
Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and will provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company1645841583  É1645841583&ËÍ
 X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 1 

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  
Storage compartment  ....................2084IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 4 

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 

ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device)  ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines  ............................. 39
Express operation  
Power windows  .............................. 105
Tilt/sliding sunroof  ........................192
Exterior lamp switch  ........................... 97
Exterior rear view mirrors  .................. 94
Fold-in function ........................ 95, 140
Parking position  ............................... 95
Power-folding  ................................... 95
Exterior view of vehicle  ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts  ..................... 50
First aid kit  ......................................... 284
Flat tire  ............................................... 336
Lowering the vehicle  ......................344
Mounting the spare wheel  .............340
Preparing the vehicle  .....................336
Spare wheel ........................... 336, 368
TIREFIT (tire repair kit)  ...................337
Floormats  ........................................... 223
Fluids  
AdBlue ®
 ......................................... 369
Automatic transmission fluid  .........369
Brake fluid  ..................................... 369
Capacities  ...................................... 368
Engine coolant  ............................... 369
Engine oil  ....................................... 369
Power steering fluid  .......................369
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system  ........................................... 370
Fog lamps  ............................................. 99
Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 310, 312
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors  ................................ 95, 140
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)                    
Front air bags
see Air bags                                              
Front axle oil  ...................................... 369
Front lamps see Headlamps                                         
Front passenger front air bag  ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 291
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada only)  ..... 46, 322
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only)  .......... 42, 322
Front seat head restraints see Head restraints                                   
Fuel  ..................................................... 226
Additives  ........................................ 372
Capacity, fuel tank  .........................369
Diesel fuel  ............................. 369, 372
Drive sensibly–safe fuel  .................259
Fuel consumption statistics  ...........141
Fuel filler flap and cap  ...................227
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp  ........................................ 29, 320
Premium unleaded gasoline ... 369, 371
Refueling ........................................ 226
Requirements  ................................ 371
Fuel filler flap  ..................................... 227
Opening manually  ..........................324
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.  
Capacities  ...................................... 368
Fuel system, bleeding (diesel
engine)  ............................................... 345
Fuel tank  
Capacity  ........................................ 369
Fuel filler flap and cap  ...................227
Refueling ........................................ 226
Fuses  .................................................. 355
G
Garage door opener  .................... 33, 219
Gasoline see Fuel                                                     
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)  ... 255
Gear range  ......................................... 118
Indicator  ........................................ 118
Limiting  .......................................... 119
Shifting into optimal  ......................119
Transfer case  ................................. 120
Gear selector lever  ............................ 114
Cleaning ......................................... 280
Gearshift pattern  ........................... 114
Shifting procedure  .........................116
Index9X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 9 

Interior lighting 
Delayed shut-off  ............................ 138
Emergency lighting  ........................102
Front  .............................................. 101
Front reading lamps  .......................101
Rear  ............................................... 102
Rear reading lamps  ........................102
Interior rear view mirror  ..................... 93
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 94
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments                      
Intermittent wiping  
Rain sensor  .................................... 103
J
Jack  ..................................................... 286
Jump starting  ..................................... 350
K
Key, Mechanical  
Loss of  ............................................. 73
Replacing  ......................................... 74
Unlocking/locking manually  ..........323
Key, SmartKey  
Battery check lamp  ..........................73
Checking batteries  ...........................73
Factory setting ........................... 71, 72
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO)  .................................................. 73
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 71
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO)  ............................................ 72, 73
Global unlocking
(SmartKey)  ....................................... 71
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO  .....72
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Loss of  ............................................. 73
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 304
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof  .........................107
Opening and closing the windows . 107
Remote control  ................................ 70
Replacing  ......................................... 74
Replacing batteries  ........................326
Restoring to factory setting  .......71, 73
Selective setting  ........................71, 73
Starter switch positions  ...................80
KEYLESS-GO  
Starter switch positions  ...................80
Kickdown  ........................................... 117
Kilopascal (air pressure unit)  ........... 255
Knee bag  .............................................. 40
L
Labels  
Certification  ................................... 360
Emission control information  .........361
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 242
Tire inflation pressure  ....................236
Lamps, exterior  
Exterior lamp switch  ........................97
Front  .............................................. 329
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 310
Rear  ............................................... 329
Switching on/off .............................. 97
Lamps, indicator and warning  
ABS .......................................... 28, 315
Brakes  ..................................... 28, 316
Center console  ................................ 31
Differential locks ............................ 123
Distance warning
lamp  .............................. 149, 155, 319
Engine malfunction  ..................29, 320
ESP ®
 ........................................ 28, 318
Fog lamps  ........................................ 99
Front passenger front air bag off
(Canada only)  .......................... 46, 322
Front passenger front air bag off
(USA only) ................................ 42, 322
Fuel tank reserve  .....................29, 320
High-beam headlamps  .............29, 100
Instrument cluster  ...................28, 314
Low-beam headlamps  ................29, 98
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale  ..................28, 321
Seat belt telltale  ................29, 51, 317
SRS .................................... 29, 36, 318
Turn signals  ..................................... 28
Language, selecting  .......................... 134
Index11X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 11 

Brake pads ..................................... 299
Coolant  .......................................... 306
Cruise control  ................................ 294
Differential locks  ...................123, 302
Distronic  ........................................ 294
Doors  ............................................. 304
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)  ..303
EBP  ................................................ 300
Engine oil  ....................................... 308
ESP ®
 ...................................... 289, 300
Fog lamps  .............................. 310, 312
Front passenger front air bag  ........291
Gas cap .......................................... 309
High-beam lamps  ........................... 311
Hood  .............................................. 304
License plate lamps  .......................311
Light sensor  ................................... 311
Low-beam lamps ............................ 312
LOW RANGE mode ......................... 303
Parking brake  ................................ 300
Parking lamps  ................................ 311
PRE-SAFE ®
 .................................... 290
Reserve fuel  ................................... 309
Reverse lamp  ................................. 310
Side marker lamps  .........................311
SmartKey  ....................................... 304
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO  ..........304
SRS  ................................................ 301
Tailgate  .......................................... 304
Tail lamps  ...................................... 312
Tele Aid  .......................................... 301
Tire inflation pressure  ............297, 313
Tire pressure monitor  ....................297
Tires  ...................................... 297, 313
Trailer brake lamps  ........................312
Trailer tail lamps  ............................ 312
Trailer turn signal lamps  ................312
Turn signals  ................................... 313
Washer fluid  ................................... 305
Multifunction steering wheel  
Adjustment  ...................................... 91
Buttons  .......................................... 125
Cleaning ......................................... 280
Easy-entry/exit feature  ...........92, 139
Gearshift control  ............................ 118
Heating  ............................................ 93
Memory function .............................. 96
Overview  .......................................... 30N
Navigation menu  ............................... 130
Navigation system see Separate operating instructions         
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints  ............................................. 53
Resetting  ....................................... 325
Nets, parcel  ....................................... 200
Night security illumination  .............. 137
Normal occupant weight  .................. 256
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN)  ................................................... 361
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)                                                     
Occupant distribution  ....................... 256
Occupant safety  
Air bags  ........................................... 37
BabySmart™  .................................... 46
Children and air bags  .......................37
Children in the vehicle  .....................55
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type  ....59
Fastening the seat belts ................... 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only)  ........................................ 46, 322
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only)  ........42, 322
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
Introduction  ..................................... 36
OCS (Occupant Classification
System)  ........................................... 42
PRE-SAFE ®
 ....................................... 52
Seat belts  .................................. 39, 48
OCS (Occupant Classification
System)  ................................................ 42
Self-test  ........................................... 45
Odometer  ........................................... 127
Off-road driving  ................................. 262
Checklist  ............................... 264, 268
Crossing obstacles  ........................267
Driving instructions ........................ 262
Driving on sand  .............................. 267
Driving through water  ....................266
Index13X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 13 

Returning ....................................... 268
Ruts  ............................................... 267
Steep terrain  .................................. 264
Off-road driving program  .................. 158
Off-road menu  ................................... 131
Oil, oil level see Engine oil                                            
On-board computer
see Control system                                   
One-touch gearshifting  ..................... 118
Operating safety  .................................. 23
Ornamental moldings, cleaning  ....... 277
Outside temperature see Displays                                              
Overhead control panel  ...................... 33
P
Paintwork, cleaning  .......................... 276
Paintwork code  ................................. 361
Panic alarm  .......................................... 61
Panorama roof  
Sunshade  ....................................... 211
Parcel nets  ......................................... 200
Parking  ............................................... 112
Parktronic system  ..........................166
Parking brake  ............................ 112, 261
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 300
Parking position  
Exterior rear view mirrors  ................95
Transmission position  ....................116
Parktronic system  
Cleaning system sensors  ...............278
Malfunction .................................... 169
Minimum distance  .........................167
Sensor range  ................................. 167
Switching on/off  ........................... 168
System sensors  ............................. 167
Warning indicators  ...................27, 168
Parts service  ...................................... 360
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(Canada only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (Canada only)               
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(USA only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (USA only)                    
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety                                 
Pedals  ................................................. 259
Phone see Telephone                                           
Plastic parts, cleaning  ...................... 279
Power assistance  .............................. 259
Power outlets  .................................... 212
Power seats see Seats                                                  
Power tailgate  
Closing  ............................................. 76
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 304
Opening  ........................................... 76
Power tilt/sliding sunroof  
Operation ....................................... 192
Synchronizing  ................................ 194
Power washer  .................................... 276
Power windows  ................................. 105
Cleaning ......................................... 278
Door windows  ................................ 106
Hinged quarter windows  ................106
Operation ....................................... 105
Rear door window, override
switch  .............................................. 60
Synchronizing  ................................ 107
Practical hints  ................................... 284
Preglow indicator lamp  .............. 29, 109
PRE-SAFE ®
 ............................................ 52
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 290
Problems  
While driving  .................................. 111
With vehicle  ..................................... 23
With wipers  .................................... 105
Product information  ............................ 20
Production options weight  ............... 256
Proximity key see Key, SmartKey                                    
PSI (air pressure unit)  ....................... 25614IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 14 

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