2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 display

The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 2.
Once off-road level 2 is reached, you will see,
for example, the following message in the
multifunction display:
While driving, the vehicle is lowered
automatically as follows:
RAt vehicle speeds above 55 mph
(88 km/h) or if the vehicle speed stays
between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 55 mph
(88 km/h) for approximately 20 seconds,
the off-road level 2 setting is canceled and
the vehicle is lowered to the off-road
level 1.
You will see, for example, the following
message in the multifunction display:
RAt speeds above 60 mph (96 km/h) the off-
road level 1 setting is canceled and the
vehicle is lowered to the highway level.
You will see, for example, the following
message in the multifunction display:
RDepending on the ADS setting
(Y page 159), the vehicle will be lowered to
the highspeed level when traveling at
higher speeds. At speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h) at the latest, it will be returned
to the highway level.
iThe setting is stored when you turn off the
engine.
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
damage to the vehicle underbody. Always
make sure the vehicle has sufficient ground
clearance before adjusting it to a lower
level.
XStart the engine.
When one or more indicator lamps = are on:
XTurn outer adjustment ring : repeatedly
to position 4 until all lit indicator lamps
= flash.
The vehicle adjusts to the highway level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set:
Driving systems165Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 165Z

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
166Driving systemsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 166

Vehicle without enhanced off-road package
Vehicle with enhanced off-road package
XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again.
Trailer towing
The rear Parktronic sensors will be
deactivated when you have established the
electrical connection between your vehicle
and the trailer you are about to tow.
! The distance between the sensors in the
bumpers and an obstacle is referred to as
the minimum range of the Parktronic. A
trailer hitch will reduce the distance to an
obstacle. Keep this in mind to avoid any
damage.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp ; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 278).
XSwitch on the ignition.
or
XCheck the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.
Rear view camera
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
The area behind the vehicle appears in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image,
like in the rear view mirror.
In addition, the rear view camera contains
guidelines to help you with driving in reverse.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
Driving systems169Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 169Z

GWarning!
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
Rfrom a distorted perspective
Rinaccurately
Rmay not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
Rvery close to the rear bumper
Runder the rear bumper
Rabove the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
The rear view camera either will not function
or will not function to its full capability if
Rthe tailgate is open
Rit is raining very hard, snowing or foggy
Rit is night or you are parking/maneuvering
your vehicle in an area where it is very dark
Rthe camera is exposed to a very bright white
light
Rthe immediate surroundings are
illuminated with fluorescent light (the
display may flicker)
Rthere is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. if you drive into a heated garage from
the cold (lens condensation)
Rthe camera lens is dirty or covered
Rthe rear of your vehicle is damaged
In this case, have the position and setting
of the camera checked by a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you contact a Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose.
Do not use the rear view camera in these
situations. Otherwise you could injure
yourself or others and/or damage property
including your vehicle while parking/
maneuvering.
GWarning!
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display.
Camera lens : must be free of dirt, ice,
snow, and slush to function properly. Clean
the camera lens regularly. Being careful not
to scratch or damage the camera lens, see
“Cleaning the rear view camera lens”
(Y page 278).
Switching on/off
XSwitching on: Switch on the ignition.XSwitch on the COMAND system.XShift the automatic transmission to reverse
gear R.
The COMAND system display will show the
area behind the vehicle with guidelines.
170Driving systemsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 170

GWarning!
Please note that objects which do not touch
the ground may appear to be further away
than they actually are, for example:
Rthe bumper of a vehicle parked behind you
Ra trailer hitch
Rthe back of a truck
In such cases, you should not use the
guidelines to judge the distance. You may
misjudge the distance which increases the
risk of impacting the objects.
Even when the object you approach is directly
on the ground do not approach the object any
closer than the red guideline.
Red guideline = indicates an approximate
distance of 10 in (0.25 m) from the rear of the
vehicle. Yellow guidelines ; indicate an
approximate distance of 3 ft (1 m) from the
rear of the vehicle. Blue guidelines :
indicate the approximate width required for
the vehicle.
iThe image from the rear view camera will
no longer be displayed if you select another
function on the COMAND system while
reverse gear R is engaged. To display the
image again, disengage and reengage
reverse gear R.
XSwitching off: Shift the automatic
transmission into park position P, neutral
position N, or drive position D.
Driving systems171Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 171Z

FunctionRecommendation/NotesCTemperature control, passenger
sidei Set the temperature to 72‡
(22†).( Y page 178)D± Rear climate control on/
off or air supply for rear
passenger compartment on/off
(USA only)^ Rear climate control on/
off or air supply for rear
passenger compartment on/off
(Canada only)EAir distribution (directs air
through center and side air
vents)( Y page 178)FAir distribution (directs air
through the footwells and side
air vents)( Y page 178)GAir volume displayHDecreasing air volume(Y page 179)IRear window defroster(Y page 191)JAir recirculationi
Only use this function for a
short time, e.g. in a tunnel.
Otherwise, the windows can
fog up due to lack of fresh air.( Y page 180)KInterior temperature sensorLClimate control on/offi
Switches on the climate
control system. The indicator
lamp in button ^ goes out.(Y page 177)Notes on climate control
The climate control is operational whenever
the engine is running. You can operate the
climate control system in either the
automatic or manual mode. The system cools
or heats the interior depending on the
selected interior temperature and the current
outside temperature.Nearly all dust particles, pollutants and odors
are filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air
distribution system.GWarning!
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
176Climate controlControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 176

The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs which
are harmful to the ozone layer.
! If the air conditioning cannot be activated
again, this indicates that the air
conditioning is losing refrigerant. The
compressor has turned off.
Have the air conditioning checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Automatic mode
When operating the climate control system in
automatic mode, the interior air temperature,
air volume and air distribution are adjusted
automatically.
In automatic mode, cooling with
dehumidification is switched on. This function
can be switched off if necessary.
GWarning!
If you switch off the air conditioning, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
XSet the desired temperature
( Y page 178).XActivating: Press button Ã.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The air volume and air distribution are
adjusted automatically.
i The settings for the passenger side are
also used for the rear passenger
compartment.
XDeactivating: Press button I or K .
The indicator lamp in button à goes out.
The automatic operation of air volume
switches off. The selected blower speed isshown in air volume display G
( Y page 175).
or
XPress air distribution button ¯, P , or
O .
The indicator lamp in button à goes out.
The automatic operation of air distribution
switches off.
Setting the temperature
You can adjust the air temperature on each
side of the passenger compartment. You
should raise or lower the temperature setting
in small increments, preferably starting at
72‡ (22†).
XIncreasing/decreasing: Turn
temperature control : and/or C
( Y page 175) slightly clockwise or
counterclockwise.
Adjusting air distribution
The air distribution can be adjusted manually.
The symbols on the buttons represent the
following functions:
SymbolFunction¯Directs air to the windshield and
side air ventsPDirects air through the center
and side air ventsODirects air to the footwells and
side air ventsXPress the desired air distribution button
¯ , P , or O .
The indicator lamp in button à goes out.
The automatic mode is switched off. Air
distribution is controlled according to the
desired button.178Climate controlControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 178

Adjusting air volumeXDecreasing/increasing: Press button
I or K .
The automatic mode is switched off. The
selected blower speed is shown in air
volume display G (Y page 175).
When using the Voice Control System, the
blower speed reduces automatically. When
the Voice Control System is not used
anymore, the blower speed increases to the
previously selected level.
Front defroster
You can use this setting to defrost the
windshield, for example if it is iced up.
You can also defog the windshield and the
side windows.
i Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the side windows are clear
again.
Activating
XPress button ¦.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The climate control switches to the
following functions automatically:
R most efficient blower speed and heating
power, depending on outside
temperature
R air flows onto the windshield and the
front door windows (side air vents must
be open)
R the air conditioning compressor
switches on at outside temperatures
above approximately 41‡ (5†) for air-
drying
Adjustments
You can adjust the air volume and the
temperature when the front defroster is
switched on. The air flow will remain on the
windshield and front door windows.
XPress button I to decrease or button
K to increase air volume to the desired
level.
The air volume decreases/increases to the
next lower/higher blower speed and
heating switches to the temperature that
was set before the front defroster was
switched on.
The indicator lamp in button ¦ goes out.
The indicator lamp in button Á comes
on.
or
XTurn temperature control : and/or C
( Y page 175) slightly in any direction.
Heating switches to the temperature that
was set before the front defroster was
switched on.
The indicator lamp in button ¦ goes out.
The indicator lamp in button Á comes
on.
i The air conditioning compressor remains
on even if the indicator lamp in button
¦ goes out. This helps to prevent the
windshield from fogging.
Deactivating
XPress button ¦ again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
Defrosting is turned off.
The previous settings are once again in
effect. The air conditioning compressor
remains switched on.
i To deactivate, you can also press button
^ or à .
Windshield fogged on the outside
XSwitch the windshield wipers on
( Y page 103).XPress air distribution button P or O .Climate control179Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 179Z