can be obtained from
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Service products and capacities
Service products are:
R fuels (e.g. petrol, diesel)
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windscreen washer fluid
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use those products which have been tested
and specially approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle and are listed in the Mercedes-
Benz Owner's Manual in the relevant chapter
since:
R parts and service products are matched.
R damage caused by the use of non-approved
service products is not covered by the war-
ranty.
You can recognise service products approved
by Mercedes-Benz by the following inscrip-
tion on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations that
relate to a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (such
as MB 229.5) have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
Risk of injury
When handling, storing and disposing of any
service products, please observe the relevant
regulations, as, otherwise, you could endan-
ger yourself and others.
Keep service products away from children.
To protect your health, do not allow service
products to come into contact with your eyes
or open wounds. See a doctor immediately if
any service product is swallowed. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner. Fuel
G
Risk of explosion
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking are therefore prohibited when
handling fuels.
Switch off the engine and the auxiliary heat-
ing* before refuelling. G
Risk of injury
Do not allow fuel to come into contact with
skin or clothing.
Allowing fuels to come into direct contact with
your skin or inhaling fuel vapours is damaging
to your health.
Tank capacity Total capacity 66 l
Of which reserve
fuel
Approximately 8 l
!
Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a petrol engine. Never mix
diesel with petrol. Even small amounts of
the wrong fuel result in damage to the Service products and capacities
245Technical data
* optional
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