2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class weight

Front fog lamps ................................. 120
Changing bulbs (LEDs) ...................127
Display message ............................ 242
Front windshield
see Windshield
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 373
Calling up the range .......................229
Consumption statistics ..................229
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 229
Driving tips .................................... 168
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................372
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 372
Problem (malfunction) ...................163
Refueling ........................................ 159
Specifications ................................ 372
Tank content/reserve fuel .............371
Fuel filler flap
Emergency release ........................161
Opening/closing ............................ 161
Fuel filter (display message) ............ 247
Fuel level Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 229
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 371
Problem (malfunction) ...................163
Fuse allocation chart (vehicle tool
kit) ...................................................... 314
Fuses Allocation chart ............................. 334
Before changing ............................. 334
Dashboard fuse box .......................334
Engine emergency stop .................335
Fuse box in the cargo
compartment ................................. 334
Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 334
Important safety notes ..................333
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................296
Notes ............................................. 293
Opening/closing the garage door ..296
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 294
Gasoline ............................................. 160
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 311
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 368
Glove box ........................................... 269
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ......................................... 360
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 121
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 377
Headlamp delayed switch-off
see Exterior lighting delayed switch-off
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....303
Adjusting the setting ...................... 128
Cleaning system (function) ............121
Misting up ...................................... 122
see Automatic headlamp mode
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 101
Adjusting (electrically) ...................101
Adjusting (manually) ......................101
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 102
Installing/removing (rear) ..............103
Luxury ............................................ 101
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 125
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off ........................... 121
Hill start assist .................................. 151
Hood Closing ........................................... 301
Display message ............................ 255
Opening ......................................... 300
Hydroplaning ..................................... 171
10Index

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

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

Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R Only hold the steering wheel by the rim.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front air
bag inflates.
R Adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
child restraint, infant restraint or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
R Canada only: children under 12 years may
only sit in the front-passenger seat if they
are seated in a child restraint system whichis compatible with BabySmart™ and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the child
restraint system is installed properly, the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated
in conjunction with the BabySmart™
system installed in the vehicle. Otherwise,
the child could be struck by the air bag
when it inflates in a crash. This could lead
to serious or fatal injuries.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.GWARNING
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
A side impact air bag related injury may occur
if occupants, especially children, are not
properly seated or restrained when next to a
side impact air bag which needs to deploy
rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1)Always sit as upright as possible
and use the seat belts properly.
Make sure that children 12 years
old and under use an appropriately
sized child restraint, infant
restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and
weight of the child.(2)Always wear seat belts properly.
The air bags are only deployed if the air bag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible
for the air bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
Occupant safety41SafetyZ

thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The
driver and passengers will then be protected
to the extent possible by a properly fastened
seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.
All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat
belts regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with air bags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash.
Front air bags
The front air bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove
box.
They are deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the seat belt is fastened
R independently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are
generally not deployed unless the system
detects high vehicle deceleration in a
longitudinal direction.
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air
bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag
control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. In the first deployment stage,
the front air bag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front air bag is fully deployed if a second
deployment threshold is exceeded within a
few milliseconds.
Vehicles with OCS (USA only): deployment of
the front-passenger front air bag is also
influenced by the weight category of the front
passenger, which is determined by the
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
( Y page 45).
Vehicles with OCS (USA only): the lighter the
passenger side occupant, the higher the
vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted
at the start of the impact) for second stage
inflation of the front-passenger front air bag.
In the second stage, the front air bags are
inflated with the maximum amount of
propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in
situations where a low impact severity is
predicted. You will then be protected by the
fastened seat belt.
! Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
do not place any objects which weigh more
than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front-passenger
seat. This could cause the system to
identify the seat as being occupied. In the
event of an accident, the restraint systems
on the front-passenger side are triggered.
Have restraint systems that have been
triggered replaced.42Occupant safetySafety

The front-passenger front air bag will only
deploy if:
R the system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied (USA only).
R the 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit, USA:
( Y page 45), Canada: ( Y page 50)
the 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit, ( Y page 45).
R the air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.
Driver's knee bag
Driver's knee bag : provides additional
protection for the driver against:
R knee injuries
R thigh injuries
R lower leg injuries
Driver's knee bag : deploys below the
steering wheel. During a frontal impact, if the
system determines that air bag deployment
can offer additional protection to that
provided by the seat belt, driver's knee
bag : is deployed along with the driver's air
bag. The driver's knee bag : operates best
in conjunction with a properly positioned and
fastened seat belt.
Side impact air bags
GWARNING
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.GWARNING
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the side impact air bags. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
When deployed, the side impact air bags offer
additional protection for the thorax of the
vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle
on which the impact occurs. However, they
do not protect the:
R head
R neck
R arms
Front side impact air bags : and rear side
impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer
seat cushions.
Occupant safety43SafetyZ

Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
How the occupant classification
system works
The OCS is standard equipment in the USA.
The OCS categorizes the occupant on the
front-passenger seat by means of a weight
sensor. The front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated automatically for certain weight
categories. The 42 indicator
lamp shows you the current status. If the
42 indicator lamp is illuminated,
the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated.
The system does not disable:
R the side impact air bag
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Devices/belt
buckle tensioners
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R with the seat belt fastened correctly
R in a position that is as upright as possible
with their back against the seat backrest
R with their feet on the floor
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred
to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by
leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to
approximate the occupant's weight category.
In addition, the occupant weight may appear
to increase or decrease due to the following:
R objects hanging on the seat
R objects lodged underneath the seat
R objects lodged between the seat and the
center console
R objects lodged between the seat and the
door
R other passengers exerting weight on the
seat
R objects applying pressure to the back of
the seat
Make sure that the seat always has clearance
in all directions.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the passenger should
always use the 42 indicator
lamp as an indication of whether or not the
passenger is properly positioned.GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp
illuminates when an adult or someone larger
than a small individual is in the front
passenger seat, have the front passenger
reposition himself or herself in the seat until
the 42 indicator lamp goes out,
or check whether objects are caught under or
around the seat.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air bag
deployment when the OCS has classified the
front passenger seat occupant as weighing as
much as or less than a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint or if the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated. This indicates that the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 42 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated. This indicates that the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Occupant safety45SafetyZ