2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class snow chains

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

R
braking 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 Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible if there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths, etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 242).
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 G
WARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
(
Y page 53).
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. G
WARNING
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.
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.
X
If
ABS intervenes:
continue
to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.
X To 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. G
WARNING
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.
Off-road ABS If the LOW shift range (
Y page 145) 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 System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y
page 53).54
Driving safety systems
Safety

4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
G
WARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
(Y page 53).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away
and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active at speeds
above approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Deactivating/activating ESP ®G
WARNING
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel G
WARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated

conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R and drive over 37 mph (60 km/h), ESP ®
intervenes when

the grip limit of a wheel is
reached, even if it is deactivated.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you have deactivated ESP ®
, it is
automatically reactivated if you exceed a
speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) or a certain
lateral acceleration. X
To deactivate: press button : until the
å warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster. G
WARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF
warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp and the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
. 56
Driving safety systems
Safety

Winter driving
General notes G
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle,
resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 244).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y
page 244).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point

do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. 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.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid

sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control using
corrective steering.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 245). G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes. Off-road driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other
abrasive materials can enter the brake
system. This can lead to excessive wear and
unpredictable braking efficiency.
After the brakes have been exposed to dirty
conditions, have them checked and cleaned
at a

qualified specialist workshop. Otherwise,
there is a risk that braking power may be
insufficient in the event of an emergency, or
that the braking effect may be unpredictable. G
WARNING
Do
not load items on the basic carrier bars. It
may cause

instability during some maneuvers
which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected
obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle 134
Driving tips
Driving and parking

of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed

or down ; for a lower speed.
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until
the desired speed is reached.
X Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to
overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Making adjustments in 1 mph

(Canada:
1 km/h) increments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
up :
for a higher speed or down
; for a
lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards = .
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you apply the parking brake.
R you are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h

).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine. 4MATIC
(permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS, it

improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip. G
WARNING
If
a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This

may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the SmartKey to
position 0 or 1 in the ignition. Failure to do
this can cause damage to the drive train or
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 Driving systems
141
Driving and parking Z

Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! Information about the use of snow chain
compatible AMG winter tires is applicable
for AMG tires. Use of snow chains is only
permissible with these tires.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under
"Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
R only use snow chains when driving on roads
completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations (Y page 266).
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
on the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 55) when pulling away with
snow chains mounted. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action). Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
G
WARNING
Follow
recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not

overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
You will find a table of recommended tire
pressures on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar on the
driver's side ( Y page 252). You will find a
table of tire pressures for various operating
conditions on the inside of your vehicle's fuel
filler flap. To test tire pressure, use a suitable tire
pressure gauge. The outer appearance of a
tire does not permit any reliable conclusion Tire pressure
245
Wheels and tires Z

Tires
All-weather tires
19 Alloy wheels V1 V2
265/60 R18 109H M+S 7.5J x 18 H2 ET 63
Wheel offset: 1.69 in
(43 mm) — #
265/60 R18 110 V M+S 7.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in
(43 mm) #
—
275/55 R19 111 V M+S
20 9.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.97 in
(50 mm) — #
Spare wheel
All-weather tires
19 Alloy wheels V1 V2
265/60 R18 110 V M+S 7.5J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in
(43 mm) # #
i
You can

obtain information about tires and tire dimensions that are not listed here at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
19 Radial tires.
20 Use of snow chains is not permitted.268
Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires