Turning off the engine ........................ 89
Turn signals ......................................... 77
Cleaning lenses ............................. 194
Indicator lamps ................................ 26
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 218
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 179
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 171, 179
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 108
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 262
Unlocking the vehicle
Manually ........................................ 228
SmartKey ......................................... 60
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 197
Useful features .................................. 134
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 243
Care ............................................... 192
Control system ................................ 99
Identification Number (VIN) ...........254
Locking/unlocking ........................... 60
Lowering (wheel change) ...............242
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 21
Towing ........................................... 246
Unlocking/locking manually ..........228
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 254
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 74
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 130
Cargo volume, expanding ..............130
Instructions .................................... 129
Load limit ....................................... 167
Roof rack ....................................... 130
Terminology ................................... 177
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 179
Vehicle specification
G 550 ............................................. 256
G 55 AMG ...................................... 257
Vehicle status message memory .... 105
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 200
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning sounds
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....44
Parking brake ................................ 208
Rear Parking Assist system ...........120
Seat belt telltale ............................ 222
Warranty coverage ............................ 254
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 265
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 210
Mixing ratio .................................... 265
Refilling .......................................... 157
Washing the vehicle .......................... 192
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 172
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 239
Removing ....................................... 241
Spare ............................................. 239
Tightening torque ........................... 242
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 258
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 158
Window curtain air bags ..................... 37
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 195
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 195
Defogging ...................................... 126
Washer fluid ................................... 265
Wipers ............................................. 82
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Windshield defroster ........................ 127
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................238
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 180
Snow chains .................................. 180
Tires ............................................... 179
Winter tires ................................ 179, 258
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 197Index17463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 17
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.
Operating safety
GWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
R the safety precautions in this manual
R the “Technical data” section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R motor vehicle laws and safety standards
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected if required. If the matter is not
handled to your satisfaction, please discuss
the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center
management or, if necessary, contact us at
one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Introduction21463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 21Z
Exterior viewiThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Tailgate:Opening and closing63Unlocking manually229;Rear window defroster127=Rear view camera120?Rear window wiper/washer82Wiper blade, replacing238Wiper blade, cleaning195ARear lamps233BFuel filler flap150CDoors:Locking and unlocking60Locking and unlocking
manually228
DExterior rear view mirrors72EFront lamps233FunctionPageFHood152GWipers:Wiper blades, replacing238Wiper blades, cleaning195HWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid83Cleaning195IPower tilt/sliding sunroof128JHeadlamp cleaning system78KTires and wheels158Rims and tires258LBrush guard232MTowing eyes24624Exterior viewAt a glance
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Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R BAS (
Brake Assist System)
R EBB (
Electronic Brake Booster)
R ESP ®
(
Electronic Stability Program)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.GWarning!
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
R braking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched
on at all times except when driving off-road
for example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions, provided the
differential locks are not engaged.
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ESP®GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! 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 or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Such testing should be no longer than 10
seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP ®
. The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The 4-ETS function is available between
vehicle speeds of 0 mph ( km/h) and 37 mph
(60 km/h).
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
Switching off the ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
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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 179) 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 195).
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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Vehicle equipment ............................150
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......150
At the gas station .............................150
Engine compartment ........................152
Tires and wheels ...............................158
Winter driving ...................................179
Driving instructions ..........................181
Maintenance ......................................190
Vehicle care .......................................192
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