2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 automatic transmission

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

Through standing water .................262
With Distronic ................................ 153
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 108
Driving off .................................. 110, 261
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
4-ETS ............................................... 64
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 63
EBP .................................................. 63
ESP ®
................................................ 63
Driving systems
Air suspension program .................159
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 166
Cruise control ................................ 144
Distronic ........................................ 147
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) ..155
Hill-start assist system ..................155
Off-road driving program ...............158
Parktronic system ..........................166
Rear view camera .......................... 169
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 117
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) .... 155
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 303
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 92, 139
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 63
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 212
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see 4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 284
Flat tire .......................................... 336
Hazard warning flasher ..................101
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 216
Towing the vehicle .........................352
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 215
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 357
Emergency operations
Limp-home mode ........................... 119
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......219
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 272
Information label ............................ 361
System warranties ...........................20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............226
Cleaning ......................................... 276
Compartment ................................ 228
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 29, 320
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 306
Number .......................................... 361
Starting .......................................... 108
Turning off ..................................... 113
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 230
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 231
Additives ........................................ 371
Checking level ............................... 230
Consumption ................................. 230
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 308
Oil dipstick ..................................... 230
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 370
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 63
4-ETS ............................................... 64
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 289, 300
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 65
Trailer stabilization ........................... 65
Warning lamp ................................. 3188IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 8

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

Transmission position indicator .....116
Transmission positions ..................116
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 207
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Trailer Weight
see GTW
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) .............. 255
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 255
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 255
H
Halogen headlamps see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 279
Hazard warning flasher .................... 101
Headlamp cleaning system .............. 101
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps .............97
Adjusting aim ................................. 333
Automatic headlamp mode ..............98
Bi-Xenon .................................. 97, 329
Cleaning lenses ............................. 277
Cleaning system ............................ 101
Daytime running lamp mode ............99
Delayed shut-off ............................ 137
Halogen ......................................... 329
High-beam flasher .........................101
High-beam headlamps ...................100
Low-beam headlamps ......................98
Replacing bulbs ............................. 328
Switch .............................................. 97
Headliner, cleaning and care of ....... 280
Head restraints .................................... 82
Adjustment ................................ 82, 84
Comfort head restraint ....................84
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ......................................... 53
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints, resetting .......................325
Heated steering wheel ........................ 93
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 51
Seats ............................................... 82
Vehicle level control ......................159
High-beam flasher ............................. 101
High-beam headlamps .............. 100, 329
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
Hill-start assist system ..................... 155
Hinged quarter windows .................. 106
Hood ................................................... 228
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 304
Hooks ................................................. 201
Horn ...................................................... 27
HVAC see Climate control system
Hydroplaning ..................................... 262
I
Identification labels .......................... 360
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 361
Ignition ......................................... 80, 109
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Infrared reflecting windshield ......... 223
Inside door handle .............................. 74
Instrument cluster ............................ 124
Illumination .................................... 124
Lamps ............................................ 314
Multifunction display .....................127
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
10IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 10

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

Problems under-/overinflation ......236
Retreads ........................................ 233
Rims and tires (technical data) ......365
Rotation ......................................... 249
Service life ..................................... 247
Sizes .............................................. 365
Snow chains .................................. 258
Speed rating .......................... 252, 256
Storing ........................................... 248
Temperature .......................... 235, 249
Terminology ................................... 254
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................337
Tire Identification Number .............256
Tire pressure loss warning system . 237
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................321
Traction ................................. 248, 256
Tread ............................................. 257
Tread depth ........................... 247, 257
Treadwear ...................................... 248
Treadwear indicators .............247, 257
Vehicle maximum load on ..............257
Wear pattern .................................. 249
Winter tires ............................ 257, 365
Tire speed rating ....................... 252, 256
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 256
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 353
Trailer .................................... 118, 269
Vehicle ........................................... 352
Towing eye bolt ................................. 353
Traction ...................................... 248, 256
Trailer towing ............................ 118, 269
Coupling a trailer ........................... 270
Decoupling ..................................... 271
Electrical connections .................... 269
Towing ........................................... 270
Trailer hitch ................................... 269
Weights and ratings .......................269
Transfer case ..................................... 119
Gear ranges ................................... 120
LOW RANGE mode ......................... 120
Switching LOW RANGE mode ........121Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 231
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 116
Traveling abroad ............................... 272
Tread (tires) ....................................... 257
Tread depth (tires) .................... 247, 257
Treadwear .......................................... 248
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 247, 257
Trip computer menu ......................... 141
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 125
Turning off the engine ...................... 113
Turn signals ....................................... 100
Cleaning lenses ............................. 277
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 313
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 257
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 248, 257
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 134
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode .................134
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 371
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 323
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 280
Useful features .................................. 209
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 348
Care ............................................... 275
Control system .............................. 125
Identification Number (VIN) ...........360
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ...............344
18IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 18

If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on, or with the transmission in LOW RANGE
mode, the ABS designed for off-road driving
is activated automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
Driving safety systems63Safety and securityX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 63Z

GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! 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 or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP ®
. The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
XIf conditions require, switch on the off-road
driving program ( Y page 158) or the LOW
RANGE mode ( Y page 119).
Off-road 4-ETS
With the off-road driving program switched on
( Y page 158), or the transmission in LOW
RANGE mode ( Y page 120), the 4-ETS
designed for off-road use is activated
automatically.
Switching off the ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel
64Driving safety systemsSafety and security
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 64