2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class Owner's Manual

Rear window heatingSwitching on/off ........................... 143
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 130
Switching on/off ........................... 129
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................159
Refueling process ..........................161
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................293
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 25
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 247
Warning lamp ................................. 264
see Fuel
Reset button ........................................ 29
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 144
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 22
Roller sunblind Rear panorama roof .......................283
Roof carrier ........................................ 277
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 312
Roof load (maximum) see Technical data
Route
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 222
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................61
Child restraint systems ....................61
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 45
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 38
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat
Folding down/up (third row of
seats) ............................................. 104
Important safety notes ....................99
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................58
Adjusting the height ......................... 58
Belt force limiters ............................ 59
Cleaning ......................................... 311
Correct usage .................................. 56
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 59
Fastening ......................................... 57
Important safety guidelines .............55
Releasing ......................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Special seat belt retractor ...............63
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................228
Warning lamp ................................. 258
Warning lamp (function) ................... 59
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting (second and third rows) . 104
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 108
Adjusting the head restraint ..........101
Cleaning the cover .........................311
Correct driver's seat position ........... 98
Folding the rear bench seat
forwards/back ............................... 270
Multicontour seat .......................... 107
Seat heating problem ....................109
Seat ventilation problem ................109
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Switching seat heating on/off .......108
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 109
Securing hooks .................................. 273
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 309
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........305
Hiding service messages ...............305Index15

Notes ............................................. 305
Service messages ..........................305
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 375
Capacities ...................................... 371
Coolant (engine) ............................ 376
DEF special additives .....................374
Engine oil ....................................... 375
Fuel ................................................ 372
Important safety notes ..................370
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 375
Washer fluid ................................... 377
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........223
On-board computer .......................223
Setting the air distribution ............... 142
Setting the airflow ............................ 142
Side impact air bag ............................. 43
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 243
Side marker lamps Changing bulbs (front) ...................126
Side windows
Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........91
Hinged side windows .......................91
Important safety information ...........90
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Problem (malfunction) .....................93
Resetting ......................................... 92
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................93
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Problem (malfunction) .....................94
Resetting ......................................... 94
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................80
Changing the programming .............79
Checking the battery .......................80
Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........91
Display message ............................ 256
Door central locking/unlocking .......76
Important safety notes ....................76
Loss ................................................. 82
Mechanical key ................................ 79
Positions (ignition lock) .................149Problem (malfunction) .....................82
Starting the engine ........................150
Snow chains .............................. 173, 341
Sockets Center console .............................. 286
Front-passenger footwell ...............286
Luggage compartment ...................286
Points to observe before use .........285
Rear compartment .........................286
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 365
Storage location ............................ 315
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 220
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 217
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 223
see Instrument cluster
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 237
Introduction ..................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Warning lamp (function) ................... 38
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 126
Display message ............................ 243
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Starting (engine) ................................ 150
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 255
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................110
Adjusting (manually) ......................110
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Important safety notes ..................109
Paddle shifters ............................... 15716Index

Steering wheel heating ..................110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 311
Steering wheel heating Indicator lamp (malfunction) ..........111
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 157
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 269
Glove box ....................................... 269
Parcel net ...................................... 270
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 269
Center console (rear) .....................270
Cup holders ................................... 282
Important safety information .........268
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 340
Sun visor ............................................ 283
Supplement Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 225
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) .......................23
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 144
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 72
T
Tachometer ........................................ 216
Tailgate Display message ............................ 255
Important safety notes ....................85
Limiting the opening angle ...............89
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 88
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 87
Opening/closing (from outside) .......86
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 243
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
GL 350 BlueTEC ............................. 377
GL 450 ........................................... 377
GL 550 ........................................... 378
Tires/wheels ................................. 363
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 291
Display message ............................ 236
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 292
Emergency call .............................. 288
Important safety notes ..................287
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............293
MB info call button ........................290
Roadside Assistance button ..........290
Search & Send ............................... 292
Self-test ......................................... 288
System .......................................... 288
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............292
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 230
Display message ............................ 256
Menu (on-board computer) ............230
Number from the phone book ........ 230
Redialing ........................................ 230
Rejecting/ending a call .................230
Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 277
Temperature Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 220
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 220
Outside temperature ...................... 216
Setting (climate control) ................141
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 72
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Time (on-board computer) ................ 224
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 317
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....347
Checking manually ........................345
Display message ............................ 252Index17

Maximum ....................................... 344
Notes ............................................. 343
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................319
Pressure loss warning ....................345
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................320
Recommended ............................... 341
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 347
Restarting ...................................... 349
Warning lamp ................................. 265
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................361
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................359
Bar (definition) ............................... 359
Characteristics .............................. 359
Checking ........................................ 339
Definition of terms .........................359
Direction of rotation ......................362
Display message ............................ 252
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................362
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 358
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............359
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 360
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 360
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 360
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................360
Important safety notes ..................338
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......359
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........360
Labeling (overview) ........................355
Load bearing index (definition) ......361
Load index ..................................... 358
Load index (definition) ...................360
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 360
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 361
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 360Maximum tire load .........................353
Maximum tire load (definition) .......360
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 361
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 361
Replacing ....................................... 362
Service life ..................................... 339
Sidewall (definition) .......................361
Speed index (definition) .................360
Storing ........................................... 363
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 359
Temperature .................................. 355
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 361
Tire bead (definition) ......................361
Tire pressure (definition) ................361
Tire pressures (recommended) ......359
Tire size (data) ............................... 363
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................356
Tire tread ....................................... 339
Tire tread (definition) .....................361
Total load limit (definition) .............362
Traction ......................................... 354
Traction (definition) .......................361
Tread wear ..................................... 354
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................361
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 354
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................359
Unladen weight (definition) ............360
Wear indicator (definition) .............362
Wheel rim (definition) ....................360
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........331
Installing the towing eye ................331
Removing the towing eye ...............332
Towing a trailer
Coupling up a trailer ......................210
Decoupling a trailer .......................212
Driving tips .................................... 210
Important safety notes ..................21018Index

Lights display message ..................241
Power supply ................................. 213
Shift range ..................................... 157
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......332
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............333
Important safety notes ..................331
Trailer
Towing ........................................... 211
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 213
Trailer towing Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
ESP ®
................................................ 71
PARKTRONIC ................................. 198
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................213
Towing a trailer .............................. 211
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 332
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 179
Driving downhill ............................. 179
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 179
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 311
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 229
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 220
Resetting (on-board computer) ......229
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................126
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 121
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 361
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................85
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 84
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 283
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 254
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................223
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 349
Locking (in an emergency) ...............85
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 325
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 167
Pulling away ................................... 151
Raising ........................................... 322
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 331
Transporting .................................. 332
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........85
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................77
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 85
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 369
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 248
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 314
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 222
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 222
VIN ...................................................... 369
Index19

W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 260
Brakes ........................................... 259
Check Engine ................................. 264
Cruise control ................................ 180
Distance warning ........................... 265
ESP ®
.............................................. 261
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 262
Fuel tank ........................................ 264
LIM (DISTRONIC) ........................... 184
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 45
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........50
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................45
Reserve fuel ................................... 264
Seat belt ........................................ 258
SRS ................................................ 263
Tire pressure monitor ....................265
Warranty ............................................ 368
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 256
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 325
Wheel chock ...................................... 321
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................362
Changing a wheel .......................... 321
Checking ........................................ 339
Cleaning ......................................... 307
Important safety notes ..................338
Mounting a wheel .......................... 324
Removing a wheel ..........................323
Storing ........................................... 363
Tightening torque ........................... 325
Wheel size/tire size .......................363
Window curtain air bag ....................... 44
Windows Cleaning ......................................... 309
see Side windows Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 142
Infrared reflective .......................... 297
Windshield washer system .............. 303
Notes ............................................. 377
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................131
Rear window wiper ........................129
Replacing the wiper blades ............129
Switching on/off ........................... 128
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................340
Slippery road surfaces ...................174
Snow chains .......................... 173, 341
Winter operation
Radiator cover ............................... 301
Winter tires
M+S tires ............................... 172, 340
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 309
Important safety notes ..................129
Replacing (rear window) ................130
Replacing (windshield) ...................130
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 31120Index

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty 2
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
2 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.Introduction21

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
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 event of
a breakdown. 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)
For additional information, refer to 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 your vehicle literature portfolio.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance provides
vehicle service up to a reasonable distance
from the next paved road. 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 ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
22Introduction