2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class roof

! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
Minimum distanceCenterApproximately 8 in
(approximately 20 cm)CornersApproximately 6 in
(approximately 15 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, the
relevant warning displays light up and a
warning tone sounds. If the distance falls
below the minimum, the distance may no
longer be shown.
Warning displays
The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located
on the dashboard above the center air vents.
The warning display for the rear area is in the
roof lamp in the rear compartment.
Warning display for the front area
:Segments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle;Segments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle=Segments showing operational readiness
The warning display for each side of the
vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red
segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if
yellow segments showing operational
readiness = light up.
The selected transmission position
determines which warning display is active
when the engine is running.
Transmission
positionWarning displayDFront area activatedR or NRear and front areas
activatedPNo areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance from the obstacle.
From the:
R sixth segment onwards, you will hear an
intermittent warning tone for
approximately two seconds.
R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a
warning tone for approximately two
seconds. This indicates that you have now
reached the minimum distance.
Driving systems197Driving and parkingZ

XInsert inertia reel = into mounting
elements ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.XPress unlocking button : on inertia reel
= and pull the cargo net out in the
direction of the arrow.XPlace the load between the securing net
and the cargo compartment side wall.XUsing one hand, press locking button : of
inertia reel =.XWith your other hand, slowly extend the net
around the load until it is secure.
Telescopic rod
The telescopic rod can be used to secure the
load against the rear seats to prevent it from
moving around.
XInsert one mounting element ; into each
loading rail.XTurn mounting elements ; in the loading
rail to =.XInsert telescopic rod : into mounting
elements ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.Roof carrier
Important safety notesGWARNING
Only use carriers when the crossbars have
been completely mounted. The left and right
roof rails are only stabilized by means of the
crossbars mounted.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached carrier or its load could become
detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
198 lb (90 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof is
loaded, the handling characteristics are
different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
R raise the sliding sunroof fully
R open the tailgate fully
Attaching the roof carrier
Stowage areas277Stowing and featuresZ

XSecure the roof carrier to roof rails :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Cross bar
Points to observe before use
The maximum roof load that can be used with
additional accessories decreases by the dead
weight of the crossbars (13.7 lbs/6.2 kg).
! Note that installing the crossbar
increases the vehicle height by 50 mm
compared to the height stated in the
"Technical data" section.
The wrench and the Allen key are located with
the vehicle tool kit in the stowage space
underneath the trunk floor ( Y page 314).
i Replacement parts are available as
Mercedes-Benz accessories. Contact your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center.
Installing the crossbars
GWARNING
Please follow these installation instructions
carefully. Caution should be exercised to
avoid damage to the vehicle while installing
the crossbars. Also, be careful not to injure
yourself or others while installing and
adjusting the crossbars or loading items on
them.
Each individual step of the installation
instructions, the warning notices, the general
safety precautions and the instructions for
use must be followed exactly. If the crossbars
are not mounted correctly, they and the
objects attached to them could come loose
from your vehicle and cause an accident,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.
GWARNING
Every time the crossbars are mounted, before
you set off on a journey and periodically
during longer journeys, check all the screws
on the crossbars to make sure that they are
secure, and tighten them if necessary. Repeat
these checks at regular intervals as road-
surface conditions dictate, and at least after
every 1500 miles (2500 km) of continuous
use.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
Do not use lubricant on the screws of the
crossbars. The screws could work loose and
the crossbars could become detached from
your vehicle, together with the objects
attached to them causing an accident,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.GWARNING
Only install the crossbars at the exact
locations designated on the roof rails. The
designated locations for the front crossbars
are between the markings engraved on the
inside of the roof rails. The designated
locations for the rear crossbars are between
the gaps on the roof rails.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
GWARNING
A roof load creates a greater surface area
exposed to the wind and causes the vehicle
to have a higher center of gravity, thereby
changing the vehicle's driving characteristics.
Accordingly, the additional weight on the roof
of the vehicle can have a detrimental effect
on braking, cornering and acceleration.
Never exceed the maximum permissible roof
load or the maximum permissible vehicle
278Stowage areasStowing and features

weight, even when accessories for the
crossbars (e.g. ski racks, bicycle racks, etc.)
are being used. Overloading the vehicle could
result in an accident. When calculating the
weight placed on the roof please make sure
to add the weight of the crossbars, accessory
racks and the load carried together.
Always adapt your driving style to the road,
traffic and weather conditions, and drive with
added caution when the roof is loaded.
Always drive with extreme care when the
carrier is loaded. Take into consideration that
when the carrier is loaded, the handling
characteristics are different from those when
operating the vehicle without a carrier loaded.GWARNING
Do not use accessories which have not been
approved by Mercedes-Benz for use in
conjunction with these crossbars. If non-
approved accessories are used, these
accessories and/or the objects attached to
them could come loose from the vehicle,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.
! Have a second person assist you when
installing the crossbars. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
! Objects that are attached to crossbar
system accessories must not limit or
obstruct the movement of the sliding
sunroof. Otherwise, the tilt/sliding sunroof
could be damaged when it is raised.
:Key;Cover cap=Sticker FRONT (or REAR)?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracket
The front and the rear crossbars differ in
length. Attention must therefore be paid to
the FRONT or REAR stickers = on the
crossbars.
XUnlock cover cap ; with key :.XRemove cover cap ;.
Sticker = for identifying the installation
location FRONT or REAR becomes visible.XTurn bolt ? counter-clockwise using the
Allen key until clamping bracket A is wide
open.BFront crossbarCRear crossbarDRecessesEMarkingsFRoof railsStowage areas279Stowing and featuresZ

XPlace front crossbar B between markings
E on roof rails F.
i
Markings E are located on the inside of
each roof rail and are marked with white
lines.
?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracketFRoof railsXEnsure that clamping bracket A is
positioned flush with the inside of roof rails
F .
If necessary, adjust the span of the
crossbar ( Y page 280).XTighten bolt ? slightly on both sides in a
clockwise direction.XPosition rear crossbar C on roof rails F
in such a way that the clamping brackets in
recesses D reach into the roof rails.XEnsure that clamping bracket A is
positioned flush with the inside of roof rails
F .
If necessary, adjust the span of the
crossbar ( Y page 280).XTighten bolt ? a little on both sides in a
clockwise direction.XTighten bolts ? on the front and the rear
crossbar. Maintain a tightening torque of
4 lb-ft (6 Nm) .GWARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
mounting the crossbars. The screws could
come loose if they are not tightened to a
torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm).XAttach and lock cover caps ;.XStore the key and the Allen key back in the
stowage space underneath the trunk floor.
Adjusting the span of the crossbar
GWARNING
Only install the crossbars at the exact
locations designated on the roof rails. The
designated locations for the front crossbars
are between the markings engraved on the
inside of the roof rails. The designated
locations for the rear crossbars are between
the gaps on the roof rails.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
The span of the crossbar is adjusted to suit
your vehicle at the factory. These spans only
fit the intended positions on the vehicle.
Only install the crossbars at the marked
points and observe the FRONT and REAR
stickers =.
?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracketGBolts for adjusting the span (a total of 2
on each side)HCover strip280Stowage areasStowing and features

XPull out cover strip H from the groove until
bolts G become visible on both ends of the
crossbar.XTurn bolts G counter-clockwise on both
sides by approx. two turns.XPlace the crossbars on the marked points
on the roof rails.XEnsure that clamping bracket A locks
flush with the roof rails on both sides. If
necessary, pull it out or push it into
clamping brackets A.XTighten bolts G. Maintain a tightening
torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm) .
The width of the clamping bracket is set
correctly.GWARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
mounting the crossbars. The screws could
come loose if they are not tightened to a
torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm).
XPress cover strip H into the groove of the
crossbar bit by bit.XInstall the crossbars as described
( Y page 278).
Removing the crossbars
:Key;Cover cap=Sticker FRONT (or REAR)?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracketXUnlock cover cap ; with key :.XRemove cover cap ;.XTurn the bolts for clamping bracket A
counter-clockwise until the crossbars can
be removed from the roof rails.
Shortening the cover strip
The cover strips reduce the wind noise that is
caused by the crossbars. If additional roof
accessories are mounted, it may be
necessary to shorten the cover strips.
HCover stripXPull out cover strip H from the groove.XMount the roof accessories to the
crossbars.XPlace cover strip H flush with the roof
accessories and mark the end of the
crossbar on the cover strip.XCut off cover strip H at the marked point.XPress cover strip H into the groove of the
crossbar bit by bit.
i Cover strips are available as Mercedes-
Benz accessories. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Service Center.
Stowage areas281Stowing and featuresZ

:Cup holders
Sun visors
Overview of sun visors
GWARNING
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
:Mirror light;Bracket=Vanity mirror?Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticketAMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror light : only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into retainer ; and mirror cover
A has been folded up.
Glare from the sideXFold down sun visor :.XPull sun visor : out of retainer =.XSwing sun visor : to the side.XVehicles with a sliding sunroof: slide sun
visor : horizontally as desired.XVehicles with a sliding sunroof: fold
down additional sun visor ; to the
windshield.
Roller sunblind, rear panorama roof
The rear panorama roof roller sunblind
protects the vehicle occupants in the third
row of seats from direct sunlight.
You can open/close the roller sunblind by
hand.
! Always guide the roller sunblind by hand.
Do not let it snap back suddenly as this
could damage the roller sunblind.
Features283Stowing and featuresZ

XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 149) in the ignition lock.
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.XDepress and hold the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is in position
0 .
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Also, clean the insides of the wheels when
washing the underbody of the vehicle.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft car sponge for cleaning.XUse a gentle cleaning agent, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz approved car shampoo.XWash down the vehicle with a gentle water
jet.XDo not point the water jet directly at the air
inlets.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
it thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not allow the cleaning agent to dry on
the paintwork.
Power washers
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
Care307Maintenance and careZ