2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G550 ABS

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 201
12 V socket ........................................ 200
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 58
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 149
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) Display message ............................ 171
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Function/notes ................................ 56
Warning lamp ................................. 185
Accident (notes) ................................ 229
Active service system see Service interval display
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 279
Adjusting the seat ............................... 78
Air bag PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 39
Air bags
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Window curtain air bag ....................39
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air pressure
see Tire pressure ........................... 249
Air vents ............................................. 113
Important safety notes ..................112
Rear ............................................... 113
Setting the center air vents ...........113
Setting the side air vents ...............113
see Air outlets
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........59
Tow-away alarm ............................... 60
Ashtray ............................................... 198
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................59
Function ........................................... 59
Switching off the alarm ....................59
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 172
Automatic car wash .......................... 221
Automatic transmission Driving tips .................................... 123
Emergency running mode ..............126
Important safety notes ..................121
Kickdown ....................................... 123
Malfunction .................................... 126
Pulling away ................................... 118
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 126
Selector lever ................................ 122
B
backup lamp Display message ............................ 174
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Battery Charging ........................................ 236
Checking (SmartKey) .......................64
Display message ............................ 176
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 64
Jump-starting ................................. 238
Maintenance (vehicle) .................... 235
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................64
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes ..................235
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 171
Notes ............................................. 280
Brake fluid level ................................ 219
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 172
Brakes ABS .................................................. 56
BAS .................................................. 56
4Index

Driving safety systemEBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 59
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 57
Important safety information ...........55
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...58
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......56
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............56
Overview .......................................... 55
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 147
Rear view camera .......................... 152
Driving tips ........................................ 123
Braking .......................................... 139
Downhill gradients .........................137
Driving on flooded roads ................140
Driving on sand .............................. 144
Driving on wet roads ......................140
Driving over obstacles ...................145
Off-road driving .............................. 142
Off-road fording ............................. 140
Tire ruts ......................................... 144
Wet road surface ........................... 138
Winter ............................................ 141
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 161
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ............................ 84
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 165
EASY-EXIT feature ............................... 84
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Function/notes ................................ 59
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 133
Vehicle ............................................. 68
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................126
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....17
Engine
Display message ............................ 174
Irregular running ............................ 120
Starting problems ..........................120
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 117
Switching off .................................. 135
Warning lamp Check Engine ..........188
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 120
Engine number .................................. 276
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 216
Additives ........................................ 279
Checking the oil level ..................... 215
Display message ............................ 176
Notes about oil grades ................... 279
Viscosity ........................................ 279
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................58
Display message ............................ 170
Important safety information ...........57
Exhaust check ................................... 137
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 224
Exterior lighting Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 164
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 85
Dipping (automatic) .........................87
Malfunction ...................................... 87
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....86
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 88
Storing the parking position ............. 87Index7

mbraceCall priority .................................... 206
Display message ............................ 170
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 206
Emergency call .............................. 203
Important safety notes ..................202
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............207
MB info call button ........................205
Roadside Assistance button ..........204
Self-test ......................................... 202
System .......................................... 202
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............206
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 63
Loss ................................................. 66
Memory card
Operating (on-board computer) .....161
see separate operating instructions
Memory function ................................. 88
Menu (on-board computer) Audio ............................................. 160
DVD ............................................... 161
Message memory .......................... 169
Navigation ..................................... 162
Overview of menus ........................159
Resetting to factory settings ..........162
Settings ......................................... 162
Standard display ............................ 160
Telephone ...................................... 167
Trip computer ................................ 166
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 198
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............167
MP3
Operating (on-board computer) .....161
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat ................................ 81
Multifunction display ........................ 158
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 28
Operating the on-board computer . 157N
Navigation On-board computer .......................162
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 42
Resetting after being triggered ........43
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 116
Notes on driving Gravel roads .................................. 144
O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle .....................49
System overview .............................. 34
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 278
Odometer ........................................... 160
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 149
Differential locks ............................ 129
Off-road ABS .................................... 56
Off-road driving ................................. 142
Checklist ........................................ 143
Driving on sand .............................. 144
Important safety notes ..................142
Off-road fording ................................. 140
Oil see Engine oil
On-board computer
Audio menu ................................... 160
Convenience submenu ..................165
Display messages ..........................169
Factory settings ............................. 162
Important safety notes ..................156
Message memory menu ................. 169
Navigation menu ............................ 162
Operating video DVD .....................161
Operation ....................................... 157
Overview of menus ........................159
Settings menu ............................... 162
Standard display menu ..................160
Telephone menu ............................ 167
Trip computer menu ......................166
Vehicle submenu ........................... 165
On-board computer language .......... 163
10Index

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................267
Unladen weight (definition) ............268
Wear indicator (definition) .............269
Wheel rim (definition) ....................267
Top Tether ............................................ 53
Tow-away alarm .................................. 60
Towing ................................................ 242
Important safety guidelines ...........240
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 240
Rear ............................................... 240
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 260
Transfer case Display message ............................ 182
Shift ranges ................................... 126
Transmission position display ......... 122
Transmission positions .................... 122
Transporting the vehicle .................. 241
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 146
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 166
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 160
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 172
Turn signals ......................................... 93
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 269
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes ............................. 149
Malfunction .................................... 152
Range of the sensors .....................150
Warning display ............................. 150
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................68
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 67
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 198
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 21
Emergency unlocking .......................68
Equipment ....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 162
Loading .......................................... 256
Lowering ........................................ 234
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking up ..................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 233
Reporting problems .........................20
Towing away .................................. 240
Tow-starting ................................... 240
Transporting .................................. 241
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 281
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) ................................................... 275
Vehicle identification plate .............. 275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 229
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 281
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............109
Setting the airflow .........................110
Video (DVD) ........................................ 161
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 161
VIN ...................................................... 275
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 185
Brakes ........................................... 183
Check Engine ................................. 188
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 186
Fuel tank ........................................ 188
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................39
Reserve fuel ................................... 188
Seat belt ........................................ 184
Index15

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Low-beam headlamps91;ESP®
OFF186=ESP ®185?Turn signal93AABS185BSeat belt184CSRS187DEngine diagnostics (Canada
only)
188
FunctionPageEEngine diagnostics (USA
only)
188
FReserve fuel188GHigh-beam headlamps93HTire pressure monitor189IBrakes (USA only)183JBrakes (Canada only)183Instrument cluster27At a glance

X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the indicator lamp
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button : again.
or
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
i
USA only:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R
ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
Important safety notes
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
GWarning!
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
Driving safety systems55SafetyZ

Rbraking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched
on at all times except when driving off-road
for example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
GWarning
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS operates above a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) regardless of road-surface
conditions, provided the differential locks are
not active. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
If the LOW shift range ( Y page 126) is
selected on the transfer case, an ABS system
specifically suited to off-road terrain is
activated.
At speeds below 37 mph(60 km/h) , the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
56Driving safety systemsSafety

XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is 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.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWarning
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. 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 to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off
automatically.
Driving safety systems57SafetyZ