2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 tire size

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

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

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

For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 370).
Brake fluid level
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Tires and wheels233OperationX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 233Z

Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R When replacing individual tires, you should
mount new tires on the front wheels first
(on vehicles with same-sized wheels all
around).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
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.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and
Loading Information placard located on the
driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 242).
The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly. Only adjust the tire inflation
pressure on cold tires. The tires can be
considered cold if the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km). Depending on the ambient
temperature, the driving speed and the tire
load, the tire temperature changes. When the
tire temperature changes by 18 ‡ (10†), the
tire inflation pressure will change by
approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar). Keep this in
mind when checking tire inflation pressure on
warm tires and adjust the tire pressure only
if the tire inflation pressure is too low for the
current operating conditions. If you check the
tire inflation pressure when the tires are
warm, the reading will be higher than the cold
reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to
match the specified cold tire inflation
pressure. Otherwise, the tire will be
underinflated.
Follow recommended cold tire inflation
pressures listed on Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Keeping the tires properly inflated provides
the best handling, tread life and riding
comfort.
In addition to the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar, also consult the tire inflation
pressure label on the inside of the filler flap
for any additional information pertaining to
special driving situations. For more
information, see “Important notes on tire
inflation pressure” ( Y page 235).
i Data shown on Tire and Loading
Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Tire data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary from234Tires and wheelsOperation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 234

Example illustration: Tire inflation pressures for allapproved, factory equipped tires
When a tire size is specified, the tire inflation
pressure that follows applies to that
particular tire size only.
Example illustration: Tire inflation pressures forparticular tire sizes
Some tire inflation pressure labels may only
show the rim diameter instead of the entire
tire size, e.g. R 18 or 18".
The rim diameter is part of the tire size as
specified on the tire sidewall (Y page 251).
Example illustration: Tire inflation pressuresspecific to rim diameter
iWhen towing a trailer, inflate the tires to
the tire inflation pressure as specified for a
fully loaded vehicle.
Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated tires
Underinflated tires
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.
Underinflated tires can
Rcause excessive and uneven tire wear
Radversely affect fuel economy
Rlead to tire failure from being overheated
Radversely affect handling characteristics
Overinflated tires
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
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.
Overinflated tires can
Radversely affect handling characteristics
Rcause uneven tire wear
Rbe more prone to damage from road
hazards
Radversely affect ride comfort
Rincrease stopping distance
236Tires and wheelsOperation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 236

After a certain “learning phase”, the tire
pressure loss warning system checks the
set pressure values for all four tires.XIf you wish to cancel: Press button X.
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS), (USA only)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Advanced
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS). It measures the tire inflation pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and issues warnings in
case of pressure loss in one or more of the
tires.
The TPMS is equipped with a combination low
tire pressure/ TPMS malfunction telltale in
the instrument cluster. Depending on how the
telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire
pressure condition or a malfunction in the
TPMS system itself:
R If the telltale illuminates continuously, one
or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. There is no malfunction in
the TPMS.
R If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and
then stays illuminated, the TPMS system
itself is not operating properly.
The TPMS only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic sensors.
GWarning!
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always
adjust tire inflation pressure according to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire
blowout caused by a foreign object). In this
case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
Tires and wheels239OperationX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 239Z

Maximum tire inflation pressureGWarning!
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure. 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.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This is the maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure : for the tire.
Always follow the recommended tire inflation
pressure (Y page 234) for proper tire
inflation.
Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.
(1)The Tire and Loading Information placard
can be found on the driver’s door
B-pillar. This placard tells you important
information about the number of people
that can be in the vehicle and the total
weight that can be carried in the vehicle.
It also contains information on the proper
size and recommended tire inflation
pressures for the original equipment tires
on your vehicle.
(2)The certification label, also found on the
driver’s door B-pillar. It tells you about the
gross weight capacity of your vehicle,
called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo. The certification label also tells
you about the front and rear axle weight
capacity, called the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR).
The GAWR is the total allowable weight
that can be carried by a single axle (front
or rear). Never exceed the GVWR or
GAWR for either the front axle or rear
axle.
:Driver’s door B-pillar
Following is a discussion on how to work with
the information contained on the Tire and
242Tires and wheelsOperation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 242