Central locking
Automatic ................................ 74, 138
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Locking/unlocking from inside ........75
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 75
Certification label .............................. 360
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 46
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........60
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type ....59
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (Canada only) .........46
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (USA only) ..............42
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Override switch ................................ 60
Safety notes ..................................... 55
Tether anchorage points ..................58
Top tether ........................................ 58
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 281
Cigarette lighter ................................ 212
Climate control system .................... 172
3-zone automatic climate control ..181
Air conditioning .....................177, 186
Air conditioning refrigerant ............371
Air distribution ....................... 178, 188
Air recirculation mode ...........180, 190
Air volume ............................. 179, 189
Automatic mode ....................178, 187
Climate control .............................. 175
Deactivating system ..............177, 185
Front defroster ...................... 179, 189
Residual heat and
ventilation .............................. 180, 191
Temperature .......................... 178, 187
Clock ............................................ 28, 135
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 255Collapsible wheel chock ................... 286
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 100
Comfort submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 139
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 140
Seat belt adjustment feature .........139
Compass
Calling up ....................................... 223
Control system .................................. 125
Multifunction display .....................127
Multifunction steering wheel .........125
Resetting to factory settings ..........132
Control system menus ...................... 127
Audio/DVD .................................... 129
Distronic ........................................ 131
Navigation ..................................... 130
Off-road ......................................... 131
Settings ......................................... 132
Standard display ............................ 128
Telephone ...................................... 142
Trip computer ................................ 141
Vehicle configuration .....................140
Vehicle status message memory ...131
Control system submenus
Comfort ......................................... 139
Instrument cluster .........................133
Lighting .......................................... 136
Time/Date ..................................... 135
Vehicle ........................................... 138
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............374
Capacities ...................................... 369
Checking level ............................... 231
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 306
Cruise control .................................... 144
Activating ....................................... 145
Canceling ....................................... 146
Changing the set speed .................146
Last stored speed ..........................147
Lever .............................................. 145
Messages in the mutlifunction
display ........................................... 2946IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 6
Through standing water .................262
With Distronic ................................ 153
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 108
Driving off .................................. 110, 261
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
4-ETS ............................................... 64
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 63
EBP .................................................. 63
ESP ®
................................................ 63
Driving systems
Air suspension program .................159
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 166
Cruise control ................................ 144
Distronic ........................................ 147
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) ..155
Hill-start assist system ..................155
Off-road driving program ...............158
Parktronic system ..........................166
Rear view camera .......................... 169
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 117
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) .... 155
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 303
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 92, 139
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 63
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 212
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 ..................................... 284
Flat tire .......................................... 336
Hazard warning flasher ..................101
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 216
Towing the vehicle .........................352
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 215
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 357
Emergency operations
Limp-home mode ........................... 119
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......219
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 272
Information label ............................ 361
System warranties ...........................20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............226
Cleaning ......................................... 276
Compartment ................................ 228
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 29, 320
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 306
Number .......................................... 361
Starting .......................................... 108
Turning off ..................................... 113
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 230
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 231
Additives ........................................ 371
Checking level ............................... 230
Consumption ................................. 230
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 308
Oil dipstick ..................................... 230
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 370
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 63
4-ETS ............................................... 64
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 289, 300
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 65
Trailer stabilization ........................... 65
Warning lamp ................................. 3188IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 8
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
The automatic central locking function can
be switched off ( Y page 138).
Automatic transmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be used.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved up or
down. However, the parking pawl remains
engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows
the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or
the oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 259).
For information on off-road driving, see “Off-
road driving” ( Y page 262).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R Gasoline engine: An ignition cable may be
damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Gasoline engine: Unburned gasoline may
have entered the catalytic converter and
damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡ (120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 231).Driving and parking111Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 111Z
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp ! (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” ( Y page 320).XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
KEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door. This
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch. The driver’s door then can
be closed again.XOpening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.XTurn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.XTake off fuel filler cap ;.
!
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
XSet fuel filler cap ; on fuel filler flap :.XFully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.XOnly fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .XClosing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise the flap locking pin will
prevent closing the fuel filler flap.
XClose fuel filler flap :.
Low outside temperatures (diesel
engine)
! Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
The fuel system and engine will otherwise
be damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is offered
in the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” ( Y page 368).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 230)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 237)
R Coolant level ( Y page 231)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 328)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system ( Y page 232)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 233)
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 display 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.
228Engine compartmentOperation
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For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 368).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 308).
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.
Example illustration: GL 450 (GL 350 BlueTEC,GL 550 similar)
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 368) and
(Y page 370).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
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 display 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.
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RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn 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 to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning cap ; counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: reaches marking
bar : 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.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 369) and
(Y page 373).
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
GWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged.
Fluid for the washer system, rear window
washer system, and the headlamp cleaning
system is supplied from the washer fluid
reservoir.
During all seasons, use MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”. Mix it
with water or premixed washer solvent/
antifreeze depending on the ambient
temperature (Y page 375).
XOpening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap : upwards.
XRefill the washer fluid reservoir.XClosing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap : onto filler hole until it engages.
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EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Top Up
Coolant
See
Operator’s
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 231).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XEngage the parking brake.XOnly start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.XIf the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†).
GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
306Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37† ), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solution
or other Mercedes-Benz approved products
of equal specification are used to renew the
coolant concentration or bring it back up to
the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approximately -35‡
[-37†]).
If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection
to approximately -49‡ [-45†]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this amount
of anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be used to
bring it up to the proper level (have cooling
system checked for signs of leakage). Please
make sure the mixture is in accordance with
label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water.
If you are not sure about the water quality,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum
parts. The use of aluminum components in
motor vehicle engines necessitates that
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in
such engines be specifically formulated to
protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use
such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will
result in a significantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or once
a year in hot southern regions), you should
have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked.
The coolant is also regularly checked each
time you bring your vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
ModelApproximate freeze protection-35‡ (-37†)-49‡ (-45†)Cooling systemGL 350 BlueTEC5.0 US qt (4.75 l)5.5 US qt (5.2 l)GL 450
GL 5506.3 US qt (6.0 l)7.0 US qt (6.6 l)374Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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