2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV engine

light up continuously. The hazard warning
lamps switch off automatically if you travel
faster than 10 km/h
.You can also switch off
the hazard warning lamps using the hazard
warning switch button (Y page 109).ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 60). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake dynamometer.
Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on atwin-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop .You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the transmission of power from the
tyres to the road surface.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 256) and any display messages that
appear in the instrument cluster
(Y page 229). If ESP
®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilise the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or slip-
pery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilise the vehi-
cle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tyre sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch off automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control remains active if you deacti-
vate ESP
®
.
X If appropriate for the driving conditions,
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 202).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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 trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you deacti-
vate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active above a
speed of about 60 km/h. 62
Driving safety systemsSafety

Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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 trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following. X
To deactivate: press button:until the
å warning lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
X To activate: press button :until the
å warning lamp goes out in the instru-
ment cluster.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
i Vehicles with the ECO start/stop func-
tion: the ECO start/stop function automat-
ically switches the engine off when the
vehicle comes to a stop. When pulling away
again, the engine starts automatically.
ESP ®
remains in its previously selected sta-
tus. Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated
before the engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the engine is
switched on again. It may be best to deactivate ESP
®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
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 if you brake.
R and are driving at above 60 km/h, ESP ®
still intervenes when one wheel reaches its
grip limit even though it is switched off.
i 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 stabilise the vehi-
cle.
Trailer stabilisation G
WARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilisation will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
tip over before ESP ®
can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
Trailer stabilisation does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a mal-
function.
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
lurch, you can only stabilise the vehicle/
trailer combination by depressing the brake
firmly.
In this situation, ESP ®
assists you and can
detect if the vehicle/trailer combination
begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down Driving safety systems
63Safety Z

by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi-
lised.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 60 km/h.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 60). G
WARNING
If EBDh as malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g .unde rfull braking .This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 254) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 231).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE provides increased braking
safety. In addition to the braking function,
ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 196) and hill start assist
(Y page 145). Anti-theft systems
Immobiliser
X To activate: remove the key from the igni-
tion lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key. i
The immobiliser is always deactivated
when you start the engine. ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is primed after approximately
15 seconds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
key.
i If you then do not open a door or the rear
door, the alarm system switches back on
again after approximately 40 seconds.
X To stop the alarm: insert the key into the
ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the %or& button on the key.
The alarm is switched off.
Av isual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed and you open:
R a door
R a door using the emergency key element
R the rear door/tailgate
R the bonnet
The alarm is also triggered if:
R the position of the vehicle is changed
R a window is smashed
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it,
for example. 64
Anti-theft systemsSafety

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. Country-specific differen-
ces are possible. Note that your vehicle
may not be fitted with all features descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 22). Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children. G
WARNING
Do not transport any heavy or hard objects in
the vehicle interior or in the load compart-
ment if these are not properly secured. Loads which are not secured or not stored
properly increase the risk of children being
injured in the following circumstances:
R strong braking manoeuvres
R sudden changes of direction
R in the event of an accident G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the key,
the key could be unintentionally turned in the
ignition lock .This could cause the engine to
be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to
the key. Remove any bulky keyrings before
inserting the key into the ignition lock. Key functions
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the key,
the key could be unintentionally turned in the
ignition lock. This could cause the engine to
be switched off. There is a risk of an accident. 68
KeyOpening and closing

Problems with the key
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
You cannot lock or
unlock the vehicle
using the key. The key battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
X
Point the tip of the key at the driver's door handle from a dis-
tance of approximately 50 cm and try to unlock or lock the
vehicle again.
If this does not work:
X Check the key battery (Y page 71) and replace it if necessary
(Y page 71).
X Lock (Y page 74) or unlock (Y page 75) the vehicle using
the emergency key element. The key is faulty.
X
Lock or unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element
(Y page 74).
X Have the key checked at a qualified specialist workshop. You have lost a key. X
Have the key deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks replaced as well. You have lost the emer-
gency key element. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks replaced as well. Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The engine cannot be
started using the key. The key has been in position
0(Ypage 143) for a considerable
time.
X Remove the key and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
X Start the engine. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to turn the key again.
If this does not work:
X Check the battery and charge it if necessary (Y page 311).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 313).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 72
KeyOpening and closing

Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are lef tunsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission ou tof
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children. Unlocking and opening the doors
from the inside
You can open a door anytime from inside the
vehicle, even if it has been locked, unless the
child-proof locks (Y page 59) have been acti-
vated.
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the key, opening a door from the inside will
trigger the anti-thef talarm system. Switch off
the alarm (Y page 64).
You can only open the rear compartment
doors fro minside the vehicle if they are not
secured by the child-proof locks (Y page 59). X
Pull door handle ;.
If the door is locked, locking knob :pops
up .The door is unlocked and can be
opened. Centrally locking and unlocking the
vehicle from the inside
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children.
You can centrally lock or unlock the vehicle
from the inside. This feature may be useful if,
for example, you wish to unlock the front-
passenger door from the inside or lock the
vehicle before you pull away. Doors
73Opening and closing Z

X
Turn the emergency key element back and
remove it.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key. Locking the vehicle
If the vehicle can no longer be centrally
locked with the key, use the emergency key
element.
X Close the front-passenger door, the rear
compartment doors and the rear door or
tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet).
X Press the locking button (Y page 73).
X Make sure that the lockin gknobs on the
doors are still visible .Press downt he lock-
ing knobs by hand, if necessary.
X Close the driver's door from the outside. X
Take the emergency key element out of the
key (Y page 70).
X Insert the emergency key element into the
lock of the driver's door as far as it will go.
X Turn the emergency key element clockwise
as far as it will go to position 1.
i On right-hand-drive vehicles, turn the
emergency key element anti-clockwise.
X Turn the emergency key element back and
remove it.
X Check if the doors, including the rear door
or tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet), are locked.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key. Rear door (G-Class long-wheelbase
version)
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tail-
gate/rear door is open when the engine is
running, particularly if the vehicle is moving,
exhaust fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate/rear door. Never drive off with the tail-
gate/rear door open.
! The tailgate swings out to the side when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance.
i Do not leave the key in the luggage com-
partment.Y ou may otherwise be inadver-
tently locked out. Opening
You can only open the rear door after unlock-
ing it first.
X Press the %button on the key. X
Press release button :and pull door han-
dle ;.
X Open the rear door. Rear door (G-Class long-wheelbase version)
75Opening and closing Z

Closing
X Push the rear door closed from outside the
vehicle.
X If necessary, loc kthe vehicle with the
& button on the key. Tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet)
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open. G
WARNING
If the spare wheel bracket is not correctly
closed and engaged, it could swing to the side
while the vehicle is in motion. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Close the spare wheel bracket completely
before the journey and make sure that it is
engaged. Opening
! Make sure that there is sufficient clear-
ance.
You can only open the tailgate after it has
been unlocked.
X Press the %button on the key.
The tailgate is unlocked. X
Raise safety catch :and pull lever =in
the direction of the arrow.
X Swing spare wheel bracket ;to the side
in the direction of the arrow. X
Turn quick-locking mechanisms ?clock-
wise.
X Open zips Aupwards approximately
10 cm.
i When the soft top is open and the tonneau
cover is attached, you need only release the
quick-locking mechanisms on the tonneau
cover. 76
Tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet)Opening and closing