2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class tow bar

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

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

Lights display message ..................241
Power supply ................................. 213
Shift range ..................................... 157
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......332
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............333
Important safety notes ..................331
Trailer
Towing ........................................... 211
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 213
Trailer towing Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
ESP ®
................................................ 71
PARKTRONIC ................................. 198
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................213
Towing a trailer .............................. 211
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 332
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 179
Driving downhill ............................. 179
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 179
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 311
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 229
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 220
Resetting (on-board computer) ......229
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................126
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 121
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 361
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................85
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 84
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 283
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 254
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................223
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 349
Locking (in an emergency) ...............85
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 325
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 167
Pulling away ................................... 151
Raising ........................................... 322
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 331
Transporting .................................. 332
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........85
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................77
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 85
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 369
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 248
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 314
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 222
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 222
VIN ...................................................... 369
Index19

GWARNING
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
R from a distorted perspective
R inaccurately
R may not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R above the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself and/or others.
GWARNING
The rear view camera will not function or will
not fully function if:
R the tailgate is open
R it is raining or snowing strongly or if it is
foggy
R it is night or if you are parking/
maneuvering your vehicle in a very dark
area
R a very bright white light is affecting the
camera
R the immediate vicinity is illuminated with
fluorescent light (the display can flicker)
R temperature changes abruptly, for example
if you drive out of the cold into a heated
garage (condensation on the lens)
R the camera lens is dirty or covered
R the rear of your vehicle is damaged
In this case, have the position and the
setting of the camera checked at a
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you consult a Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose.
Do not use the rear view camera in these
situations. You could otherwise injure
yourself and other people and/or cause
damage - including damage to your vehicle -
while parking/maneuvering.
Activating the rear view cameraXMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XMake sure that the "rear view camera"
function is selected in COMAND (see the
separate operating instructions for
COMAND).XEngage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
Guide lines in the COMAND display
GWARNING
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display.
GWARNING
Please note that objects that do not touch the
ground may appear to be further away than
they actually are, for example:
R the bumper of a vehicle parked behind you
R the trailer drawbar
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear end of a truck
R a slanted post
In such cases, you should not use the guide
lines to judge the distance. You may misjudge
the distance, which increases the risk of
impacting the objects.
Even if the object you approach is directly on
the ground, do not approach the object any
closer than the red guide line.
200Driving systemsDriving and parking

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

Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights
Weight specifications
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. Permissible gross weight: 7500 lb
(3402 kg).
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 600 lb
(272 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved
trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer
R When loading a trailer, please note that
neither the permissible gross trailer weight
nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) is specified on the type plate
located on the B-pillar on the driver's side
of your vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. Always observe the lowest
respective value when determining the
maximum weight with which you can load
the vehicle and the trailer.
R The drawbar noseweight acting on the ball
coupling has to be added to the rear axle
weight in order to prevent the permissible
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) from
being exceeded. The permissible Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is specified
on the type plate located on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer so that the drawbar noseweight
remains between 8% and 15% of the
permissible gross trailer weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
R To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axle, the Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW), and the drawbar noseweight.
Trailer power supply
The trailer power socket of your vehicle is
designed for connecting the 7-pin connector
supplied as part of the Mercedes-Benz-
approved trailer coupling.
i Depending on your trailer, you may need
an adapter to connect your trailer to the
vehicle.
Further information is available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Trailer towing213Driving 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