2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class Button

If you select an off-road level when driving at
too high a speed, the Level selection
not permitted message appears in the
multifunction display.
You can select the following:
R off-road level 1 up to 60 mph(96 km/h)
R off-road level 2 up to 40 mph(64 km/h)
R off-road level 3 up to 12 mph(20 km/h)
If you drive faster than 55 mph (88 km/h), or
for longer than 20 seconds between 40 mph
(64 km/h) and 55 mph (88 km/h), then off-
road level 2 is canceled. The vehicle is
lowered to off-road level 1.
You will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
If you drive faster than 60 mph (96 km/h), off-
road level 1 is canceled. The vehicle is
lowered to highway level.^^
You will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
Depending on the ADS setting ( Y page 195),
the vehicle is lowered to high-speed level at
high speeds. If you return to a speed below
25 mph (40 km/h), the vehicle is raised back
to highway level.
Highway/high-speed level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.:To raise the level;To lower the level=Indicator lampsXStart the engine.
If one or more indicator lamps = are on:
XTurn the selector wheel counter-
clockwise ; until all indicator lamps =
that are lit start to flash.
The vehicle is lowered to highway level. As
soon as the next lowest level is reached,
the indicator lamp stops flashing and goes
out.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
194Driving systemsDriving and parking

Once highway level has been reached, all
indicator lamps = go out. You will see a
message in the multifunction display, for
example:
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
computer, the message disappears after
about five seconds.
The vehicle automatically adjusts to highway
level when you drive faster than
60 mph(115 km/h). Depending on the ADS
setting ( Y page 195), the vehicle is lowered
to high-speed level at high speeds.
i If a trailer is being towed, the vehicle is
not lowered to high-speed level.
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
ADS is continuously electronically-controlled.
It adapts the damping characteristics to suit
the current operating conditions. The
damping is controlled for each wheel
individually. This improves driving safety and
tire comfort.
This depends on:
R your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R the ADS setting
R the vehicle level setting
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Vehicles without extended Off-Road Pro
engineering package
Vehicles with extended Off-Road Pro engineering
package
You can choose between the following ADS
settings:
R AUTO for normal driving situations;
indicator lamps ; and = are off.
R SPORT for sporty driving; indicator
lamp ; is on. In comparison with AUTO or
COMF , the vehicle is lowered by
0.6 in(15 mm).
R COMF for a more comfortable ride;
indicator lamp = is on.
XStart the engine.XPress button : repeatedly until the
desired setting is selected.Driving systems195Driving and parkingZ

Problems with PARKTRONICProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately
20 seconds, and the
indicator lamp in the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.XIf problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately 20
seconds.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.XClean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 309).XSwitch the ignition back on.The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.XSee if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.Rear view camera
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
It shows the area behind your vehicle in the
COMAND display.
GWARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
The rear view camera is located in the handle
strip of the tailgate.
:Rear view camera
View through the camera
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.
Driving systems199Driving and parkingZ

Activating/deactivating DSR
Activating
DSR can only be activated if you are driving
no faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
Vehicle without the Off-Road Pro Engineering
package
Vehicle with the Off-Road Pro Engineering package
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.
The DSR symbol and a message, such as the
following, appear in the multifunction display:
If the speed that is being driven is too high,
the DSR symbol and the Max. speed
20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) message appears
in the multifunction display.
DeactivatingXPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
The DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Off
message.
DSR is deactivated automatically if you are
driving faster than 21 mph (Canada:
35 km/h). The DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Off message.
You also hear a warning tone.
Changing the set speed while
the vehicle is in motion
When DSR is activated, the control speed can
be changed to a value between 3 mph and
10 mph (Canada: between 4 km/h and
18 km/h) during the journey.
XTo increase or decrease in 1 mph
(Canada: 1 km/h) increments: press the
cruise control lever to the point of
resistance briefly upwards : for a higher
control speed or briefly downwards ; for
a lower control speed.
The set value appears in the multifunction
display.XTo increase or decrease in 5 mph
(Canada: 10 km/h) increments: push the
cruise control lever beyond the point of
resistance briefly upwards : for a higher
control speed or briefly downwards ; for
a lower control speed.
The set value appears in the multifunction
display.Off-road driving systems205Driving and parkingZ

Off-road drive program
i The off-road drive program is available
only in vehicles without the Off-Road Pro
engineering package.
The off-road drive program assists you in
driving off-road. The engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and
4 ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are also activated.
Do not use the off-road drive program on
roads that are covered in snow or icy or if you
have installed snow chains on your vehicle.
For information about driving off-road, see
( Y page 174).XTo activate: press off-road button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. Off-road
indicator = appears in the multifunction
display.XTo activate: press off-road button :.
Indicator lamp ; and off-road indicator
= go out.LOW RANGE off-road gear
General notes
The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and
4 ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are also activated.
Information on "Off-road driving"; see
( Y page 174) . You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section
( Y page 67).
Shift ranges
HIGH RANGERoad position for all
normal driving situationsLOW RANGEOff-road position for
driving off-road and
fording
The gear ratio between the
engine and wheels is only
approximately one third of
that in the HIGH RANGE
road position. The drive
torque is correspondingly
higher as a result.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
R on slippery road
surfaces, e.g. in the case
of slush
R on snow or ice-covered
roads
R if you have snow chains
on your vehicleGWARNING
Always wait until the procedure of shifting
from HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE – and from
LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE – has been
entirely completed. During this procedure do
206Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking

not turn off the engine or shift the automatic
transmission into another gear.
If you do not wait until the shifting procedure
has been entirely completed then it might not
be correctly performed. The transfer case
might be in neutral, thus interrupting the
transfer of power between the engine and the
drive axle.
The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a
gear has been selected, and could
unintentionally be set into motion –
particularly on up – or downhill grades. This
could lead to an accident and cause injury to
yourself and others.
Please observe related messages appearing
in the multifunction display.
From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than
25 mph (40 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. LOW RANGE
indicator = appears in the multifunction
display.When the gear change is complete,
indicator lamp ; lights up.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes.
If the gear change process has taken place,
indicator lamp ; and LOW RANGE
indicator = in the multifunction display go
out.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been
successful, the following messages may be
displayed in the multifunction display:
Drive max. 25 mph (Canada: 40 km/h): You
have driven faster than 25 mph (40 km/h).
Indicator lamp ; also flashes.
XDrive more slowly to carry out the gear
change process.
Briefly engage gear N : The transmission
is in position D and you are now driving below
25 mph (40 km/h).
XShift the transmission to N to complete the
gear change process.
Shifting process canceled
Reactivate : The shifting process has not
been completed.
XMaintain all gear change conditions and
carry out the gear change process again.
Stop vehicle Apply parking brake : A
warning tone is also heard. The gear change
Off-road driving systems207Driving and parkingZ

computer, the message disappears after
about five seconds.
The differential locks are not controlled
automatically. The steerability of the vehicle
is restricted considerably. Drive carefully and
accelerate gently for optimum traction.
! If the differential locks are activated
manually, the wheels scuff on the road
when cornering since the rotation
difference between the wheels is no longer
balanced out.
You can switch back to automatic mode at
any time. For safety reasons, the differential
locks are deactivated automatically at speeds
over 31 mph (50 km/h). If you stop the
vehicle and switch off the ignition for longer
than ten seconds, the differential locks
switch back to automatic mode.
Message in the multifunction display
Diff. lock system overheated.
Wait briefly.
The differential lock system has overheated
and briefly disengaged.XContinue driving.
The differential locks cool off and are soon
available once again.
Trailer towing
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When towing a trailer, incorrect equipment
and driving style could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle.
Towing incorrectly or not observing this
Operator's Manual could lead to damage to
the vehicle and/or serious injuries. Observe
the following guidelines to ensure safe trailer
towing.
Contact a Mercedes-Benz Center if you need
further explanation of the information
contained in this Operator's Manual.
General information
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
Coupling up a trailer
GWARNING
While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,
make sure nobody locks or unlocks the
vehicle and/or opens or closes doors or the
tailgate.
The vehicle's level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
button or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
210Trailer towingDriving and parking

driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R On long and steep gradients that are
difficult to drive down in shift range 1,
switch to the off-road drive program or
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.Decoupling a trailerGWARNING
While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,
make sure nobody locks or unlocks the
vehicle and/or opens or closes doors or the
tailgate.
The vehicle's level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
button or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.GWARNING
As soon as you disconnect the electrical
connection between the trailer and the
vehicle, the vehicle will lower. To help avoid
personal injury, make sure no one is near the
wheel housing or underneath the vehicle
before the electrical connection is
disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
XRemove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XSwitch off the engine.212Trailer towingDriving and parking