
Ashtrays ............................................. 211
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 255
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 129
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 94
Automatic central locking .......... 74, 138
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 98
Automatic interior lighting control .. 101
Automatic locking when driving ...... 138
Automatic transmission ................... 114
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) ............................................ 119
Gear range indicator ......................118
Gear ranges ................................... 118
Gear selector lever ........................114
Hill-start assist system ..................155
Kickdown ....................................... 117
One-touch gearshifting ..................118
Shifting procedure .........................116
Steering wheel gearshift control ....118
Towing a trailer .............................. 118
Transmission position indicator .....116
Transmission positions ..................116
AUX socket ........................................ 207
Axle oils .............................................. 369
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 310
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 255
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 63
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................73
Replacing ....................................... 326
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 348
Charging ........................................ 350
Jump starting ................................. 350
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 296, 308
Bead (tire) .......................................... 255
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 345
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
tank ................................. 346
AdBlue ®
tank capacity ...................369
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 233
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 277
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 299
Brakes ................................................ 260
Parking brake ........................ 112, 261
Warning lamp ................................. 316
Break-in period .................................. 226
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 230
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 21
Calls (phone) ...................................... 142
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 368
Cargo compartment
Cargo net ....................................... 206
Cargo volume, expanding ..............201
Cover blind .................................... 205
Fuse box ........................................ 357
Hooks ............................................ 201
Tie-down rings ............................... 200
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 205
Cargo net ........................................... 206
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 200
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 280
Carriers .............................................. 196
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 33
Upper part ....................................... 31
Index5X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 5

LATCH-type child seat anchorssee Children in the vehicle
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 311
Replacing bulbs ............................. 330
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 279
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 97
Daytime running lamp mode ............99
Exterior ............................................ 97
Interior ........................................... 101
Limp-home mode .............................. 119
Load index (tires) ...................... 251, 255
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting ................................. 136
Lock button
Outside door handle (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 73
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 324
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Loss of
Key .................................................. 73
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 360
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 98
Exterior lamp switch ........................97
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
Switching on .................................... 98
LOW RANGE mode ............................. 120
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 303
Switching ....................................... 121
Lubricants .......................................... 368
Lumbar support ................................... 87
M
Maintenance ........................................ 21
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................274
Service indicator message .............273
Service term exceeded ..................274
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 98
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 256
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 255
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 256
Mechanical key .................................. 323
Media interface ................................. 207
Memory function ................................. 96
Menus see Control system menus
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel
Mirrors .................................................. 93
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 94
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 95
Exterior rear view mirrors ................94
Interior rear view mirror ...................93
Memory function .............................. 96
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors ............................................. 95
Vanity mirror .................................. 210
MOExtended system ......................... 345
MOExtended tires ..................... 345, 365
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 371
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multicontour seat ................................ 90
Multifunction display ........................ 127
Symbol messages ..........................299
Text messages ............................... 288
Vehicle status messages ...............287
Multifunction display messages
ABS ....................................... 288, 300
Active headlamps .......................... 310
Advanced TPMS ..................... 297, 313
Air bags ......................................... 291
Air filter .......................................... 309
Air suspension program .................301
Alternator .............................. 296, 308
Automatic
transmission .................................. 296
Battery ................................... 296, 308
Brake fluid ..................................... 30012IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 12

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

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

Vehicle equipment ..............................70
Locking and unlocking .......................70
Starter switch positions .....................80
Seats ....................................................82
Multifunction steering wheel .............91
Mirrors .................................................93
Memory function .................................96
Lighting ................................................97
Wipers ................................................103
Power windows .................................105
Driving and parking ..........................108
Automatic transmission ...................114
Transfer case ....................................119
Differential locks ..............................121
Instrument cluster ............................124
Control system ..................................125
Driving systems ................................144
Overview of climate control sys-
tem functions and air vents .............172
Climate control .................................175
3-zone automatic climate control ...181
Rear window defroster .....................191
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ...............192
Loading and storing ..........................194
Useful features .................................209
69Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 69

The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
GWarning!
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position
For more convenient parking, you can set the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
Setting and storing the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
XAdjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
Calling up the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
returns to its previously stored driving
position
R10 seconds after you have put the gear
selector lever out of reverse gear R
Rimmediately once your vehicle exceeds a
speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
Rimmediately when you press button : to
select the driver’s side exterior rear view
mirror
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors
! Before you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, fold in the exterior rear
view mirrors. Otherwise they may get
damaged.
Folding in and out automatically
The function must be activated in the
Convenience submenu (Y page 140).
Mirrors95Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 95Z

Storing positions into memory
XAdjust the seats.XOn the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
XPress memory button M once and within
3 seconds press memory position button
1, 2 or 3.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledgement
signal sounds.
Recalling positions from memory
XPress and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
iIf you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iVehicles equipped with active Bi-Xenon
headlamps:
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
Exterior lamp switch
1 WStanding lamps, left2 XStanding lamps, right3 $Off
Daytime running lamp mode
4 ÃAutomatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
5 TParking lamps66 LLow-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
7 RVehicles without front fog lamps:
Rear fog lamp
7 NVehicles with front fog lamps: Front
fog lamps
8 RVehicles with front fog lamps: Rear
fog lamp6When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and theinstrument cluster illumination are also on.
Lighting97Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 97Z

iThe exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or open
the driver’s door with the ignition switched
off.
When the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp are switched on and you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and open
the driver’s door, an acoustic signal
sounds.
In addition the message Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i Vehicles without front fog lamps: For
better detection of the vehicle, the LED
daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 6
R Green indicator lamp L in the
instrument clusterXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position $.Automatic headlamp mode GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to Ã, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position à to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from à to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position Ã.
When ambient light is low: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, the parking lamps 6
come
on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 7
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp L in the
instrument cluster comes on.
Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
6 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
7 USA only: The daytime running lamp mode must be activated via the control system.98LightingControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 98