2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class maintenance

X
Pull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil

level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark = and MAX mark ;.
X Add oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer On the G 55 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
R
park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Press the & or * button on the
steering wheel to select the following
message: The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will
see

one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:
R Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt (Canada: 1.0 liter) to
reach maximum oil level. R
Add 1.5 qts (Canada: 1.5 liters) to
reach maximum oil level.
R Add 2.0 qts (Canada: 2.0 liters) to
reach maximum oil level.
X Add oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the Engine Oil Reduce
Oil Level message appears, the engine oil
level is too high.
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
! Do not

add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the
catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check
engine oil level message appears:
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
If the Observe Waiting Time message
appears:
X If the engine is at normal operating
temperature: repeat the measurement
after about five minutes.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature (e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly): repeat the measurement
after about 30 minutes.
If the Engine Oil Level Not With
Engine On message appears:
X Switch off the engine.
X If the engine is at normal operating
temperature: wait about five minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the * or & button on the
multifunction steering wheel. 212
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Adding engine oil
H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
obtained from any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Damage to
the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives. Example: engine oil cap Engine oil cap (G 55 AMG)
X
Turn cap : counterclockwise
and remove
it.
X Add the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer when

doing so or fill carefully to the
maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
i The difference in quantity between the
MIN mark and the MAX mark on the
dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qts. (2 l).
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 275).
X Replace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely. Checking and adding other service
products
Coolant level Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on

a level surface and the engine has cooled
down. Engine compartment
213
Maintenance and care Z

X
Turn the SmartKey to position
2(Y page 115) in the ignition lock.
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †). G
WARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. X
Slowly turn cap : half a turn
counterclockwise and allow excess
pressure to escape.
X Turn cap : further counterclockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap : and

turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 276).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield
washer

system and the headlamp
cleaning system. G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on

hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps. 214
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

!
Do not
add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round. Example: washer fluid reservoir
X
Mix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.
X At temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).
X At temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid container with a mix of water
and MB SummerFit windshield washer
concentrate. For

information on the mixing
ratio, see (Y page 277) or use the premixed
windshield washer solution with antifreeze
available in specialist stores.
X To open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close:
press cap :
onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level !
If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Visit a
qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the error. Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
The brake fluid level is correct if it is between
MIN
marking ;

and MAX marking : on the
brake fluid reservoir. Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The service interval message informs you of
the next service due date.
If
a

service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A In 99999 Miles
Service A Due Now
Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A
± Major service B
The service interval display does not take into
account any

periods of time during which the
battery is disconnected. Maintenance
215
Maintenance and care Z

Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X
Before disconnecting the battery, note
down the service due date displayed.
or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery
disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
i The service

interval display should not be
confused with the 4 engine oil level
display.
Hiding a service message X
Press the reset button on the left of the
instrument cluster (

Y page 25).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press the V or U button on the
steering wheel to select the standard
display menu (Y page 156).
X With & or * select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or ± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed.
Please bear the following in mind A qualified specialist workshop will reset the
service interval display after the necessary
service work has been carried out.
Further information, on maintenance for
example, can be obtained at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
!
If the service interval display has been
reset unintentionally, have the setting
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have service

work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
Fuel/water separator
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the
multifunction display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
! If you

continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner. Care
Notes on care
Regular care

of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your 216
Care
Maintenance and care

vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock

away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight

after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle.

This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried. You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
!
Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents.

These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. The exterior mirrors could
otherwise be damaged.
! Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in position N when washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (airflow control is turned to
position 0/the à and Á buttons
are switched off).
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, also
clean the inside of the wheels.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean. Care
217
Maintenance and care Z

X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlets.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Power washers G
WARNING
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean
your vehicle,
especially for cleaning tires. You
could otherwise damage the tires and cause
an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures. Cleaning the wheels !
Do not

use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate
care

cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water

no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every 218
Care
Maintenance and care

three to five months, depending on the
climate
conditions
and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
X Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick,

to correct smaller areas of
paint damage quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care If your vehicle has a clear matte finish,
observe
the

following instructions in order to
avoid damage to the paintwork due to
incorrect care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
The windshield wipers could otherwise move
and injure you. X
Clean the inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not

use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away. This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
Cleaning the wiper blades G
WARNING
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
The windshield wipers could otherwise move
and injure you.
! Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
X Fold the wiper arms away from the
windshield.
X Carefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
X Fold the windshield wipers back again
before switching on the ignition.
! Hold the

wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly. Care
219
Maintenance and care Z