Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever must
be in neutral position N and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, the vehicle may be towed only
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at
a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle raised
(observe instructions regarding flexible
drive shaft and propeller shafts), the engine
must be shut off and the SmartKey must be
in starter switch position 1. Otherwise, the
4-ETS may become engaged which may
cause loss of towing control.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 175) or
snow chains as required.
Rear Parking Assist system
The Rear Parking Assist system is an
electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors
designed to assist the driver during parking
maneuvers. It indicates the relative distance
between the rear of the vehicle and an
obstacle visually and audibly.
The Rear Parking Assist system is activated
automatically when you switch on the ignition
and the automatic transmission is in reverse
gear R.
The Rear Parking Assist system monitors the
rear surroundings of your vehicle with four
sensors in the rear bumper.
To function properly, sensors : must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the Rear Parking Assist system sensors”
(Y page 190).
GWarning!
The Rear Parking Assist is a supplemental
system. It is not intended to, nor does it
replace, the need for extreme care. The
responsibility during parking and other critical
maneuvers always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Rear Parking Assist system will not detect
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The windshield defroster switches off
automatically after 10 minutes.
If you switch on the windshield defroster for
the fourth time in succession, it will switch off
automatically after 5 minutes.
You cannot switch on the windshield
defroster if the outside temperature is above
50‡ (10†).
GWarning!
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press windshield defroster
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
XSwitching off: Press windshield defroster
switch : once more.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
! If too many electrical consumers are
operating simultaneously and there is
insufficient voltage in the battery, indicator
lamp ; in windshield defroster switch :
starts flashing. After approximately
30 seconds the system responds
automatically by switching the windshield
defroster off.
Rear window defrosterGWarning!
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster uses a large
amount of power. To keep the battery drain
to a minimum, switch off the defroster as
soon as the rear window is clear. The
defroster is switched off automatically after
approximately 6 to 17 minutes of operation
depending on the outside temperature.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press button ª6 or |7 on the respective climate control panel.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
XSwitching off: Press button ª or
| again.
XSwitch off consumers that are currently not
needed if required.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage,
the rear window defroster switches back on
automatically.
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Opening and closing
GWarning!
When closing the tilt/sliding sunroof, make
sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the closing procedure.
The opening procedure of the tilt/sliding
sunroof can be immediately halted by
releasing the sunroof switch or, if the sunroof
switch was moved past the resistance point
and released, by moving the sunroof switch in
any direction.
6USA only7Canada only
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The closing procedure of the tilt/sliding
sunroof can be immediately halted by
releasing the sunroof switch.The closing
procedure of the tilt/sliding sunroof can be
immediately reversed by moving the sunroof
switch in direction : or ?.
In a vehicle rollover, occupants not wearing
their seat belts or not wearing them properly
may be thrown out of the opening. Such an
opening also presents a potential for injury for
occupants wearing their seat belts properly as
entire body parts or portions of them may
protrude from the passenger compartment.
GObserve Safety notes, see page 44.
iThe tilt/sliding sunroof can be opened or
closed manually should an electrical
malfunction occur (Y page 223).
! To avoid damaging the seals, do not
transport any objects with sharp edges
which can stick out of the tilt/sliding
sunroof.
Do not open the tilt/sliding sunroof if there
is snow or ice on the roof, as this could
result in malfunctions.
If you cannot open or close the tilt/sliding
sunroof due to a malfunction contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Please keep in mind that weather
conditions can sometimes change rapidly.
Make sure to close the tilt/sliding sunroof
when leaving the vehicle. If water enters
the vehicle interior, vehicle electronics
could be damaged which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
iYou can also open or close the tilt/sliding
sunroof using the SmartKey, see “Summer
opening feature” (Y page 82) and
“Convenience closing feature”
(Y page 82).
Sunroof switch
:Raising;Lowering=Closing?OpeningXSwitch on the ignition.XOpening, closing, raising and lowering
manually: Move and hold the sunroof
switch to the resistance point in direction
of arrow : to ?.
XRelease the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
XExpress opening: To open the tilt/sliding
sunroof completely, move the sunroof
switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow ? and release.
XStopping during express opening: Move
the sunroof switch in any direction.
Loading and storing
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
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XReinstalling ashtray insert: Position
ashtray insert =.
XClosing: Push at top of cover ;.
Cigarette lighter
GObserve Safety notes, see page 44.GWarning!
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the cigarette lighter; they are extremely hot.
Hold the knob only.
Make sure that any children traveling with you
do not injure themselves or start a fire with
the hot cigarette lighter.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
If the engine is off and the cigarette lighter is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
XSwitch on the ignition.XOpen the ashtray (Y page 133).XPush in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter : will pop out
automatically when hot.
! The lighter socket can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical
accessories (up to a maximum of 180 W)
designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in mind,
however, that connecting accessories to
the lighter socket (for example extensive
connecting and disconnecting, or using
plugs that do not fit properly) can damage
the lighter socket. With the socket
damaged, the lighter may not function
properly any longer.
Power outlets
The power outlets can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. auxiliary lamps, mobile phone chargers)
up to a maximum of 15 A (180 W).
XSwitch on the ignition.
Power outlet in front passenger
footwell
Power outlet in rear center console
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switch on the ignition. Otherwise the
incorrect or non-approved fuel will get into
the fuel lines. The fuel system must be
drained completely. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to have the fuel
system drained completely.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
(Y page 254), see “Fuel requirements”
(Y page 255), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand
side of the vehicle towards the rear.
Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey automatically locks/unlocks the
fuel filler flap.
iIn case the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, see “Fuel filler
flap” (Y page 223).
XTurn off the engine.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp = (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” (Y page 218).
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XOpening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.
XTurn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.XTake off fuel filler cap ;.
! The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
XPlace fuel filler cap ; in direction of arrow
into the holder.
XFully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.XOnly fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill.
! When refueling the vehicle, make certain
that no gasoline comes into contact with
the rear side marker to prevent damaging
the lens.
XClosing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
iMake sure to close the fuel filler flap
before locking your vehicle as the flap
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locking pin prevents closing after you have
locked the vehicle.
XClose fuel filler flap :.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 252).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 149)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 156)
RCoolant level (Y page 152)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 226)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 153)
RBrake fluid (Y page 152)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the engine
is overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary, call
the fire department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! To avoid damage to the windshield wipers
or hood, never open the hood if the wiper
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XPull out oil dipstick :.XWipe oil dipstick : clean.XFully insert oil dipstick : into the dipstick
guide tube.
XPull out oil dipstick : again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark = and upper (max)
mark ; of oil dipstick :.
iThe filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
XIf necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 252).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 207).
Checking engine oil level with the
control system
On the G 55 AMG, you can check the engine
oil level with the control system.
XSwitch on the ignition.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 99).
XPress button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in the
multifunction display:
One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the multifunction
display:
REngine Oil
Level
OK
RAdd
1.0 qt
to reach
maximum
oil level.
(Canada: 1.0 liter)
RAdd
1.5 qts
to reach
maximum
oil level.
(Canada: 1.5 liters)
RAdd
2.0 qts
to reach
maximum
oil level.
(Canada: 2.0 liters)
iIf you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button * or & on
the multifunction steering wheel.
XIf necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 252).
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Other display messages
If the ignition is not switched on, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Switch
ignition on to
check engine
oil level.
XSwitch on the ignition.
If you see the message:
Observe
Waiting Time
XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Engine Oil
Level
Not With
Engine On
XTurn off the engine.XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If there is excess engine oil with the engine at
normal operating temperature, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Engine Oil
Reduce Oil
Level
XHave excess oil siphoned or drained off.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 207).
Adding engine oil
! Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
G 550
G 55 AMG
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