2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 height

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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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 indicator lamp ; is on:
XPress vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the highway 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 highway level is reached, indicator
lamp ; goes 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
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.
Vehicles with enhanced off-road
package
Basic settings
The following vehicle chassis ride heights can
be selected using rotatable outer adjustment
ring : in the center console:
LevelDriving situationOff-road
level 3
Exclusively for clearing
impracticable situations at
low speed. Lower, middle
and upper indicator lamps
= are on.
Off-road
level 2
Off-road driving. Lower and
middle indicator lamps =
are on.
Off-road
level 1
For driving on easy terrain.
Lower indicator lamp = is
on.
Highway
level
For normal driving. Indicator
lamps = are off.
iAnother 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:
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LevelRide heightOff-road
level 3+3.5 in (90 mm)Off-road
level 2+2.3 in (60 mm)Off-road
level 1+1.2 in (30 mm)Highway
level 13+/-0 in (0 mm)Highspeed
level-0.6 in (-15 mm)
i Vehicles 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.
i The highspeed level is not available when
towing a trailer. For more information on
towing a trailer, see “Trailer towing”
( Y page 269).
You can only select the off-road levels below
a certain speed. At higher speeds, the
message Level Selection Not
Permitted appears in the multifunction
display.
You can select
R Off-road level 1: selectable below 60 mph
(96 km/h)
R Off-road level 2: selectable below 40 mph
(64 km/h)
R Off-road level 3: selectable below 12 mph
(20 km/h)
Off-road levelsGWarning!
Vehicle off-road level 3 is not intended for use
on paved roads. This vehicle level is intended
for clearing impracticable situations at low
speed exclusively. The vehicle has a very high
center of gravity in off-road level 3. This
increases the overturning hazard.
R Select off-road level 3 exclusively for
clearing impracticable situations at low
speed.
R Adapt your driving style to the modified
conditions.
R Do not exceed a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
R Avoid extreme, quick steering movements.
R Keep in mind the vehicle’s driving
characteristics are modified.
You should therefore drive in off-road level 3
with particular caution as it could otherwise
lead to an accident and/or serious injury to
you or others.
If you are driving too fast while using off-road
level 3, you will see the following message in
the multifunction display:
Reduce speed to under 12 MPH
( 20 km/h )
In addition, an acoustic signal sounds.
i This message cannot be deactivated.
For more information, see “Display
messages” ( Y page 302).
Only use off-road levels when necessary.
Otherwise the fuel consumption may
increase and/or the handling characteristics
of the vehicle may be unfavorable.
XStart the engine.XTurn outer adjustment ring : repeatedly
to position 2 until indicator lamps = of
the desired level flashes.13 Ground clearance: 8.5 in (217 mm)Driving systems163Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 163Z

in the front bumper and four sensors in the
rear bumper.
To function properly, sensors : must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the driving systems sensors” (Y page 278).
GWarning!
The Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the need
for extreme care. The responsibility during
parking and other critical maneuvers always
remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to your
vehicle or the object may result.
! Ultrasonic signals from outside sources
(e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers) may impair the operation of
the Parktronic system.
Range of the sensors
Front sensors
Centerapprox. 40 in (100 cm)Cornersapprox. 24 in (60 cm)
Rear sensors
Centerapprox. 48 in (120 cm)Cornersapprox. 32 in (80 cm)
Minimum distance
Centerapprox. 8 in (20 cm)Cornersapprox. 6 in (15 cm)
If the Parktronic system detects an obstacle
in this range, all the distance warning
segments illuminate and you hear a warning
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Carriers
For information about further carriers,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GWarning!
Only use carriers when the crossbars have
been completely mounted. The left and right
roof rails are only stabilized by means of the
crossbars mounted.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached carrier or its load could become
detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
198 lb (90 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof is
loaded, the handling characteristics are
different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof loaded.
Make sure
Ryou can raise the tilt/sliding sunroof at the
rear completely
Ryou can open the tailgate completely
iThe following accessories are available
for your Mercedes-Benz:
RRoof Cargo Container – Small, Medium,
or Large
RSki and Snowboard Carrier – Standard
RSki and Snowboard Carrier – Deluxe
(Only in connection with corresponding
adapter.)
For more information on Mercedes-Benz
accessories, contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Roof rails
Crossbars
The maximum roof load of any add-on roof
equipment is reduced by the unladen weight
of the crossbars (13.7 Ibs/6.2 kg).
Installing the crossbars increases the total
vehicle height given in the “Technical data”
section by 2 in (50 mm).
Four keys and an hex key required for
installing and removing are included with the
crossbars.
iThe keys and the hex key are stored with
the vehicle tool kit under the cargo
compartment floor (Y page 284).
iSpare parts are available as Mercedes-
Benz accessories. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Installing the crossbars
GWarning!
Please follow these installation instructions
carefully. Caution should be exercised to
avoid damage to the vehicle while installing
the crossbars. Also, be careful not to injure
yourself or others while installing and
adjusting the crossbars or loading items on
them.
Each individual step of the installation
instructions, the warning notices, the general
safety precautions and the instructions for
use must be followed exactly. If the crossbars
are not mounted correctly, they and the
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Rear storage compartments
Depending on vehicle equipment, your
vehicle may not be equipped with three
storage compartments in the front of the rear
seats.
:Storage compartment;Storage compartment cover=Release button?Storage compartmentXBriefly press release button = on storage
compartment cover ;.
The storage compartment opens
automatically.
Useful features
Cup holders
GWarning!
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in front center console
A cup holder and a removable card/ticket
holder are located in the front center console.
The cup holder can be removed for cleaning
purposes.
XRemoving: Hold cup holder at its
bridge ; and pull out bridge in direction of
arrow.
XPull cup holder : out in direction of arrow.XReinstalling: First, insert cup holder :
and then insert bridge ;.
Cup holder in rear armrest
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GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
GWarning!
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage
electronic control unit for the injection
system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components of the
injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on
XPull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
XPress and hold handle ;.
The hood is unlocked.
XPull up on the hood in direction of arrow
and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing
GWarning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
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