Driving instructions ........................ 184
Driving on sand .............................. 188
Driving through water ....................187
Returning ....................................... 189
Ruts ............................................... 188
Steep terrain .................................. 186
Oil, oil level
see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ....................... 92
Operating safety .................................. 21
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 194
Outside temperature see Displays
Overhead control panel ...................... 30
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 193
Paintwork code ................................. 255
Panic alarm .......................................... 51
Parcel net ........................................... 130
Parking ................................................. 88
Rear Parking Assist system ...........118
Parking Assist
see Rear Parking Assist system
Parking brake ...................................... 88
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 208
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................73
Transmission position ......................90
Parts service ...................................... 254
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 182
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 196
Power assistance .............................. 182
Power outlets .................................... 136
Power seats see Seats
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Opening/closing in an emergency . 231
Operation ....................................... 128
Power washer .................................... 193
Power windows ................................... 84
Cleaning ......................................... 195
Operation ......................................... 84
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 50
Practical hints ................................... 200
Problems
While driving .................................... 87
With vehicle ..................................... 21
With wipers ...................................... 83
Product information ............................ 18
Production options weight ............... 178
Proximity key see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 178
R
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................103
Radio transmitters ............................ 189
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 260
Rear door ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 50
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 50
Rear fog lamp
Replacing bulb ............................... 234
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear Parking Assist system ............. 118
Cleaning system sensors ...............195
Malfunctions .................................. 120
Minimum distance .........................119
Range ............................................ 119
Sensors ......................................... 118
Warning indicators .........................119
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
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The following functions are available:
RChecking tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 162)
RCalling up digital speedometer or outside
temperature (Y page 103)
RCalling up maintenance service indicator
display (Y page 191)
RChecking engine oil level (Y page 154)
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 108).
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 103)
ROperating audio devices/audio media
(Y page 104)
ROperating video DVD (Y page 104)
If no audio equipment is currently switched
on, the message AUDIO Off appears in the
multifunction display.
Selecting radio station
iThe SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio is treated
as a radio application.
For more information on SIRIUS XM
Satellite Radio, refer to separate COMAND
system operating instructions.
Additional optional satellite radio
equipment and a subscription to a 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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XClosing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
iClose the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise the flap locking pin will
prevent closing the fuel filler flap.
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 260).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 153)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 161)
RCoolant level (Y page 156)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 233)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 157)
RBrake fluid (Y page 157)
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!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait 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.
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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.
XOpen the hood (Y page 152).Engine compartment153Operation463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 153Z
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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G 55 AMG
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 260) and
(Y page 261).
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 the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
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.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap :
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure.
XContinue turning cap : counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: reaches the top of the
mark (plastic bridge) in coolant
expansion tank ;
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap : back on and tighten it.156Engine compartmentOperation
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Storing tires
! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Protect tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Cleaning tires
! Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S.
Government requirement designed to give
drivers consistent and reliable information
regarding tire performance. Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires
based on three performance factors:
treadwear :, traction ;, and temperature
resistance =. Although not a Government of
Canada requirement, all tires made for sale in
North America have these grades branded on
the sidewall.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
Quality grades can be found, where
applicable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
TreadwearTractionTemperature200AAA
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. Government test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
GWarning!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
GWarning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
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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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