1, 2, 3 ...
115V AC Socket ................................. 137
4-ETS (Electronic Traction System) ... 54
4MATIC see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 52
Indicator lamp ................................ 220
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 204
Accessory weight .............................. 177
Accidents ............................................. 88
Air bags ........................................... 33
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............139
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 262
Gasoline ......................................... 263
Address change ................................... 20
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 162
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 206, 218
Air bags ................................................ 33
Emergency call upon deployment ..139
Front, driver and passenger .............35
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 37, 227
Safety guidelines ............................. 34
Window curtain ................................ 37
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 262
Air distribution .................................. 125
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 177
Air recirculation mode ...................... 126
Air volume .......................................... 125
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 117
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 212
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 264
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 55
Anti-theft alarm system ...................56
Immobilizer ...................................... 55
Tow-away alarm ............................... 56
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest, front
Storage compartment ....................133
Telephone tray ............................... 133
Ashtrays ............................................. 135
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 177
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 103
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 73
Automatic central locking .......... 62, 111
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 75
Automatic interior lighting control .... 79
Automatic locking when driving ...... 111
Automatic transmission ..................... 89
Gear range indicator ........................92
Gear ranges ..................................... 92
Gear selector lever ........................... 89
Hill-start assist system ..................117
Kickdown ......................................... 91
One-touch gearshifting ....................92
Shifting procedure ...........................90
Transmission position indicator .......90
Transmission positions ....................90
Axle oils .............................................. 260
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............37
Self-test ........................................... 38
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 215
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 177
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 53
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Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......142
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........228
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 177
Drinking and driving ......................... 181
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 189
Hydroplaning ................................. 184
Instructions ............................. 85, 181
In winter ........................................ 180
Off-road ......................................... 184
Problems ......................................... 87
Safety systems ................................ 52
Systems ......................................... 115
Through standing water .................184
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 85
Driving off .................................... 86, 183
Driving safety systems ....................... 52
4-ETS ............................................... 54
ABS .................................................. 52
BAS .................................................. 53
EBB .................................................. 53
ESP ®
................................................ 54
Driving systems
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 117
Cruise control ................................ 115
Hill-start assist system ..................117
Rear Parking Assist system ...........118
Rear view camera .......................... 120
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ........................................ 91
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 71, 112
EBB (Electronic Brake Booster) .......... 53
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 21
Power outlets ................................. 136
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Electronic Traction System
see 4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 200
Flat tire .......................................... 239
Hazard warning flasher ....................78
Roadside Assistance ................ 19, 140
Towing the vehicle .........................246
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 139
Emergency operations
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ..............231
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......142
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 190
Information label ............................ 255
System warranties ...........................18
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............150
Cleaning ......................................... 193
Compartment ................................ 152
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 26, 225
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 210
Number .......................................... 255
Starting ............................................ 85
Turning off ....................................... 89
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 155
Additives ........................................ 262
Checking level ............................... 153
Consumption ................................. 153
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 213
Oil dipstick ..................................... 154
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 261
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 54
4-ETS ............................................... 54
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 204
Warning lamp ................................. 223Index7463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 7
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 45
Safety guidelines ............................. 34
Express operation
Power windows ................................ 84
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................128
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 74
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 72
Parking position ............................... 73
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 24
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 41
First aid kit ......................................... 200
Flat tire ............................................... 239
Lowering the vehicle ......................242
Mounting the spare wheel .............240
Preparing the vehicle .....................240
Spare wheel ........................... 239, 259
Floormats ........................................... 147
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid .........260
Brake fluid ..................................... 261
Capacities ...................................... 260
Engine coolant ............................... 261
Engine oil ....................................... 260
Power steering fluid .......................260
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 261
Fog lamps ............................................. 76
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 215, 217
Four-wheel drive
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front axle oil ...................................... 260
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 35
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ............................. 37, 227
Fuel ..................................................... 150
Additives ........................................ 263
Capacity, fuel tank .........................261
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................181
Fuel consumption statistics ...........112
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................151
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp ........................................ 26, 224
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........262
Refueling ........................................ 150
Requirements ................................ 263
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 151
Opening manually ..........................230
Fuel gauge ............................................ 26
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 260
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 261
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................151
Refueling ........................................ 150
Fuses .................................................. 249
G
Garage door opener .......................... 143
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 178
Gear range ........................................... 92
Indicator .......................................... 92
Limiting ............................................ 92
Shifting into optimal ........................93
Transfer case ................................... 93
Gear selector lever .............................. 89
Cleaning ......................................... 196
Gearshift pattern ............................. 89
Lock ........................................... 86, 90
Shifting procedure ...........................90
Transmission position indicator .......90
Transmission positions ....................90
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 132
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Trailer Weight
see GTW
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) .............. 178
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Spare wheel ....................................... 258
Mounting ....................................... 240
Storage location ............................ 201
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 116
Resume function ............................ 117
Sport Utility Vehicle
see SUV
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 32, 223
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 205
Standing water, driving through ...... 184
Starter switch positions
SmartKey ......................................... 65
Starting difficulties (engine) .............. 86
Starting the engine ............................. 85
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 143
Storage compartments ..................... 132
Storing tires ....................................... 171
Stranded vehicle ............................... 249
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sun visors .......................................... 135
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) ................. 20
T
Tachometer .................................... 26, 99
Overspeed range ............................. 99
Tailgate
Closing ............................................. 63
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 210
Opening ........................................... 63
Unlocking manually .......................229
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 194
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 217
Tar stains ........................................... 193
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant ............262
Brake fluid ..................................... 262
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 260
Coolant .......................................... 263
Engine oil additives ........................262
Engine oils ..................................... 261
Fuel requirements .......................... 263
Gasoline additives .......................... 263
Identification labels .......................254
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........262
Rims and tires ................................ 258
Spare wheel ................................... 259
Vehicle specification G 550 ...........256
Vehicle specification G 55 AMG ....257
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 261, 265
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 138
Emergency calls ............................. 139
Information button .........................141
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 140
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 209
Remote door unlock ......................142
Roadside Assistance button ..........140
Search & Send ............................... 142
SOS button .................................... 140
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ..143
System self-test ............................. 139
Telephone ............................................. 27
Answering/ending a call ................114
Hands-free microphone ...................30
Menu ............................................. 113
Operation ....................................... 113
Phone book .................................... 114
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Vehicle equipment
i This 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.
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satisfied
you will be with its performance later on.
R Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
R During this period, avoid heavy loads (full
throttle driving) and excessive engine
speeds (no more than 2
/ 3 of maximum rpm
in each gear).
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Avoid accelerating by kickdown.
R Do not attempt to slow the vehicle down by
shifting to a lower gear using the gear
selector lever.
R Select gear ranges 3, 2 or 1 (Y page 92)
only when driving at moderate speeds (for
hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine speeds
to the permissible maximum.
! Additional instructions for AMG vehicles:
R During the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km),
do not exceed a speed of 85 mph
(140 km/h).
R During this period, avoid engine speeds
above 4 500 rpm in each gear.
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Avoid off-road driving during the break-in
period until the oil change in the front
and rear axle at 2 000 miles (3 000 km)
has been performed. Please refer to
Maintenance Booklet.
All of the above instructions, as may apply to
your vehicle type, also apply when driving the
first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) after the engine,
the transfer case, the front differential or the
rear differential have been replaced.
i Always obey applicable speed limits.
At the gas station
Refueling
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.
GWarning!
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel pump
nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
! Never refuel vehicles with gasoline engine
with diesel fuel. Even small amounts of
diesel fuel will damage the fuel system and
engine. Damage resulting from the use of
non-approved fuels or fuel additives or
resulting from mixing gasoline with diesel
fuel is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! If you have accidentally filled the tank
with incorrect or non-approved fuel, do not
150At the gas stationOperation
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! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
XLift hood up slightly.XPush safety hook ; in direction of arrow.XPull up on hood.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
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 8 in (20 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 consumes 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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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 213).
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).
The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
RUsing engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
RChanging of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
RUsing any oil additives.
G 550
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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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