RAvoid high engine speeds.
R Comply with the warnings (Y page 184) and
rules for off-road driving ( Y page 185).
R Shift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 92).
R Drive next to the ruts rather than through
them if at all possible.
R If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive with
one side of the vehicle on the grassy center
strip if the route permits.
Returning from off-road driving GWarning!
Never drive on pavement with activated
differential locks. Engaged front axle
differential locks limits ability to move around
curves.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
Off-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle
for possible damage after each off-road trip.
Recognizing any damage and a subsequent
timely repair reduces the chance of a possible
breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
R Switch the transfer case to position HIGH
( Y page 93).
R Switch differential locks off ( Y page 95).
R Clean all exterior lamps and check for
possible damage.
R Clean the front and rear license plate.
R Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels,
wheel housings, and underbody.
For instance, after driving in mud, clean the
radiator, chassis, engine, brakes, and
wheels from extreme dirt using a strong jet
of water.
R Check tires for possible damage.
R Inspect vehicle underbody, oil pan, brake
hoses, etc., as well as vehicle underbody
for possible damage.
R Check for brush or branches caught in the
underbody.
! Brush or branches could increase the
possibility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/
or brake lines, puncture rubber bellows of
the axles or drive shafts.
R After continued operation in mud, sand,
water or other dirty conditions clean the
brake discs, wheels, brake pads and check
and clean axle joints.
R Conduct a brake test.
Driving abroad
If you plan to drive the vehicle outside the U.S.
or Canada, you should request dealer
network information for your destination from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Safety notes
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that
Driving instructions189Operation463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 189Z
Service A Due Now
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for a listing of
maintenance services and intervals they need
to be performed at.
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator message
The maintenance service indicator message
is cleared automatically
Rafter approximately 10 seconds when you
switch on the ignition
Rafter approximately 10 seconds when
reaching the service threshold while driving
Rafter approximately 30 seconds, once the
suggested maintenance service term has
passed
XClearing the maintenance service
indicator message manually: Press reset
button : on the instrument cluster.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display.
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested
maintenance service term, you will see the
following message in the multifunction
display:
Service A Exceeded By XXXXX Miles
(Km)
In addition, a signal sounds when the
message appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance service.
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
iThe menu overview can be found on
(Y page 102).
You can call up the maintenance service
indicator display at any time to check when
the next maintenance service is required.
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button V or U on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the standard display (Y page 102)
appears in the multifunction display.
XPress button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance service indicator display with
the service symbol ¯ or ± and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the multifunction display.
iIf the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator with the engine oil level indicator
4.
Maintenance191Operation463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 191Z
Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes
Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
GWarning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage. Any192Vehicle careOperation
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery has insufficient voltage.XTurn off unnecessary electrical consumers.XHave the battery and the alternator checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.#The battery was charged with a battery charger or jump
started.XHave the battery and the alternator checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.4Engine
Oil Level
Service
RequiredThe engine oil has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 153) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 155).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of
damaging the engine or the catalytic converter.XHave oil siphoned or drained off. Observe all legal
requirements with respect to its disposal.It may be that there is water in the engine oil.XHave the engine oil at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.The measuring system is malfunctioning.XHave the measuring system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.4At next
gas
station
add 1.0
qt engine
oil.
(USA only)
At next
gas
station
add 1.0
liter
engine
oil.
(Canada
only)The engine oil level is too low.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 155) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 153).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display213Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 213Z
If the message At next gas station add
1 qt. (Canada: 1 liter) engine oil.
appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level
has dropped to approximately the minimum
level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest servicestation to refill your engine oil to the required
level.
For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Engine
Oil Level
Stop,
Turn
Engine OffThe engine oil level is too low. There is a danger of engine
damage.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XTurn off the engine.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 155) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 153).8Reserve
FuelThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Gas cap
is open.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 151).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.´Clean
Fuel
FilterThere is water in the fuel filter.XHave the water drained at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.214Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterG 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)Approved engine
oilsG 55 AMG9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Automatic
transmissionG 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidG 55 AMG9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Front axleG 5501.5 US qt (1.4 l)Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)G 55 AMGHypoid Gear Oil
(Castrol SAF-XJ)Rear axleG 5501.9 US qt (1.8 l)Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)G 55 AMGHypoid Gear Oil
(Castrol SAF-XJ)Transfer caseAll models2.96 US qt (2.8 l)MB part no.
A 001 989 28 03 10Differential
lock
mechanismAll models0.47 - 0.63 US qt
(0.45 - 0.6 l)Brake fluid
DOT 3+4,
(SAE J 1703)Power steeringAll modelsapprox. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid, or approved
Dexron III ATF260Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Brake systemAll models0.87 US qt (0.82 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemG 550approx. 12.8 US qt (12.1 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeG 55 AMGapprox. 13.4 US qt (12.7 l)Fuel tankG 55025.4 US gal (96.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])G 55 AMG25.1 US gal (95.0 l)Fuel tank
reserveAll modelsapprox. 5.3 US gal (20.0 l)Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.9 US qt (7.5 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 25
( Y page 265)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 265)Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the 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 a
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 notcovered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.ModelEngine,
typeMB sheet
numberG 550273229.5G 55 AMG113229.525 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.261Technical data463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 261Z
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
RHave the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
RAvoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
RDo not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
262Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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