R
Chec kthat items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 271).
R To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at
walking pace.
R Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
the ground at all times.
R Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
R Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R Always keep the doors, the rear door or
tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet), the side win-
dows and the sliding sunroof closed while
the vehicle is in motion.
R Switch off cruise control and variable
SPEEDTRONIC.
R Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the ter-
rain, the slower your speed should be.
R Drive slowly and at a constant speed
through the water. Ensure that a bow wave
does not form as you drive.
R On sand, drive quickly to overcome the roll-
ing resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could
dig itself into the sand.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion. R
Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at appro-
priate engine speeds.
R Always check the vehicle for damage after
off-road driving.
i Information about retrofitting special all-
terrain tyres is available from any qualified
specialist workshop.
i Do not use the HOLD function when driv-
ing off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gra-
dients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The
HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on
such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road !
If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
during the journey, stop the vehicle in a
safe place as soon as is possible. Check the
engine oil level. The warning given by the
engine oil warning light must not be
ignored. Continuing your journey when the
symbol is shown may result in engine dam-
age.
X Engine oil level: check the engine oil and
top it up if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough
oil when the vehicle is standing on a steep
incline.
X G3 50 BlueTEC: have the AdBlue ®
level
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
(Y page 160).
X Tyre-change tool kit: check that the jack
is working and make sure you have the
wheelbrace, a robust tow cable and a fold-
ing spade in the vehicle.
X Wheels and tyres: check the tyre tread
depth and tyre pressure.
X Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tyres.
X Replace any missing valve caps.
X Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X Carry a sound spare wheel. 170
Driving tipsDriving and parking
Position number
Bidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
The jump-start terminal point consists of terminals ;and ?.
X Lift up cover :of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
X Connec tpositive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal ?of donor battery B
using the jump lead. Begin with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal Aof donor battery Bto earth point =of your vehicle using
the jump lead, connectingt he jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X First, remove the jump lead from earth point =and negative terminal A, then from positive
terminal ;and positive terminal ?, each time disconnecting from the battery on your own
vehicle first.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
of 50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
not be exceeded. Towing and tow-starting
315Breakdown assistance Z
