Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
RCheck the engine oil level (Y page 230).
Only with a proper oil level can the vehicle
obtain a trouble-free oil supply, even on
steep gradients.
! If the engine oil level warning lamp comes
on while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe
location or as soon at is safe to do so.
Check the engine oil level.
The engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
RCheck the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure. A placard
with the recommended tire inflation
pressures is located on the driver’s door B-
pillar (Y page 243).
RCheck tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.
RReplace missing valve caps.
Rims
RDented or bent rims can cause tire inflation
pressure loss and damage the tire beads.
For this reason, check and, if necessary,
change rims before driving off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
RCheck if the jack (Y page 286) is
functional.
RAlways take the vehicle tool kit, a strong
tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the jack on sandy soil) with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
:Overhang angle, front;Overhang angle, rearVehicles
with air
suspension
program
:
GL 450,
GL 350
BlueTEC
:
GL
550
;
all
models
Raised level31°32°26°Highway26°27°21°Vehicles
with
enhanced
off-road
package
:
GL 450,
GL 350
BlueTEC
:
GL
550
;
all
models
Off-road
level 3
32°33°27°Off-road
level 2
31°32°26°Off-road
level 1
28°28°23°Highway26°27°21°
RComply with the warnings (Y page 262) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 263).
RDriving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i.e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
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Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If
possible use the assistance of a second
person outside the vehicle to scout the
path you intend to take and check for
adequate ground clearance when you cross
obstacles with your vehicle. The person
assisting you outside the vehicle should
always be a safe distance away from the
vehicle and positioned so that he or she
cannot get hurt in case of any unexpected
vehicle movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obstacles,
inspect vehicle for any damage, especially
vehicle underbody and suspension
components. Failure to do so can adversely
affect the vehicle’s future performance,
including increased chance of an accident.
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks and
other obstacles, observe the following rules:
RMake sure the off-road driving program
(Y page 158) or if equipped the
LOW RANGE mode (Y page 120) is
switched on.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 118).
RCheck the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.
RCross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or big
rocks) very slowly by aiming one of the front
wheels at the center of the obstacle, and
repeat same with the rear wheel.
! Special attention is needed when you
cross obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result
of its possible slanted position which in turn
may result in the vehicle tipping or rolling
over.
Driving on sand
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
When driving on sand, observe the following
rules:RSet the raised level (Y page 159).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into a gear
range that is appropriate for the terrain.
RIn sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome the
vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the
likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
RDrive in tracks of other vehicles if they are
not too deep and you have sufficient
clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other byways
have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.
RMake sure the off-road driving program
(Y page 158) or, if equipped, the
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Vehicle equipment ............................284
Where will I find ...? ..........................284
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .......................287
What to do if … ..................................314
Unlocking/locking manually ...........323
Resetting activated NECK-PRO
active front head restraints .............325
Replacing SmartKey batteries .........326
Replacing bulbs .................................328
Replacing wiper blades ....................334
Flat tire ..............................................336
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine only) .......................................345
AdBlue® (diesel engine only) ...........346
Battery ...............................................348
Jump starting ....................................350
Towing the vehicle ............................352
Fuses ..................................................355
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XRemoving: Open the tailgate (Y page 75).XLift the cargo compartment floor and
secure it on the upper cargo compartment
lip (Y page 284).
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
securing hook from upper cargo
compartment lip and lower the cargo
compartment floor before closing the
tailgate.
XRemove the jack from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 285).
XRemove retaining screw : by turning it
counterclockwise.
iIf retaining screw : does not come
loose, turn storage well casing = slightly
counterclockwise. Retaining screw :
should then come loose easily.
XRemove storage well casing =.XRemove spare wheel ;.
For information on mounting the spare wheel,
see “Flat tire” (Y page 336).
Storing the spare wheel after use
XPlace spare wheel ; into the spare wheel
well (Y page 287).
XPlace storage well casing = into the spare
wheel (Y page 287).
XSecure spare wheel ; by turning retaining
screw : clockwise (Y page 287).
XPlace the jack into the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 285).
XClose and pull tight the hook and loop
fastener (Y page 285) that secures the
jack.
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the Vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system
(Y page 131) displays both cleared and
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the
multifunction display in red color.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button (Y page 124) or button
&, *, U or V on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button or button &, *,
U or V on the multifunction steering
wheel. They are then stored in the Vehicle
status message memory menu
(Y page 131). Remember that clearing a
message will only make the message
disappear. Clearing a message will not
correct the condition that caused the
message to appear.
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TiresDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
tires,then
restart
Run Flat
Indicator.There has been a warning message about a loss in the tire
inflation pressure and the tire pressure loss warning system
was not restarted yet.XMake sure the correct tire inflation pressure is set for each
tire.XThen restart the tire pressure loss warning system
( Y page 237).Run Flat
IndicatorInoperativ
eThe tire pressure loss warning system is malfunctioning.XHave the tire pressure loss warning system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
PressureCheck
TiresThe tire pressure loss warning system indicates that the tire
inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
( Y page 336).XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 237).XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system after
adjusting the tire inflation pressure values ( Y page 237).Tire
pressure
displayed
afterdriving
for a few
minutes.The tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.XDrive the vehicle for a few minutes.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
eThe Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
e No
Wheel
SensorsThere are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display297Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 297Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
Pressure
MonitorWheel
Sensor
MissingAt least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.At least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is
mounted (e.g. spare tire).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorCurrently
Unavailabl
eThe Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient
power supply.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified,
the Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after
a few minutes of driving.Tire
Pressure(s
) Please
CorrectThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 237).XRestart the Advanced TMPS ( Y page 241).Caution:
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 336).298Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
Tire(s)The tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 336).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Symbol messages
Brake
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#Brake WearThe brake pads have reached their wear limit.XHave the brake pads replaced as soon as possible.
!
Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbTurn
Signal
Rear Left
or
Turn
Signal
Rear RightThe left or right rear turn signal lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 328).bTurn
Signal
Front Left
or
Turn
Signal
Front
RightThe left or right front turn signal lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 328).bTurn
Signal
Left
Mirror
or
Turn
Signal
Right
MirrorThe turn signal in the left or right exterior rear view mirror is
malfunctioning. This message will only appear if all LEDs have
stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
pressure(s
) Please
CorrectThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressure of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 237).hTire
Pressure
Caution:
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 336).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display313Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 313Z