2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class tires

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 37Opening/closing ................................. 75Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....97Lights and windshield wipers ..........117Climate control ................................. 133Driving and parking ..........................147On-board computer and displays ....215Stowing and features .......................267Maintenance and care ......................299Breakdown assistance .....................313Wheels and tires ............................... 337Technical data ................................... 367
Contents3

Convenience closing feature .............. 91
Convenience opening feature ............ 91
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................303
Display message ............................ 244
Notes ............................................. 376
Temperature gauge ........................ 220
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light (display message) ... 241
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 123
Crossbar Installing ........................................ 278
Setting the span width ...................280
Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................180
Deactivating ................................... 181
Display message ............................ 250
Driving system ............................... 179
Function/notes ............................. 179
Important safety notes ..................179
LIM indicator lamp .........................180
Setting a speed .............................. 181
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 180
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 282
Important safety notes ..................282
Rear compartment .........................282
third row of seats ........................... 282
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 25
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 224
Daytime running lamp mode see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 243
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
Switching on/off (switch) ..............119
DEF
Adding ........................................... 164
Display message ............................ 247
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 225
Interior lighting .............................. 226
Diesel particle filter .......................... 169
Differential locks Display message ............................ 249
Notes/function .............................. 208
Digital speedometer
Displaying ...................................... 220
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 310
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....232
Driving systems ............................. 248
Engine ............................................ 244
General notes ................................ 232
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........232
Key ................................................ 256
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 256
Lights ............................................. 241
Safety systems .............................. 233
Service interval display ..................305
Tires ............................................... 252
Vehicle ........................................... 254
Distance recorder ............................. 220
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 265
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Notes ............................................... 72
DISTRONIC
Deactivating ................................... 187
Display message ............................ 251
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 187
Driving tips .................................... 188
Important safety notes ..................182
Notes/function .............................. 182Index7

Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................119
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........225
Turn signals ................................... 121
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 244
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 180
DISTRONIC .................................... 184
Loading guidelines ............................ 268
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 84
Emergency locking ........................... 85
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 84
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 226
Low-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 125
Display message ............................ 241
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 119
LOW RANGE
Display message ............................ 249
Off-road gear ................................. 206
LOW RANGE off-road gear ................ 206
Luggage net ....................................... 270
Lumbar support Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 108
Luxury head restraints ..................... 101
M
M+S tires ................................... 172, 340
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 25
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 308
mbrace 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
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 79
Unlocking the driver's door ..............85
Memory card (audio) ......................... 221
Memory function ............................... 114
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............230
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 79
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 325
MP3 Operating ....................................... 221
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat .............................. 107
Multifunction display ........................ 218
Multifunction steering wheel Operating the on-board computer . 217
Overview .......................................... 3112Index

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

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

Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
Ralterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components
Proper use
GWARNING
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
The proper use of the vehicle requires that
you familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
24Introduction

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