2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class brakes

Transmission position display ........155
Transmission positions ..................156
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 159
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs (LEDs) ...................127
Display message ............................ 243
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 69
Basic settings see Settings
Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 80
Battery (SmartKey)
Important safety notes ....................80
Replacing ......................................... 80
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 328
Display message ............................ 246
Important safety notes ..................326
Jump starting ................................. 329
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................228
Display message ............................ 250
Notes/function .............................. 201
Trailer towing ................................. 203
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 164
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 374
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 236
Notes ............................................. 375
Brake fluid level ................................ 304
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 242
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
BAS .................................................. 69
Brake fluid (notes) .........................375
Display message ............................ 233
Driving tips .................................... 169
Important safety notes ..................169
Maintenance .................................. 170
Parking brake ........................ 167, 171
Warning lamp ................................. 259
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 312
Car wash ........................................ 306
Display ........................................... 310
Exterior lights ................................ 309
Gear or selector lever ....................311
Matte finish ................................... 308
Notes ............................................. 305
Paint .............................................. 308
Plastic trim .................................... 310
Power washer ................................ 307
Rear view camera .......................... 310
Roof lining ...................................... 312
Seat belt ........................................ 311
Seat cover ..................................... 311
Sensors ......................................... 309
Steering wheel ............................... 311
Tail pipes ....................................... 310
Trim pieces .................................... 311
Washing by hand ........................... 307
Wheels ........................................... 307
Windows ........................................ 309
Wiper blades .................................. 309
Wooden trim .................................. 311
Cargo compartment cover ............... 273
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 270
Index5

Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 186
Warning lamp ................................. 265
Door
Central locking/unlocking (key) ......76
Control panel ................................... 36
Important safety notes ....................83
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 226
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 84
Display message ............................ 255
Emergency locking ........................... 85
Emergency unlocking .......................85
Opening (from inside) ......................84
Downhill Speed Regulation
see DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Drinking and driving ......................... 168
Drinks holder see Cup holders
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................305
Symmetrical low beam ..................118
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............178
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...70
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......68
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............69
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............72
Electronic brake force distribution ...71
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 69
Important safety information ...........68
Overview .......................................... 67
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 201
Cruise control ................................ 179
Display message ............................ 248
DISTRONIC .................................... 182Level control .................................. 189
PARKTRONIC ................................. 196
Rear view camera .......................... 199
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................157
Brakes ........................................... 169
Break-in period .............................. 148
DISTRONIC .................................... 188
Downhill gradient ........................... 169
Drinking and driving .......................168
Driving abroad ............................... 118
Driving on flooded roads ................171
Driving on sand .............................. 176
Driving on wet roads ......................171
Driving over obstacles ...................177
Exhaust check ............................... 169
Fuel ................................................ 168
General .......................................... 168
Hydroplaning ................................. 171
Icy road surfaces ........................... 174
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 170
Off-road driving .............................. 175
Off-road fording ............................. 171
Pedals ............................................ 168
Snow chains .......................... 173, 341
Symmetrical low beam ..................118
Tire ruts ......................................... 177
Towing a trailer .............................. 210
Traveling uphill ............................... 178
Wet road surface ........................... 170
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 204
Setting (on-board computer) .......... 228
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 221
E
EASY-ENTRY feature 3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Activating/deactivating .................227
Function/notes ............................. 111
EASY-EXIT feature
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Crash-responsive ........................... 111
Function/notes ............................. 111
Switching on/off ........................... 227
8Index

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

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:ABS260;The lamp lights up briefly,
but has no function.=Brakes (USA only)259?ESP ®261ADistance warning signal265On vehicles without
DISTRONIC, the lamp lights
up briefly but has no
function.BBrakes (Canada only)259CTire pressure monitor (USA
only)
265
FunctionPageDTurn signal121EESP ®
OFF261FSeat belt258GDiesel engine: preglow150HSRS263ILow-beam headlamps119JCheck Engine (Canada
only)
264
KCheck Engine (USA only)264LHigh-beam headlamps121MReserve fuel26430Instrument clusterAt a glance

Important safety notesGWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 338).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 68).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
68Driving safety systemsSafety

and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
Off-road ABS
An ABS mode specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program (Y page 206) is activated
or the LOW RANGE ( Y page 206) off-road
gear is selected.
At speeds below 18 mph(30 km/h) , the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 68).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 68).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize 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
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Driving safety systems69SafetyZ

4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 68).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually 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
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
XActivate the off-road drive program
( Y page 206) or engage the LOW RANGE
( Y page 206) off-road gear if appropriate
for the driving conditions.GWARNING
Traction control cannot reduce the risk of an
accident if you drive too fast. Traction control
cannot override the laws of physics.
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)
A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program is activated
( Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE
( Y page 206) off-road gear is selected.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 68).
GWARNING
ESP ®
should not be deactivated during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
When 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 when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.70Driving safety systemsSafety

Distance warning function (vehicles
with DISTRONIC)
This function provides a warning from a speed
of approximately 20 mph(30 km/h), if:
R for a period of several seconds, the
distance to the vehicle in front is too short
for the speed at which you are traveling.
The · distance warning lamp in the
instrument cluster will light up.
R you are rapidly approaching the vehicle in
front. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp will light up in the instrument cluster.
You must apply the brakes yourself in order
to maintain the appropriate distance to the
vehicle in front and prevent a collision.GWARNING
If the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds,
immediate attention on the part of the driver
is required. As required by the traffic
situation, apply the brakes and navigate
around a possible obstacle. However, do not
drive by relying on the distance warning
function, as this will result in an emergency
braking application. This will not always
enable you to avoid a collision, especially
when traveling on varying road surface
conditions and with varying driver reaction.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning
function. This could result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the on-board computer ( Y page 228).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed in the lower multifunction
display.Theft deterrent locking systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the tailgate
R the hood
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
72Theft deterrent locking systemsSafety