2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class suspension

XTurn emergency spare wheel retainer :
counter-clockwise and remove it.XRemove insert =.XRemove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel ;.
For further information on changing a wheel
and mounting the spare wheel, see
( Y page 316).
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel or
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) ( Y page 325).
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
i Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XMake sure that highway level is
selected 36
(Y page 189).XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XFirmly depress the parking brake.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 149).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.
i Only operate the tire inflation compressor
using the socket in the footwell of the
second row of seats ( Y page 286), even if
the ignition is turned off.
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board electrical system voltage does not
drop too low. If the on-board electrical
system voltage is too low, power to the
sockets is automatically cut off. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
36 Vehicles with air suspension.316Flat tireBreakdown assistance

Useful information
i 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.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Important safety notes
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on approved and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter operation. Advice on purchasing
and caring for tires is also available there.
GWARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.GWARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
i Further information about Tires and
wheels can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Operation
Notes on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, can get
damaged.
338OperationWheels and tires

Windshield/headlamp cleaning
systemGWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
Use MB SummerFit windshield washer
concentrate at temperatures above freezing:
XMix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 parts
water.
Use MB WinterFit windshield washer
concentrate at temperatures below freezing:
XAt temperatures down to 14 ‡(Ò 10 †): mix
1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.XAt temperatures down to Ò 4 ‡( Ò 20 †): mix
1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.XAt temperatures down to
Ò 20.2 ‡(Ò 29 †): mix 2 parts MB WinterFit
with 1 part water.
! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can be
mixed. Otherwise, the jets could become
blocked.
Vehicle data
Vehicle data, GL 350 BlueTEC
The data stated here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, GL 350 BlueTECVehicle length201.1 in (5108 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.4 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height72.4 - 75.6 in (1840 -
1920 mm) 4972.4 - 76.8 in (1840 -
1950 mm) 50Wheelbase121.1 in (3075 mm)Front track64.8 in (1645 mm)Rear track65.0 in (1650 mm)Ground clearance8.0 - 10.9 in (202 -
277 mm) 498.0 - 12.1 in (202 -
307 mm) 50Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Vehicle weight, GL 350 BlueTECMaximum roof
loadMaximum 198 lb
(90 kg)
Vehicle data, GL 450
The data stated here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
49 Vehicles without Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle
suspension.
50 Vehicles with Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle
suspension.Vehicle data377Technical dataZ

Vehicle dimensions, GL 450Vehicle length201.1 in (5108 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.4 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height72.4 - 75.6 in (1840 -
1920 mm) 5172.4 - 76.8 in (1840 -
1950 mm) 52Wheelbase121.1 in (3075 mm)Front track64.8 in (1645 mm)Rear track65.0 in (1650 mm)Ground clearance8.0 - 10.9 in (202 -
277 mm) 518.0 - 12.1 in (202 -
307 mm) 52Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Vehicle weight, GL 450Maximum roof
loadMaximum 198 lb
(90 kg)
Vehicle data, GL 550
The data stated here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, GL 550Vehicle length201.1 in (5108 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.4 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height72.4 - 75.6 in (1840 -
1920 mm) 5372.4 - 76.8 in (1840 -
1950 mm) 54Wheelbase121.1 in (3075 mm)Front track66.3 in (1683 mm)Rear track66.5 in (1688 mm)Ground clearance8.0 - 10.9 in (202 -
277 mm) 538.0 - 12.1 in (202 -
307 mm) 54Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Vehicle weight, GL 550Maximum roof
loadMaximum 198 lb
(90 kg)51 Vehicles without Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle
suspension.
52 Vehicles with Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle
suspension.
53 Vehicles without Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle
suspension.
54 Vehicles with Off-road Pro engineering package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle
suspension.378Vehicle dataTechnical data