2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG Front

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
relevant systems and functions.
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. In these countries, the daytime
running lamps are automatically switched on
when the engine is started.
Information about driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border when
returning.
Light switch
Operation1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TStanding lamps, perimeter lamps,
license plate illumination and
instrument cluster illumination6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7NFront fog lamps8RRear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 93).
! Switch off the standing lamps, parking
lamps and low-beam headlamps when you
leave the vehicle. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking
lamps) switches off automatically if you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
The Switch Off Lights message appears
in the multifunction display.
XTurn the light switch to $ or à .90Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

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.
The parking lamps, low-beam headlamps and
license plate lamp are switched on or off
automatically, depending on the brightness of
the ambient light.XTo switch on: turn the light switch to
à .
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the standing lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
When the engine is running: depending on
the ambient light, the parking lamps, the
low-beam headlamps and the license plate
lamp are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
Canada only: if the light switch is in position
$ or à , you cannot switch on the high-
beam headlamps. However, the high-beam
flasher can always be used. Turn the light
switch to L when driving at night. You can
switch on the high-beam headlamps in this
position.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp
Front fog lamps
GWarning
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Your vehicle may
otherwise not be visible and you could
endanger yourself and others.
GWarning
In low ambient lighting or foggy 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.
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off: press the light switch in as
far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . When
the light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off: press the light switch in as
far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.92Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XTo switch on manually: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
or start the engine.XBriefly press button : of the headlamp
cleaning system.
The headlamps are cleaned with a high-
pressure water jet.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated if the low-beam headlamps
are switched on and the fog lamp is switched
off.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph(40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals and turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn signal
and turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position.
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time.
Headlamps and turn signal lamps
fogged up on the inside
The headlamps and the indicator lamps in the
exterior mirrors may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:t To switch the cargo compartment
lamp/rear interior lighting on/off;p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off=Rocker switch (to control the interior
lighting)?p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off94Interior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off;p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
The interior lighting switches on
automatically when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
( Y page 165).
When a front door is opened, the front interior
lighting comes on. When a rear door is
opened, the rear interior lighting comes on.
In addition, the courtesy lights come on.
i If a door remains open and the SmartKey
is not in the ignition lock, the interior
lighting switches off after a short while.XTo switch off: press the z symbol on
rocker switch =.
The interior lighting remain switched off even
when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
Manual control
Front interior lighting
! If the interior lighting has been switched
on manually, it will not be switched off
automatically.
This can cause the starter battery to
discharge.
Make sure that the interior lighting does
not remain switched on too long after the
engine has been switched off.
XTo switch on: press the c symbol on
rocker switch =.XTo switch off: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
Reading lamps
X To switch on/off: press the p button.
Cargo compartment lamp
GWarning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around.
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Interior lighting95Lights and windshield wipersZ

Halogen bulbs are pressurized and could
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed ( Y page 97). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Before changing bulbs
Have the following bulbs changed at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R additional turn signals in the exterior
mirrors
R high-mounted brake lamp
R high-beam/low-beam headlamps (Xenon
bulbs)
R parking lamp/standing lamp
R license plate lamp
i Individual segments of the license plate
lamp LEDs may fail without a display
message appearing in the multifunction
display. Check the license plate lamp
regularly. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if necessary.
You can replace the following bulbs:
R fog lamp/cornering light with fog lamp
function
R turn signal lamp (front)
R brake/tail lamp
R turn signal lamp (rear)
R tail lamp/standing lamp
R backup lamp
R rear fog lamp
R side marker lamp
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
Front bulbs
:Turn signal lamp: 1156 NA;Side marker lamp: T 4 W=Cornering light function with fog lamp
function: H11 55 WChanging bulbs97Lights and windshield wipersZ

Rear bulbs
:Side marker lamp: T 4 W;Tail lamps:Turn signal lamp: PY 21 WBrake lamp/tail lamp: P 21/5 WTail lamp/parking lamp: W 5 W=Backup lamp: P 21 W?License plate lamp: LEDs5ARear fog lamp: P 21 W
Changing the front bulbs
Front fog lamps/cornering lamps with
fog lamp function
XSwitch off the lights.XRemove screws :.XRemove cover ;.XRemove screws ?.
i
Only remove screws ?. Do not turn
adjustment screw A. If adjustment screw
A is turned, the front fog lamp adjustment
must be checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
XRemove headlamp =.XHold headlamp =.XLightly press bulb holder B, turn it
counter-clockwise to the stop and pull it
out.5 These bulbs must be replaced at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.98Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

XTake bulb C out of bulb holder B.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder B.XInsert bulb holder B into headlamp = and
turn it clockwise to the stop.XInsert headlamp =.XReplace and tighten screws ?.XPosition cover ;.XReplace and tighten screws :.
Turn signal
XG 55 AMG: release the turn signal
protection grille from the rear of the
bracket and fold it forward.
! Make sure that the headlamp protection
grille does not strike against painted
surfaces.
You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
XSwitch off the lights.XRemove screws :.XRemove lens ;.XLightly press bulb =, turn it counter-
clockwise and pull it out.XInsert the new bulb and, applying slight
pressure, turn it clockwise until it engages.XInstall lens ;.XReplace and tighten screws :.
!
Do not fasten the screws too tightly. You
could otherwise damage the lens.
XG 55 AMG: fold the headlamp protection
grille back and engage it into the bracket.
Side marker lamp
The bulbs of the front and rear side marker
lamps are changed in the same way.
Front side marker lamp (example)
XSwitch off the lights.XRemove screws :.XRemove housing ;.Changing bulbs99Lights and windshield wipersZ

If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
Combination switch
1III Continuous wipe, fast2II Continuous wipe, slow3I Intermittent wipe/rain sensor40 windshield wipers offAí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the I position, the appropriate wiping
frequency is set automatically according to
the intensity of the rain.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted if you stop
and open a front door. This protects people
getting into and out of the vehicle from being
sprayed with water.
Intermittent wiping continues when all doors
are closed and:
R you shift the automatic transmission to
drive position D or reverse gear R
or
R you change the wipe setting on the
combination switch.
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
:è Intermittent wipe;Indicator lamp=ô To wipe with washer fluid
The rear window wiper comes on
automatically if you shift the selector lever to
R while the windshield wipers are on.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on intermittent wiping: push
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.XTo switch off intermittent wiping: push
button : again.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.XTo wipe with washer fluid: push button
= and hold it there until the rear window
is clean.
The rear window is wiped for a further five
seconds after the button is released.102Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers