2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class service interval

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 197
12 V socket
........................................ 196
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 56
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 141A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 166
Function/notes

................................ 54
Warning lamp ................................. 181
Active service system
see Service interval display
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 275
Adjusting the seat ............................... 76
Air bags Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 35
Important safety notes .................... 34
PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 37
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Window curtain air bag ....................37
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents ............................................. 111
Important safety notes .................. 110
Rear ............................................... 111
Setting ........................................... 110
Setting the center air vents ...........111
Setting the side air vents ............... 111
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Approach/departure angle ..............138
Ashtray ............................................... 195ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating

...................57
Function ........................................... 57
Switching off the alarm .................... 57
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 168
Automatic car wash .......................... 217
Automatic transmission Driving tips .................................... 121
Emergency running mode ..............124
Important safety notes .................. 119
Kickdown ....................................... 121
Malfunction .................................... 124
Pulling away ................................... 116
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 124
Selector lever ................................ 120
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 124 B
Backup lamp Display message
............................ 170
BAS (Brake Assist System)

.................54
Battery Charging ........................................ 231
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 62
Display message ............................ 172
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 62
Important safety notes .................. 230
Jump-starting ................................. 233
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 62
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 166
Notes ............................................. 275
Brake fluid level ................................ 215
Brake lamps (display message) .......168
Brakes ABS .................................................. 54
BAS .................................................. 54
Brake fluid (notes) .........................275
Display messages ..........................1664
Index

Problems with "cooling with air
dehumidification"
...........................
107
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 109
Refrigerant ..................................... 275
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow ......................... 108
Setting the air vents ......................110
Setting the temperature ................ 107
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 110
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 109
Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 110
Windshield defroster ......................108
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 24
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
Convenience closing feature ..............69
Convenience opening feature ............69
Coolant (engine) Checking the level ......................... 213
Display message ............................ 170
Notes ............................................. 276
Temperature gauge ........................ 152
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering lamps .................................. 92
Correct use .......................................... 21
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................140
Display message ............................ 174
Function/notes ............................. 139
Cup holders ........................................ 193
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ............................................... 21
Customer Relations Department .......21 D
Daytime running lamps Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Defrosting the windshield ................108Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
Differential locks ............................... 148
Digital speedometer .........................156
Display (cleaning instructions) ........220
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer)
.....165
Driving systems ............................. 174
General notes ................................ 165
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 165
Safety systems .............................. 166
Service interval display .................. 215
Distance recorder ............................. 156
Door control panel Overview .......................................... 30
Doors
Automatic locking ............................ 66
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
Display message ............................ 177
Emergency locking ........................... 66
Emergency unlocking .......................66
Important safety notes .................... 65
Opening (from inside) ......................65
Drinking and driving .........................129
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Driving abroad ..................................... 88
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............ 138
Driving downhill ............................. 139
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 139
Driving on flooded roads ..................133
Driving safety systems 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...56
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 54
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............54
Electronic brake force distribution ... 57
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 55
Important safety information ........... 53
Overview .......................................... 536
Index

S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................47
Child restraint systems ....................47
Overview of occupant safety
systems ...........................................
32
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems


Seat backrest
Folding back .................................. 191
Folding forwards ............................ 191
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 45
Belt force limiters ............................ 47
Cleaning ......................................... 222
Correct usage .................................. 42
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 47
Fastening ................................... 43, 44
Fastening, front ............................... 44
Fastening in the rear, center ............44
Important safety guidelines .............41
Releasing ......................................... 46
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Special seat belt retractor ............... 49
Warning lamp ................................. 178
Warning lamp (function) ................... 46
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (malfunction) ............ 81
Seats
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 79
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 77
Cleaning the cover ......................... 221
Correct driver's seat position ........... 74
Important safety notes .................... 75
Multicontour seat ............................ 79
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 85
Switching seat heating on/off ......... 80
Switching seat ventilation on/off ....81
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (malfunction) ............ 81
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......220
Service indicator see Service interval display Service interval display
....................215
Displaying a
service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 216
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 275
Capacities ...................................... 273
Coolant (engine) ............................ 276
Engine oil ....................................... 275
Fuel ................................................ 273
Important safety notes .................. 272
Notes ............................................. 272
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 275
Washer fluid ................................... 277
Settings
Calling up a stored setting ............... 86
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 158
On-board computer ....................... 158
Setting the unit (on-board
computer)
Speedometer ................................. 159
Shift ranges ....................................... 121
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 169
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............ 69
Convenience opening feature .......... 69
Important safety information ........... 68
Opening/closing .............................. 68
Troubleshooting ............................... 69
Ski rack .............................................. 193
Sliding sunroof Important safety notes .................... 70
Opening/closing .............................. 70
Operating manually ..........................71
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 62
Changing the programming ............. 61
Checking the battery ....................... 62
Convenience closing feature ............ 69
Convenience opening feature .......... 69
Important safety notes .................... 60
Loss ................................................. 64
Malfunction ...................................... 64
Starting the engine ........................ 116
Snow chains ...................................... 24512
Index

Information for customers in
California
In California, you have the right to exchange
a vehicle or receive a refund of the purchase
or leasing price if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
and/or an authorized workshop or
maintenance facility cannot, after several
authorized repairs, rectify considerable
damage to
or malfunctions of the vehicle that
are covered by the contractual warranty.
Customers who purchase or lease a vehicle
may have their vehicles repaired within 18
months from delivery or up until an odometer
reading of 29,000 km (i.e. 18,000 miles),
whichever comes first, if:
(1) the serious defect or damage can result in deadly or serious injury to the vehicle
occupants while driving AND this defect
has already been repaired at least twice
AND Mercedes-Benz, LLC has been
informed in writing of the necessity of a
repair.
(2) the defect or damage, though less serious than

(1) above, has already been
repaired at least four times AND
Mercedes-Benz has been informed in
writing of the necessity of a repair.
(3) the vehicle cannot be used for longer than 30 calendar days because of repair
work resulting from this or other serious
defects or damage.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350 Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers

technical help in the case of a
breakdown. Your calls to the toll-free
Roadside Assistance Hotline are answered by
our agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
You can find further information in the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in the vehicle document wallet.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance is prepared
to provide vehicle service up until a
reasonable distance from the next paved
roadway. We will make every effort to assist
in a breakdown situation. However, the
accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Service technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider. Change of address or change of
ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) at 18
Introduction

X
Connect a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you
leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice. Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with

the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h). Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
X
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet or indicated by the
service interval indicator.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in

cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are

greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or Driving tips
129
Driving and parking
Z

accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off G
WARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the

brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check G
WARNING
Inhalation
of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not

run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Brakes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On
slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in

drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of control loss.
Do not engage the transfer case in position
LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At
speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle
steering is adversely affected by the Off-road
ABS.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to

a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
Depressing
the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive

and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly. 130
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Menus and submenus
Overview of menus
The number of menus shown depends on the optional equipment in the vehicle. Function
:
Standard display
menu ( Y page 156)
R tire pressure monitor (Y page 249)
R service interval display ( Y

page 215)
R G 55 AMG: oil level (Y page 211) ;
Audio
menu (
Y page 156)
=
Navigation menu (Y page 158)
?
Message memory
9
menu ( Y page 165)
A
Settings menu (Y page 158)
B
Trip computer
menu ( Y page 162)
C
Telephone
menu ( Y page 163)
9
The menu is only visible when there is a display message. Menus and submenus
155
On-board computer and displays Z

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