Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 368
Coolant .......................................... 373
Engine oil additives ........................371
Engine oils ..................................... 370
Fuel requirements .......................... 371
Gasoline additives .......................... 372
Identification labels .......................360
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........371
Rims and tires ................................ 365
Spare wheel ................................... 368
Vehicle specification
GL 350 BlueTEC ............................. 362
Vehicle specification GL 450 .........362
Vehicle specification GL 550 .........363
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 370, 375
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 ............................................... 214
Emergency calls ............................. 215
Information button .........................217
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 216
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 301
Remote door unlock ......................219
Roadside Assistance button ..........216
Search & Send ............................... 218
SOS button .................................... 216
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ..219
System self-test ............................. 215
Telephone ............................................. 30
Answering/ending a call ................143
Hands-free microphone ...................34
Menu ............................................. 142
Operation ....................................... 142
Phone book .................................... 143
Redialing ........................................ 144
Temperature
Interior temperature ..............178, 187
Outside .................................. 129, 135Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down rings ................................... 200
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 344
Time setting ....................................... 135
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 256
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 242
Tire and loading terminology ........... 254
TIREFIT ............................................... 337
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 237
Important notes on ........................235
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 236
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....242
Tire labeling ....................................... 250
Tire load rating .................................. 255
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 256
Tire pressure loss warning system . 237
Tire repair kit see TIREFIT
Tires ........................................... 233, 365
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 239
Air pressure ................................... 234
Care and maintenance ...................247
Cleaning ......................................... 248
Direction of rotation, spinning .......246
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 235
Inflation pressure ..................236, 237
Information placard .......................242
Inspection ...................................... 247
Labeling ......................................... 250
Load index ............................. 251, 255
Load rating .................................... 255
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 297, 313
MOExtended .................................. 365
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 256Index17X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 17
Problems under-/overinflation ......236
Retreads ........................................ 233
Rims and tires (technical data) ......365
Rotation ......................................... 249
Service life ..................................... 247
Sizes .............................................. 365
Snow chains .................................. 258
Speed rating .......................... 252, 256
Storing ........................................... 248
Temperature .......................... 235, 249
Terminology ................................... 254
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................337
Tire Identification Number .............256
Tire pressure loss warning system . 237
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................321
Traction ................................. 248, 256
Tread ............................................. 257
Tread depth ........................... 247, 257
Treadwear ...................................... 248
Treadwear indicators .............247, 257
Vehicle maximum load on ..............257
Wear pattern .................................. 249
Winter tires ............................ 257, 365
Tire speed rating ....................... 252, 256
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 256
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 353
Trailer .................................... 118, 269
Vehicle ........................................... 352
Towing eye bolt ................................. 353
Traction ...................................... 248, 256
Trailer towing ............................ 118, 269
Coupling a trailer ........................... 270
Decoupling ..................................... 271
Electrical connections .................... 269
Towing ........................................... 270
Trailer hitch ................................... 269
Weights and ratings .......................269
Transfer case ..................................... 119
Gear ranges ................................... 120
LOW RANGE mode ......................... 120
Switching LOW RANGE mode ........121Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 231
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 116
Traveling abroad ............................... 272
Tread (tires) ....................................... 257
Tread depth (tires) .................... 247, 257
Treadwear .......................................... 248
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 247, 257
Trip computer menu ......................... 141
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 125
Turning off the engine ...................... 113
Turn signals ....................................... 100
Cleaning lenses ............................. 277
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 313
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 257
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 248, 257
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 134
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode .................134
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 371
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 323
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 280
Useful features .................................. 209
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 348
Care ............................................... 275
Control system .............................. 125
Identification Number (VIN) ...........360
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ...............344
18IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 18
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 352
Unlocking/locking manually ..........323
Vehicle configuration menu ............. 140
Vehicle dimensions see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 360
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see Air suspension program
Vehicle lighting .................................... 97
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 200
Cargo volume, expanding ..............201
Carriers .......................................... 196
Instructions .................................... 194
Load limit ....................................... 243
Terminology ................................... 254
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 257
Vehicle specification
GL 350 BlueTEC ............................. 362
GL 450 ........................................... 362
GL 550 ........................................... 363
Vehicle status message memory .... 131
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 284
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............155
Distronic ........................................ 149
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....51
Parking brake ................................ 300
Parktronic system ..........................169
Seat belt telltale ............................ 317
Warranty coverage ............................ 360
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 375
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 305
Mixing ratio .................................... 375
Refilling .......................................... 232
Washing the vehicle .......................... 275
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 249
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 336
Removing ....................................... 343
Spare ............................................. 336
Tightening torque ........................... 344
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 365
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 233
Window curtain air bags ..................... 42
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 278
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 278
Infrared reflecting ..........................223
Washer fluid ................................... 375
Wipers ........................................... 103
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................334
Winter cover .............................. 230, 257
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 258
Radiator cover ............................... 257
Snow chains .................................. 258
Tires ............................................... 257
Winter tires ................................ 257, 365
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 280Index19X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 19
Operating safetyGWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
R the safety precautions in this manual
R the “Technical data” section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R motor vehicle laws and safety standardsGWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected if required. If the matter is not
handled to your satisfaction, please discuss
the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center
management or, if necessary, contact us at
one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Introduction23X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 23Z
Exterior view
iThis 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.
FunctionPage:Tailgate75Power tailgate76;Rear window defroster191=Rear window wiper/washer104Wiper blade, replacing334Wiper blade, cleaning278?Rear lamps328AFuel filler flap226BDoors:Locking and unlocking70,
323
CExterior rear view mirrors94DTowing eyes353EFront lamps328FunctionPageFHood228GWipers103Wiper blades, replacing334Wiper blades, cleaning278HWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid104Cleaning278IPower tilt/sliding sunroof192JCarriers196Crossbars196KTires and wheels233Rims and tires365LHeadlamp cleaning system101MLED daytime running lamps9726Exterior viewAt a glance
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achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on, or with the transmission in LOW RANGE
mode, the ABS designed for off-road driving
is activated automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
Driving safety systems63Safety and securityX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 63Z
menu, see the “Controls in detail” section
(Y page 131).
Example illustration
ACenter differential completely locked
! If the differential locks have been
manually engaged, the tires will scuff on the
road surface when cornering because the
differences between the individual wheel
rotation speeds will not be compensated
for.
iThe differential locks are reset to AUTO
mode after the ignition has been switched
off for longer than 10 seconds.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 28).
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
:To dim instrument cluster illumination;Reset button =To brighten instrument cluster
illumination
For information on changing the instrument
cluster settings, e.g. the language, see
(Y page 133).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen the driver’s door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rpress button :, ; or =
iOpening the driver’s door or pressing
button :, ; or = without switching on
the ignition activates the instrument
cluster illumination only for 30 seconds.
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
XTo brighten illumination: Press and hold
button = until the desired level of
illumination is reached.
XTo dim illumination: Press and hold
button : until the desired level of
illumination is reached.
124Instrument clusterControls in detail
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