1, 2, 3 ...
115V AC Socket ................................. 213
3-zone automatic climate control see Climate control system
4-ETS (Electronic Traction System) ... 64
4MATIC see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 62
Indicator lamp ................................ 315
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 288, 300
Accessory weight .............................. 254
Accidents ........................................... 112
Air bags ........................................... 37
Distance warning function .............155
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............215
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 53
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 310
see Headlamps
Adaptive Damping System
see ADS
AdBlue ®
...................................... 346, 373
Capacity, AdBlue ®
tank ................. 369
Refilling ......................................... 347
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 371
Gasoline ......................................... 372
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 159
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 239
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 297, 313
Air bags ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment ..215
Front, driver and passenger .............40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 322
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........42, 322
Knee bag .......................................... 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 41
Window curtain ................................ 42
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 371
Air distribution .......................... 178, 188
Air filter .............................................. 309
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 255
Air recirculation mode .............. 180, 190
Air suspension program
Comfortable driving style ...............159
Introduction ................................... 159
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 301
Sporty driving style ........................159
Suspension tuning .........................159
Vehicle level control ......................159
Air volume ................................. 179, 189
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 284, 343
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 166
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 296, 308
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 374
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 66
Anti-theft alarm system ...................66
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest, front
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Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
RYou can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
( Y page 70).
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button &).
R Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R Never store the SmartKey together with:
- Electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
- Metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
tailgate.
R When the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outside door handle
and switch on the ignition once to activate
the KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
(e.g. if a passenger exits the vehicle with
the SmartKey)
- when pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button or trying to lock the vehicle
with the lock button on an outside door
handle the message Key Not
Detected appears in the multifunction
display
- with the engine running, the red message
Key Not Detected appears in the
multifunction display while driving off
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
front passenger seat or insert it in shirt
pocket).
R If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
turn it off again by
- pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button
- inserting the SmartKey into the starter
switch when the vehicle is at a standstill
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P
R The vehicle could be inadvertently
unlocked if the SmartKey is within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle and
- an outside door handle is splashed with
water
or
- you attempt to clean an outside door
handle
R Remember that the engine can be started
by anyone with a SmartKey that is left
inside the vehicle.
Possibility 1 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
one SmartKey outside the vehicle):
If you leave the SmartKey behind when
exiting and locking the vehicle, no message
appears in the multifunction display.
Possibility 2 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
no SmartKey outside the vehicle):
When exiting and trying to lock the vehicle,
the message Key Detected In Vehicle
appears in the multifunction display. The
vehicle will not be locked.
Factory setting XGlobal unlocking: Grasp an outside door
handle.72Locking and unlockingControls in detail
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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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Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
RCheck the engine oil level (Y page 230).
Only with a proper oil level can the vehicle
obtain a trouble-free oil supply, even on
steep gradients.
! If the engine oil level warning lamp comes
on while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe
location or as soon at is safe to do so.
Check the engine oil level.
The 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.
Tires
RCheck the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure. A placard
with the recommended tire inflation
pressures is located on the driver’s door B-
pillar (Y page 243).
RCheck tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.
RReplace missing valve caps.
Rims
RDented or bent rims can cause tire inflation
pressure loss and damage the tire beads.
For this reason, check and, if necessary,
change rims before driving off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
RCheck if the jack (Y page 286) is
functional.
RAlways take the vehicle tool kit, a strong
tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the jack on sandy soil) with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
:Overhang angle, front;Overhang angle, rearVehicles
with air
suspension
program
:
GL 450,
GL 350
BlueTEC
:
GL
550
;
all
models
Raised level31°32°26°Highway26°27°21°Vehicles
with
enhanced
off-road
package
:
GL 450,
GL 350
BlueTEC
:
GL
550
;
all
models
Off-road
level 3
32°33°27°Off-road
level 2
31°32°26°Off-road
level 1
28°28°23°Highway26°27°21°
RComply with the warnings (Y page 262) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 263).
RDriving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i.e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
264Driving instructionsOperation
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XFold the wiper arms forward until they snap
into place.XClean the windshield and the wiper blade
inserts with a clean cloth and mild
detergent solution.XUse a soft, clean cloth and a mild window
cleaning solution on all outside and inside
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
! Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto
the windshield before turning the SmartKey
in the starter switch or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
! To clean the window interior, do not use
a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners
containing solvents. Do not touch the
inside of the windows with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of
water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.
! Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage the
clear coat.
! The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after
it has been cleaned. This applies especially
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners
can lead to increased corrosion of the
brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved
wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel
paint if the vehicle is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks.
Plastic and rubber partsXUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.XWipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry.GWarning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment.
! Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
COMAND display
! You must switch off the COMAND display
and allow it to cool prior to cleaning.
! Do not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
COMAND display screen.
XUse a standard microfiber cloth and apply
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ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.
Air
conditioning
system
All models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)
Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
system
All models7.6 US qt (7.2 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate44
(Y page 375)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio (Y page 375)
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 not
covered 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,
type
MB sheet
number
GL 350 BlueTEC642229.51GL 450273229.5GL 550273229.5
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.
44Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.370Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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