The following functions are available:
RChecking tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 157)
RCalling up digital speedometer or outside
temperature (Y page 100)
RCalling up maintenance service indicator
display (Y page 186)
RChecking engine oil level (Y page 150)
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature
You can select whether the digital
speedometer or the outside temperature
appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 105).
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the digital speedometer or the outside
temperature appears in the multifunction
display.
Digital speedometer
Outside temperature
Audio/DVD menu
The functions in the Audio/DVD menu
operate the audio or video equipment which
you have currently switched on.
The following functions are available:
RSelecting radio station (Y page 100)
ROperating audio devices/audio media
(Y page 101)
ROperating video DVD (Y page 101)
If no audio equipment is currently switched
on, the message AUDIO Off appears in the
multifunction display.
Selecting radio station
The HD Radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio is
treated as a radio application.
For more information on HD Radio with
SIRIUS Satellite Radio, refer to separate
COMAND system operating instructions.
Additional optional satellite radio equipment
and a subscription to satellite radio service
provider are required for satellite radio
operation. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for details and availability for
your vehicle.
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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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arms are folded forward away from the
windshield.
XLift hood up slightly.XPush safety hook ; in direction of arrow.XPull up on hood.
The hood will be automatically held open at
shoulder height by gas-filled struts.
Closing
GWarning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLet the hood drop from a height of
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
XCheck to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point above
the turn signals to the left and right of the
hood, then it is not properly closed. Open
it again and let it drop with somewhat
greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground.
G 550: The vehicle must have been stationary
for at least 5 minutes with the engine turned
off.
G 55 AMG: With the engine at operating
temperature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
With the engine not at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least 30 minutes with the engine turned off.
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
On the G 550, you can check the engine oil
level with the oil dipstick.
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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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XUnscrew filler cap : from filler neck.XAdd engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
! 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.
XScrew filler cap : back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 252) and
(Y page 253).
Brake fluid level
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature gauge indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is above
158‡ (70†). Allow engine to cool down
before removing cap. The coolant reservoir
contains hot fluid and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
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Only with a proper oil level can the vehicle
obtain a trouble-free oil supply, even on
steep gradients.
! If an engine oil level warning message
appears in the multifunction display while
driving, stop the vehicle in a safe location
or as soon at is safe to do so. Check the
engine oil level.
The engine oil level warning messages
should not be ignored. Extended driving
with the message displayed could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
RCheck the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure. A placard
with the recommended tire inflation
pressures is located on the driver’s door B-
pillar (Y page 161).
RCheck tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.
RReplace missing valve caps.
Rims
RDented or bent rims can cause tire inflation
pressure loss and damage the tire beads.
For this reason, check and, if necessary,
change rims before driving off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
RCheck if the jack (Y page 195) is
functional.
RAlways take the vehicle tool kit, a strong
tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the jack on sandy soil) with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
:Overhang angle, front;Overhang angle, rear:;G 55037°31°G 55 AMG23°26°
RComply with the warnings (Y page 179) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 180).
RDriving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i. e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
80% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of approximately 38°. Keep in mind
that the climbing ability of the vehicle
depends on terrain conditions.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 2 or 1 (Y page 89).
RDrive slowly.
RUtilize the engine’s braking power when
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
iFor maximum engine speed, see
“Tachometer” (Y page 96) and see vehicle
specification for your vehicle
(Y page 248).
RCheck the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.
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! Do not open any of the vehicle’s doors
while driving through water. Water could
otherwise enter the vehicle interior and
damage the vehicle’s electronics, as well as
the interior equipment.
RThere is a very high level of driving
resistance in water. The surface is slippery
and may not be firm, making pulling away
in water difficult and dangerous.
RMake sure that only small bow waves are
formed when driving the vehicle through
water.
RClean mud off the tire tread after driving
through water.
RTo dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times while driving
after leaving the water.
Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If
possible use the assistance of a second
person outside 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,
inspect 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.
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks and
other obstacles, observe the following rules:
RComply with the warnings (Y page 179) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 180).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 89).
RCheck the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.
RCross obstacles (e. g. tree stumps or big
rocks) very slowly by aiming one of the front
wheels at the center of the obstacle, and
repeat same with the rear wheel.
! 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.
Driving on sand
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
When driving on sand, observe the following
rules:RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into a gear
range that is appropriate for the terrain.
RIn sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome the
vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the
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