2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL SUV engine

R
Accelerate gently and make sure that the
wheels are gripping.
R Avoid high engine speeds, except when
driving on sandy and muddy routes with
high driving resistance.
R Select a shift range appropriate to the gra-
dient.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
i The vehicle will not roll backwards when
stopping on an uphill gradient if:
R the automatic transmission is in position
D.
R you have selected the LOW RANGE off-
road gear.
Depress the brake pedal when stopping on
steep uphill gradients. Hill start assist will
aid you when you pull away again
(Y page 90).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability On good road surfaces and with the LOW
RANGE off-road gear selected, the full gradi-
ent-climbing capability is available.
i
If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognises this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased and it is easier to pull away.
Brow of hill When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator immedi-
ately before reaching the brow of the hill.
Make use of the vehicle’s own impetus to
travel over the brow.
This style of driving prevents: R
the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
R loss of traction
R the vehicle from travelling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill R
Drive slowly.
R Do not drive at an angle down steep
inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive
with the front wheels aligned straight. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip
and overturn.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
R Check that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
i Off-road ABS is activated when the
LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected.
At speeds below 30 km/h, the front wheels
lock cyclically during braking. The digging-
in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance when driving off-
road. The steerability of the vehicle is con-
siderably reduced when the wheels lock. Driving over obstacles
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other obsta-
cles:
R Select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 114).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Select shift range 1. Off-road driving
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R
Drive very slowly.
R As far as possible, try to drive straight over
the centre of obstacles, front wheel first,
then rear wheel.
! Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. Any damage to the vehicle
always increases the risk of an accident. Fording
The table shows fording capability
:when
the vehicle is loaded and ready to drive. Fording
depth Vehicle level
Off-road level 3 60 cm
Off-road level 2 50 cm
Off-road level 1 50 cm
!
The depth of water must not exceed the
value specified in the table. Note that the
possible fording depth is less in flowing
water.
R Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R Select the highest possible vehicle level. R
Select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 114).
R Restrict the shift range to 1or 2.
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the water where the ground
is level and at a steady walking pace.
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and neighbouring
assemblies.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop.
! Do not open any of the vehicle’s doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle’s electronics and interior equip-
ment.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tyre tread after
crossing a ford.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after crossing
a ford. Driving on sand
Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
R Select a higher vehicle level.
R Select a shift range appropriate to the ter-
rain. 192
Off-road drivingOperation
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R
Drive quickly to overcome the rolling resist-
ance. The vehicle could otherwise dig itself
into the sand.
R Drive in the tracks of other vehicles, if pos-
sible. Make sure that the ruts are not too
deep, that the sand is firm enough and that
your vehicle has sufficient ground clear-
ance. Ruts
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
R Select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 114).
R Select a higher vehicle level.
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Select shift range 1.
R Drive slowly.
R Where ruts are too deep, drive with the
wheels on one side on the middle section
of turf if possible. Driving abroad
Points to remember
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" chapter of the Service
Booklet.
Only low-octane fuel is available in certain
countries.
You can find further information about fuel
grades on (Y page 172). Symmetrical dipped beam
If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on sides of the road oppo-
site to the country in which the vehicle is reg-
istered, your headlamps must be switched to
symmetrical dipped beam. Oncoming traffic
will be dazzled less.
X Have the headlamps switched over at a
qualified specialist workshop, e. g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
Risk of accident
Remember to set the headlamps back to
asymmetrical dipped beam when you return
to driving on the same side of the road as that
of the country in which your vehicle was reg-
istered. You may otherwise dazzle the oncom-
ing traffic and could cause an accident. Trailer towing*
Folding out the ball coupling
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fit the ball coupling.
The telescopic lever is under the boot/lug-
gage compartment mat on the left-hand side. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that the ball coupling is fully
engaged both when it is folded in and when it
is folded out. The indicator lamp is not lit.
Do not pull the telescopic lever if a trailer is
attached. The trailer could otherwise come
loose. Trailer towing*
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Never press the ADS button* or operate the
level control* while you are coupling up or
decoupling a trailer.
X Make sure the DIRECT SELECT selector
lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Set the vehicle to highway level
(Y page 132).
X Set the adaptive damping system (ADS)
setting to AUTOorCOMF (Ypage 129).
X Switch off the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
i If you have coupled a trailer, the vehicle
will remain at highway level.
The vehicle automatically lowers to high-
way level if you drive faster than 8 km/h
with a trailer. The vehicle is not lowered to
the high-speed level even if you are travel-
ling at higher speeds.
This also applies when using accessories
that are plugged into the socket of the
trailer coupling (e.g. a bicycle rack).
Decoupling 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
drawbar.
! Do not uncouple a trailer with overrun
brake between the bumper and drawbar,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged
by the spring action of the overrun brake. X
Make sure the DIRECT SELECT selector
lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away. G
Risk of injury
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. Make sure that nobody
is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody. You could otherwise trap yourself
or others.
As soon as you decouple the trailer, the unla-
den vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you
or others are not injured in the process.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. 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. 196
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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 297).
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 140 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer coupling or
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.
When towing a trailer, where possible set the
tyre pressures for the permissible gross
weight which you find in the table on the
inside of your vehicle's fuel filler flap (higher
values).
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 51).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds
are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent. When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Distronic* or Speedtronic.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
Driving tips
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient- Trailer towing*
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Care
Care and cleaning products
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use only care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
and do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces and protective
films with hard objects, e.g. rings or ice
scrapers. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging, cleaning cloths
and polishing wads in an environmentally
responsible manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for a long period
of time directly after cleaning, especially if
the wheels have just been cleaned with a
wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
rapid corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. After cleaning, park
the vehicle when it is at normal operating
temperature. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
Risk of accident
The efficiency of the brakes is reduced after
using an automatic car wash. This could cause
an accident. For this reason, following a car
wash, drive with particular care until the
brakes are dry. You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the beginning.
!
Do not wash vehicles with an exterior
spare wheel bracket* in an automatic car
wash.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. There is otherwise a risk of dam-
age to the exterior mirrors.
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-
through car wash, make sure that the auto-
matic transmission is in position N, other-
wise the vehicle could be damaged.
R Vehicles with a key:
Do not remove the key from the ignition
lock. Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this automatically shifts
the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion Pand locks the wheels, unless you
have previously shifted the automatic
transmission to N.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS GO*:
Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this shifts the automatic
transmission to park position Pand locks
the wheels.
! Make sure that the side windows are com-
pletely closed, that the ventilation/heater
blower is fully turned off and that the wind-
screen wiper switch is set to 0. Otherwise,
the rain/light sensor may be activated, trig-
gering unintended wiper movements. This
could cause damage to the vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax and drying agents from the windscreen
and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noises caused by residue
on the windscreen. Care
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Observe the legal requirements in all coun-
tries concerned.
The fire extinguisher is located underneath
the front of the driver's seat. X
Pull tab :upwards.
X Remove fire extinguisher ;. Vehicle tool kit, TIREFIT, jack and
"Minispare" emergency spare
wheel*
The vehicle tool kit, TIREFIT, jack and
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel are in the
stowage space under the luggage compart-
ment floor. G
Risk of injury
The jack is designed only to raise and hold the
vehicle for a short time while a wheel is being
changed.
You must use axle stands if you are carrying
out work on the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack is placed on a firm,
non-slip, level surface. Do not use wooden
blocks or similar objects as a jack underlay.
Otherwise, the jack will not be able to achieve
its load-bearing capacity due to the restricted
height.
Do not start the engine at any time while a
wheel is being changed. Do not lie under the vehicle when it is being
supported by the jack. If you do not raise the
vehicle as described, it could slip off the jack
(e.g. if the engine is started or if a door or the
tailgate is opened or closed) and you could be
seriously injured.
i When using the jack, you should also
observe the safety notes in the "Flat tyre"
section (Y page 262).
X Open the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 208).
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit/exterior
spare wheel bracket* :
TIREFIT kit 28
*
; Electric air pump 28
= Centring pin
? Safety net
A folding wheel chock
B Ratchet ring spanner
C Wheel wrench
D Warning triangle
E Jack 29
F Fuse allocation chart
G Towing eye
28 Not on vehicles with an exterior spare wheel bracket.
29 Depending on the date of production of the vehicle, the appearance and stowage location of the jack as well
as the other tools may differ from the illustrations. Where will I find...?
209Practical advice
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions ABS ABS, ESP
inopera‐
tive See
Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are unavailable due
to a malfunction. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Refill
AdBlue at
workshop See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
The AdBlue
®
level has fallen below the reserve range. A warn-
ing tone also sounds.
X Have the AdBlue ®
reservoir filled as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. Refill
AdBlue at
workshop No start
in: XXXX
km
The AdBlue
®
level is only sufficient for the indicated route. A
warning tone also sounds.
X Have the AdBlue ®
reservoir filled as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. Refill
AdBlue at
workshop Engine
start not
possible
The AdBlue
®
tank is empty. A warning tone also sounds. You
can no longer start the engine.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Check
AdBlue See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
The AdBlue
®
system is malfunctioning. A warning tone also
sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. AdBlue No start
in: XXXX
km
The AdBlue
®
system is malfunctioning. A warning tone also
sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. AdBlue Engine
start not
possible
The AdBlue
®
system is malfunctioning. A warning tone also
sounds. You can no longer start the engine.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Auxiliary
battery Malfunc‐
tion The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no lon-
ger being charged.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop at the next opportunity.
X Until then, set the automatic transmission to position P
before you switch off the engine.
X Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake. Display
messages
213Practical advice
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