2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 Raised

Changes to the vehicle level should be made
while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle will
then reach the set level as fast as possible.
When you park the vehicle and the ambient
temperature changes, the vehicle level may
change visibly. When the temperature drops,
the vehicle lowers. When the temperature
rises, the vehicle raises.
The vehicle automatically regulates its ride
height based on the set vehicle height and the
current speed:
RAs your driving speed increases, the vehicle
is lowered by increments until it reaches
highspeed level.
RVehicles with ADS: If you are driving with
the ADS setting COMF or AUTO, the
vehicle is raised back to highway level as
your driving speed decreases.
RVehicles with ADS: You can select the
highspeed level via the ADS setting
SPORT. In ADS SPORT, the vehicle is
lowered directly to highspeed level as your
driving speed increases.
The vehicle begins adjusting to the set vehicle
level as soon as the doors or tailgate are
unlocked or opened or closed with the vehicle
unlocked.
In order to operate the vehicle level control
switch (Y page 160) or (Y page 162),
however, the engine must be running.
GWarning!
Make sure no one is near the wheel housing
or under the vehicle when you lower the
vehicle while it is standing still. Limbs could
become wedged into or under the vehicle.
For safety reasons, the vehicle can only be
lowered with all doors and the tailgate closed.
Lowering is interrupted if a door or the tailgate
is opened and will continue after the door is
closed again.
GWarning!
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises.
Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle
level is as low as possible. With higher ride
height the ESP® may activate earlier in certain
situations.
Adapt your speed and driving to possible
changed driving behavior of the vehicle after
changing the vehicle level. The ESP® cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed. The ESP® cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
! Keep in mind that in rough or uneven
terrain, adjusting the vehicle to a lower
level may cause the vehicle underbody to
come in contact with the ground and result
in damage to the vehicle underbody.
Always make sure the vehicle has sufficient
ground clearance before adjusting it to a
lower level.
! Before jacking up the vehicle with
equipment that lifts one or more of the
wheels completely off of the ground,
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
For information on off-road driving, see “Off-
road driving” (Y page 262).
Vehicles without enhanced off-road
package
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Basic settings
The following vehicle chassis ride heights can
be selected using vehicle level control
switch : in the center console:
LevelDriving situationRaised levelFor off-road driving or
driving in rough terrain.
Indicator lamp ; is on.
Highway
level
For driving on paved roads
in fair or better condition.
Indicator lamp ; is off.
iThe third available level is the highspeed
level that is set automatically.
The following is the approximate change in
ride height for each of the level settings:
LevelRide heightRaised level+2.3 in (60 mm)Highway
level13+/-0 in (0 mm)Highspeed
level
-0.6 in (-15 mm)
iVehicles with ADS:
Depending on the ADS setting
(Y page 159), the vehicle will be lowered to
the highspeed level when traveling at
higher speeds. At speeds below 40 mph
(64 km/h) at the latest, it will be returned
to the highway level.
iThe highspeed level is not available when
towing a trailer. For more information on
towing a trailer, see “Trailer towing”
(Y page 269).
Raised level
Only select the raised level if appropriate for
the driving situation encountered. Otherwise
the fuel consumption may increase and/or
the handling characteristics of the vehicle
may be unfavorable.
iYou can select the raised level at speeds
up to 40 mph (64 km/h). At higher speeds,
the message Á Level Selection
Not Permitted appears in the
multifunction display.
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
XPress vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the raised level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set:
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
the V, U, & or * button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
When the raised level is reached, indicator
lamp ; comes on continuously and the
following message appears in the
multifunction display for 5 seconds:
Highway level
! Keep in mind that on rough or uneven
roads, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level
may cause the vehicle underbody to come
in contact with the road and result in
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ROff-road level 1, lower indicator lamp
flashes
ROff-road level 2, lower and middle
indicator lamps flashes
ROff-road level 3, lower, middle and upper
indicator lamps flashes
The vehicle adjusts to the corresponding
off-road level. For example, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display while the level is being set:
The vehicle is raised from off-road level 1 to
off-road level 2.
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
the V, U, & or * button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
When the off-road level 2 is reached, the
following message appears in the
multifunction display for 5 seconds:
The lower and middle indicator lamps =
comes on continuously.
While the vehicle is adjusting from off-road
level 2 to off-road level 3, you will see, for
example, the following message in the
multifunction display:
Once off-road level 3 is reached, you will see,
for example, the following message in the
multifunction display:
iThe message Max. 12 MPH (20 km/h)
reminds you of the maximum permissible
driving speed with off-road level 3.
If you drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h) for
a short period while using off-road level 3, the
following message appears in the
multifunction display in red:
Off-road level 3 is canceled.
If you continue to increase your speed, the
message remains in the multifunction
display.
The new level will not be shown until the
vehicle has been able to adjust to a level
appropriate for the speed at which you are
currently driving.
If you maintain or reduce your speed, you will
see, for example, the following message in
the multifunction display while the vehicle is
lowering:
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iThe message can be cleared by pressing
the V, U, & or * button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
When the highway level is reached, indicator
lamps = go out and the following message
appears in the multifunction display for
5 seconds:
iThe vehicle is lowered to the highway level
automatically if the vehicle speed is above
60 mph (96 km/h).
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the
ESP® (Y page 63) and the Electronic Traction
System (4-ETS) (Y page 64).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
RAdapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 257) or
snow chains as required.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
Ryou switch on the ignition
and
Ryou release the parking brake
and
Rthe automatic transmission is in drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the parking brake.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
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Sunroof switch
With the sunroof closed or raised, you can
slide the sunroof screen forward and back.
Sunroof screen
XSwitch on the ignition.
Opening
XOpening manually: Press and hold the
sunroof switch to the resistance point in
direction of arrow ;.
XRelease the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
XExpress operation: To open the tilt/
sliding sunroof completely, press the
sunroof switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow ; and release.
XStopping during express operation:
Move the sunroof switch in any direction.
iExpress opening is not available when the
tilt/sliding sunroof is raised. The tilt/
sliding sunroof must be closed first.
iWhen the tilt/sliding sunroof is open,
resonance noises may result in addition to
the usual wind noises. They are caused by
minimal pressure changes in the passenger
compartment. To reduce or eliminate these
noises, change the position of the tilt/
sliding sunroof or open a window slightly.
Raising
XRaising manually: Press and hold the
sunroof switch to the resistance point in
direction of arrow :.
XRelease the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
XExpress operation: To raise the tilt/
sliding sunroof completely, press the
sunroof switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow : and release.
XStopping during express operation:
Move the sunroof switch in any direction.
iExpress raising is not available when the
tilt/sliding sunroof is open. The tilt/sliding
sunroof must be closed first.
Closing
XClosing manually: Pull and hold the
sunroof switch to the resistance point in
direction of arrow =.
XRelease the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
XExpress operation: To close the tilt/
sliding sunroof completely, pull the sunroof
switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow = and release.
XStopping during express operation:
Move the sunroof switch in any direction.
Closing when the tilt/sliding sunroof is
blocked
GWarning!
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
and be seriously or even fatally injured when
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closing the tilt/sliding sunroof with greater
force or without automatic reversal function.
If the movement of the tilt/sliding sunroof is
blocked during the closing procedure (e.g. by
ice or pollution), the tilt/sliding sunroof will
stop and open slightly.XImmediately after the tilt/sliding sunroof
has stopped and opened because it was
blocked, pull and hold the sunroof switch
in direction of arrow = until the tilt/sliding
sunroof is fully closed.
The tilt/sliding sunroof closes with greater
force.
If the tilt/sliding sunroof is blocked again and
opens slightly:
XImmediately after the tilt/sliding sunroof
was blocked and has opened, pull and hold
the sunroof switch in direction of arrow
= until the tilt/sliding sunroof is fully
closed.
The tilt/sliding sunroof closes without
automatic reversal function.GWarning!
Pulling and holding the sunroof switch to
close the tilt/sliding sunroof immediately
after it had been blocked two times will cause
the tilt/sliding sunroof to close without any
reversal function for as long as you hold the
sunroof switch.
Synchronizing
The tilt/sliding sunroof must be synchronized
R after the battery has been disconnected or
discharged
R after a malfunction
R if the tilt/sliding sunroof does not open
smoothly
! If the tilt/sliding sunroof cannot be closed
or synchronized, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
XVehicles with SmartKey: Switch off the
ignition and remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Switch off the
ignition and 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.XRemove the fuse for the tilt/sliding sunroof
from the fuse box ( Y page 355).XReinsert the fuse in the fuse box.XSwitch on the ignition.XPress and hold the sunroof switch in
direction of arrow : ( Y page 193) until the
tilt/sliding sunroof is fully raised at the
rear.XKeep holding the sunroof switch in
direction of arrow : for approximately
1 second.XCheck the express operation feature
( Y page 193).
If the tilt/sliding sunroof opens and closes
completely, the roof is synchronized.
Otherwise repeat the above steps.
Loading and storing
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
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objects attached to them could come loose
from your vehicle and cause an accident,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.GWarning!
Every time the crossbars are mounted, before
you set off on a journey and periodically
during longer journeys, check all the screws
on the crossbars to make sure that they are
secure, and tighten them if necessary. Repeat
these checks at regular intervals as road-
surface conditions dictate, and at least after
every 1500 miles (2500 km) of continuous
use.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
Do not use lubricant on the screws of the
crossbars. The screws could work loose and
the crossbars could become detached from
your vehicle, together with the objects
attached to them causing an accident,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.
GWarning!
Only install the crossbars at the exact
locations designated on the roof rails. The
designated locations for the front crossbars
are between the markings engraved on the
inside of the roof rails. The designated
locations for the rear crossbars are between
the gaps on the roof rails.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
GWarning!
A roof load creates a greater surface area
exposed to the wind and causes the vehicle
to have a higher center of gravity, thereby
changing the vehicle’s driving characteristics.
Accordingly, the additional weight on the roof
of the vehicle can have a detrimental effect
on braking, cornering and acceleration.
Never exceed the maximum permissible roof
load or the maximum permissible vehicle
weight, even when accessories for the
crossbars (e.g. ski racks, bicycle racks, etc.)
are being used. Overloading the vehicle could
result in an accident. When calculating the
weight placed on the roof please make sure
to add the weight of the crossbars, accessory
racks and the load carried together.
Always adapt your driving style to the road,
traffic and weather conditions, and drive with
added caution when the roof is loaded.
Always drive with extreme care when the
carrier is loaded. Take into consideration that
when the carrier is loaded, the handling
characteristics are different from those when
operating the vehicle without a carrier loaded.
GWarning!
Do not use accessories which have not been
approved by Mercedes-Benz for use in
conjunction with these crossbars. If non-
approved accessories are used, these
accessories and/or the objects attached to
them could come loose from the vehicle,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.
! Have a second person assist you when
installing the crossbars. The vehicle could
otherwise be damaged.
! Objects attached to the crossbar
system’s accessories must not be allowed
to restrict the movement of the tilt/sliding
sunroof. The tilt/sliding sunroof could
otherwise be damaged when it is raised.
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! 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.
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on
the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires. In heavy rain or
when conditions indicate possible
hydroplaning:
XReduce vehicle speed.XAvoid track grooves in the road.XApply brakes cautiously.
Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Before driving through water, determine its
depth.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive slowly to prevent water from entering
the passenger compartment or the engine
compartment. Water in these areas could
cause damage to electrical components or
wiring of the engine or transmission, or
could result in water being ingested by the
engine through the air intake causing
severe internal engine damage. Any such
damage is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
i Select the raised level ( Y page 159)
before driving through standing water.
For more information, see “Driving through
water” ( Y page 266).
Off-road drivingGWarning!
Do not load items on the crossbars. It may
cause instability during some maneuvers
which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected
obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle
cannot complete the attempted climb, back it
down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The
vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing so
the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll,
immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle.
You may lose control of the vehicle if you use
only the service brake. For information on
driving downhill, see “Driving downhill”.
GWarning!
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having
friction property can cause exceptional wear
and tear as well as brake failure.
Have the brakes checked for dirt build-up and
cleaned. There is otherwise a risk that full
braking power may not be available in an
emergency.
GWarning!
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises.
Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle
level is as low as possible. With higher ride
height the ESP ®
may activate earlier in certain
situations.
Read this chapter carefully before you begin
off-road travel.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
characteristics and gear changing before you
attempt any difficult terrain off-road driving.
262Driving instructionsOperation
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