2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350 BlueTEC sensor

Driver's knee bag : increases protection for
the driver against the risk of:
R knee injuries
R thigh injuries
R lower leg injuries
Driver's knee bag : inflates beneath the
steering column. If the system determines
that deployment of driver's knee bag : can
offer additional protection to that provided by
the seat belt in the event of a frontal impact,
the system will deploy it together with the
front air bags. Driver's knee bag : operates
best in conjunction with a properly positioned
and fastened seat belt.
Side impact air bagsGWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 38).
GWarning!
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the side impact air bags. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
When deployed, the side impact air bags offer
additional protection for the thorax of the
vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle
on which the impact occurs. However, they
do not protect the:
R head
R neck
R arms
Front side impact air bags : and rear side
impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer
seat cushions.
The side impact air bags are deployed:
R on the side on which an impact occurs
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
R independently of seat belt use
R independently of the front air bags
R independently of the ETDs/belt buckle
tensioners
The side impact air bags are generally not
deployed if the vehicle overturns, unless the
system detects high vehicle deceleration or
acceleration in a lateral direction and
determines that they can offer additional
protection to that provided by the seat belt.
The side impact air bags are not deployed in
side impacts which do not exceed the
system's deployment threshold.
Vehicles with OCS (USA only): if the OCS
detects that the front-passenger seat is not
occupied and the front passenger seat belt is
not fastened (the belt tongue is not engaged
in the seat belt buckle), the side impact air
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bag on the front-passenger side will not
deploy. The side impact air bag on the front-
passenger side will deploy if the front
passenger seat belt is fastened, regardless of
whether the front-passenger seat is occupied
or not.
! Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
do not place objects heavier than 20 lb
(9 kg) on the front-passenger seat, as this
could be interpreted as the seat being
occupied. In the event of an accident, the
restraint systems on the front-passenger
side are deployed. Have restraint systems
replaced that have been deployed.
Window curtain air bagsGWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 38).
The window curtain air bags enhance the level
of protection for the head (but not chest or
arms) of the vehicle occupants on the side of
the vehicle on which the impact occurs.
The window curtain air bags are installed into
the side of the roof frame and run from the
front door (A-pillar) to the rear windows (D-
pillar).
Window curtain air bags : are deployed:
R on the side on which an impact occurs
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
R regardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
R independently of seat belt use
R if the vehicle overturns and the system
determines that window curtain air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R independently of the front air bags
The window curtain air bags will not deploy in
impacts which do not exceed the system's
preset thresholds. You will then be protected
by the fastened seat belts.
Occupant classification system (OCS)
Operating principles of the Occupant
Classification System
The OCS is standard equipment in the USA.
OCS categorizes the occupant on the front-
passenger seat by means of a weight sensor.
The front-passenger front air bag is
automatically deactivated for certain weight
categories. The 42 indicator
lamp shows you the current status. If the
42 indicator lamp lights up, the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.
The system does not disable:
R the side impact air bag
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Device/belt
buckle tensioner (ETD)
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R with the seat belt properly fastened
R in a position that is as upright as possible
with the back against the seat backrest
R with their feet on the floor
The OCS weight sensor is distorted if the
occupant's weight is transferred to another
object in the vehicle, e.g. by leaning on the
armrest.
42Occupant safetySafety
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In addition, the occupant weight may appear
to increase or decrease due to the following:
R objects hanging on the seat
R objects lodged underneath the seat
R objects lodged between the seat and the
center console
R objects lodged between the seat and the
door
R other passengers exerting weight on the
seat
R objects applying pressure to the back of
the seat
Make sure that the seat always has clearance
in all directions.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the front passenger
should observe the 42 indicator
lamp to determine whether or not the front
passenger is positioned correctly.GWarning!
If the 4 2 indicator lamp
illuminates when an adult or someone larger
than a small individual is in the front
passenger seat, have the front passenger
reposition himself or herself in the seat until
the 4 2 indicator lamp goes out,
or check whether objects are caught under or
around the seat.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air bag
deployment when the OCS has classified the
front passenger seat occupant as weighting
as much as or less than a typical 12-month-
old child in a standard child restraint or if the
front passenger seat is classified as being
empty.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 4 2 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 4 2 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
4 2 indicator lamp will illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds when the engine
is started and then, depending on occupant
weight sensor readings from the seat, remain
illuminated or go out. With the 4
2 indicator lamp illuminated, the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
With the 4 2 indicator lamp out,
the front passenger front air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 4 2 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then goes out,
indicating that the front passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 4 2 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.Occupant safety43SafetyBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 43Z

carry a child on the front-passenger seat
once the system has been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
passenger seat will be seriously injured or
even killed if the passenger front air bag
inflates.
R when securing a child in a front-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger
seat, you must:
- move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible
- use a child restraint system that is
suitable for the age, size and weight of
the child
- observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions in order to install and secure
the child restraint system correctly.GWarning
When using a BabySmart™-compatible child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
the front-passenger front air bag is only
disabled if the 42 indicator lamp
is illuminated.
Always check the 42 indicator
lamp if you are using a BabySmart™-
compatible child restraint system on the
front-passenger seat. If the 42
indicator lamp does not light up or goes out
when the child restraint system is installed,
check the anchorages of the restraint system.
If the 42 indicator lamp remains
out, do not use the BabySmart™ child
restraint system to carry a child on the front-
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
GWarning
The BabySmart™ air bag disabling system
ONLY works with specially adapted child
restraint systems. It does not work with child
restraint systems that are not compatible with
BabySmart™.
Never place anything between the seat
cushion and the child restraint system (e.g. a
cushion), as this reduces the effectiveness of
the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system.
The underside of the child restraint system
must lie against the seat cushion of the front-
passenger seat. In the event of an accident,
an incorrectly installed child restraint system
could injure the child instead of offering
protection.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions
when installing special child restraint
systems.
Special child restraint systems which are
compatible with BabySmart™ are necessary
for deactivating the front-passenger front air
bag. When the special child restraint system
which is compatible with BabySmart™ is
installed correctly and is recognized by the
sensor system in the front-passenger seat,
the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated. In this case, 42
indicator lamp : illuminates. If you have any
questions regarding the special child
restraint systems which are compatible with
BabySmart™, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the key has been removed from the ignition
lock or is in position 0, indicator lamp
42 : does not light up.
The system does not disable:
R the side impact air bag
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Device/belt
buckle tensioner (ETD)
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otherwise not fold in when you select the
"Fold in mirrors when locking" function in the
on-board computer ( Y page 226).XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 1 in the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function
is activated in the on-board computer
( Y page 226):
R the exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
i The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
X Vehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.XVehicles with electrically folding
exterior mirrors: press the mirror-folding
button ( Y page 108) repeatedly until you
hear the mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 108).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
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.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 2 in the ignition
lock.XPress button ; for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.Mirrors109Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 109Z

adjustment performed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Windshield wipers
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windows will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield/rear
window can scratch the glass if wiping
takes place when the windshield/rear
window is dry.
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
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 123Å
Intermittent wipe, high 134°
Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.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 Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wiper to wipe more frequently.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when you
stop the vehicle and open a front door. This
12 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
13 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.Windshield wipers125Lights and windshield wipersBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 125Z

FunctioniNotes/tipsISwitches the rear window
heating on/offJActivates/deactivates air-
recirculation modeOnly use "air-recirculation" mode briefly, e.g. if there
are unpleasant outside odors or when in a tunnel. The
windows could otherwise fog up as, in air-
recirculation mode, no fresh air is drawn into the
vehicle.KInterior temperature sensorLSwitches climate control on/
offActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.
Control panel for the multi-zone automatic climate control
For USA only
Functioni Notes/tipsFront control panel:Sets the temperature, leftSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).;Sets climate control to
automaticActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.132Overview of climate control systemsClimate control
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FunctioniNotes/tips=Defrosts the windshieldOnly use the "defrosting" function briefly until the
windshield is clear again.?Increases the airflowADirects the airflow through the
defroster ventsBSwitches cooling with air
dehumidification on/offActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.Switches the residual heat
function on/offUse the residual heat function if you want to heat or
ventilate the vehicle interior when the ignition is
switched off. The "residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition switched
off.CSets the temperature, rightSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).DSwitches rear-compartment
climate control on/offEDirects the airflow through the
center and side air ventsFDirects the airflow to the
footwells and side air ventsGDisplays the airflow levelHReduces the airflowISwitches the rear window
heating on/offJActivates/deactivates air-
recirculation modeOnly use "air-recirculation" mode briefly, e.g. if there
are unpleasant outside odors or when in a tunnel. The
windows could otherwise fog up as, in air-
recirculation mode, no fresh air is drawn into the
vehicle.KInterior temperature sensorLSwitches climate control on/
offActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.Rear control panelMIncreases the airflowOverview of climate control systems133Climate controlBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 133Z