2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL steering wheel

XPress button :.
The vehicle rises to raised level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
then the message will disappear.
Once raised level has been reached, you will
then see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
computer, then the message disappears after
about five seconds.
Highway/high-speed level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
The vehicle is adjusted to the highway level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once highway level has been reached, then
all indicator lamps = go out. You will see a
message in the multifunction display, for
example:
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
computer, the message disappears after
about five seconds.
The vehicle automatically adjusts to highway
level when you drive faster than 55 mph
(88 km/h). Depending on the ADS setting,
the vehicle is lowered to high-speed level at
higher speeds.
i If a trailer is being towed, the vehicle is
not lowered to high-speed level.
Driving systems191Driving and parkingZ

Vehicles with extended Off-Road Pro
engineering package
Basic settings
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the basic setting
selected.
Select:
R Off-road level 3 for freeing the vehicle in
impassable terrain at low speeds only
R Off-road level 2 for driving on normal off-
road terrain
R Off-road level 1 for driving on easily
negotiable off-road terrain
R Highway/high-speed level for normal roads
The individual vehicle levels differ from
highway level as follows:
R +3.5 in (+ 90 mm) at off-road level 3
R +2.3 in (+ 60 mm) at off-road level 2
R +1.2 in (+ 30 mm) at off-road level 1
R +/–0 in (+/–0 mm) at the highway level
R –0.6 in (–15 mm) at the high-speed level
Off-road levels
GWARNING
Vehicle off-road level 3 is not intended for use
on paved roads. This vehicle level is intended
for clearing impracticable situations at low
speed exclusively. The vehicle has a very high
center of gravity in off-road level 3. This
increases the overturning hazard.
R Select off-road level 3 exclusively for
clearing impracticable situations at low
speed.
R Adapt your driving style to the modified
conditions.
R Do not exceed a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
R Avoid extreme, quick steering movements.
R Keep in mind the vehicle's driving
characteristics are modified.
You should therefore drive in off-road level 3
with particular caution as it could otherwise
lead to an accident and/or serious injury to
you or others.
If you drive too fast at off-road level 3, then
the Reduce speed to below 12 mph
( 20 km/h ) message appears in the
multifunction display. You also hear a
warning. The vehicle is lowered.
i You cannot clear these messages.
Only select an off-road level when this is
appropriate for road conditions. Otherwise,
fuel consumption increases and handling
performance may be affected.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XStart the engine.XTurn the selector wheel clockwise :.
The vehicle is raised.
or
XTurn selector wheel ; counter-clockwise.
The vehicle is lowered.
Indicator lamps = for the desired off-road
level flash:
R Off-road level 1: the lower indicator lamp
flashes
R Off-road level 2: the lower and center
indicator lamps flash
R Off-road level 3: all three indicator lamps
flash
The vehicle is being adjusted to the off-road
level selected. As soon as an off-road level is
reached, the corresponding indicator lamp
stops flashing and lights up constantly.
192Driving systemsDriving and parking

While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
The vehicle is raised from off-road level 1 to
off-road level 2.
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once off-road level 2 has been reached, you
will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
Lower and center indicator lamps = are on.
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
computer, the message disappears after
about five seconds.
The Max. speed 12 mph (20 km/h )
message draws your attention to the
maximum permissible speed for off-road
level 3.
While the adjustment from off-road level 2 to
off-road level 3 is taking place, you will see a
message such as the following in the
multifunction display:
Once off-road level 3 has been reached, you
will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
If you drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h) at
off-road level 3, the following message
appears in the multifunction display:
Off-road level 3 is canceled.
If you then increase the speed again, the
message remains in the multifunction
display. The newly set level is not displayed
until the vehicle has been set to a level
suitable for the current speed.
If you maintain or reduce your speed, you will
see a message such as the following in the
display while the vehicle is being lowered:
The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 2.
Once off-road level 2 has been reached, you
will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
Driving systems193Driving and parkingZ

If you select an off-road level when driving at
too high a speed, the Level selection
not permitted message appears in the
multifunction display.
You can select the following:
R off-road level 1 up to 60 mph(96 km/h)
R off-road level 2 up to 40 mph(64 km/h)
R off-road level 3 up to 12 mph(20 km/h)
If you drive faster than 55 mph (88 km/h), or
for longer than 20 seconds between 40 mph
(64 km/h) and 55 mph (88 km/h), then off-
road level 2 is canceled. The vehicle is
lowered to off-road level 1.
You will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
If you drive faster than 60 mph (96 km/h), off-
road level 1 is canceled. The vehicle is
lowered to highway level.^^
You will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:
Depending on the ADS setting ( Y page 195),
the vehicle is lowered to high-speed level at
high speeds. If you return to a speed below
25 mph (40 km/h), the vehicle is raised back
to highway level.
Highway/high-speed level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.:To raise the level;To lower the level=Indicator lampsXStart the engine.
If one or more indicator lamps = are on:
XTurn the selector wheel counter-
clockwise ; until all indicator lamps =
that are lit start to flash.
The vehicle is lowered to highway level. As
soon as the next lowest level is reached,
the indicator lamp stops flashing and goes
out.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
194Driving systemsDriving and parking

lost and steering would no longer be possible.
The differential locks must therefore only be
activated off-road and only if activating the
other driving systems (4ETS, ESP ®
and LOW
Range off-road gear) is no longer sufficient.
Engaging the differential locks
! Pull away slowly when the differential
locks are activated.
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.
Automatic mode
Use automatic mode ; for all driving
situations, including driving off-road or when
fording.
In automatic mode, the differential locks are
engaged and disengaged according to driving
requirements. This guarantees sufficient
traction for most driving situations with
unrestricted vehicle steerability.
XStart the engine.
The differential locks are in automatic
mode. The indicator lamp in selector
wheel : lights up above symbol for
automatic mode ;.Engaging manuallyGWARNING
Never drive on a paved surface with the center
and rear axle differential locks manually
engaged. Ability to steer the vehicle is greatly
reduced when the differential locks are
manually engaged, increasing the risk of an
accident.
For safety reasons, the locks are
automatically released at a vehicle speed
above 31 mph (50 km/h). Nevertheless, you
should only manually lock the differential if
absolutely necessary because engaged locks
will restrict the vehicle drivetrain while
cornering and cause the vehicle to chatter.
This could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident.
! The differential locks must not be
activated when the vehicle is being towed
or while the wheels are spinning.
Only engage the differential locks manually if
traction in automatic mode is insufficient.
The differential locks can be activated
manually up to a speed of 19 mph
(30 km/h).
XStart the engine.XTurn selector wheel : to desired position
= or ?.
The indicator lamp in selector wheel :
lights up at the corresponding symbol.
The engaged differential appears in the
multifunction display:
AThe differential lock for the transfer case
is locked.
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
Off-road driving systems209Driving and parkingZ

driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R On long and steep gradients that are
difficult to drive down in shift range 1,
switch to the off-road drive program or
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.Decoupling a trailerGWARNING
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.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.GWARNING
As soon as you disconnect the electrical
connection between the trailer and the
vehicle, the vehicle will lower. To help avoid
personal injury, make sure no one is near the
wheel housing or underneath the vehicle
before the electrical connection is
disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
XRemove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XSwitch off the engine.212Trailer towingDriving and parking

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
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 29).
GWARNING
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.GWARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display ( Y page 218).
GWARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
216Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
DISTRONIC ( Y page 182) activated:
One or two segments in the set speed range
light up.
DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light up.
Operating the on-board computer
The on-board computer is activated as soon
as you turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
:Multifunction display;~
Rejects or ends a call
Exits phone book/redial memory
6
Makes or accepts a call
Switches to the redial memory
WX
Selects submenus in the Settings
menu
Changes values
Adjusts the volume
?
Switches on the Voice Control
System; see the separate operating
instructions=VU
Selects a menu: scrolls back and
forth
A
Switches off the Voice Control
System; see the separate operating
instructions&*
Press briefly:
Scrolls back and forth within a menu
In the Audio menu: selects a stored
station, an audio track or a video
scene
In the Telephone menu: switches to
the phone book and selects a name
or a telephone number&*
Press and hold:
In the Audio menu: selects the
previous/next station or selects an
audio track using rapid scrolling
In the Telephone menu: starts rapid
scrolling through the phone bookDisplays and operation217On-board computer and displaysZ