2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class weight

Information in the COMAND display (example)
Guide lines ; and = show the approximate
distance to the rear area. Yellow guide
line ; indicates a distance of approximately
3 ft (1 m) and red guide line = indicates a
distance of approximately 10 in (0.25 m). The
distances only apply to objects that are at
ground level. Blue guide lines : depict the
width required for the vehicle. They are used
to align the vehicle with the edge of the road,
e.g. the curb.
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.
GWARNING
When backing up the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible
values, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle in the
"Technical data" section.GWARNING
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
As a result, the handling characteristics may
be impaired and you may lose control of the
vehicle. This could lead to an accident with
serious or even fatal injuries.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Trailer towing159Driving and parkingZ

GWARNING
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
GWARNING
Under no circumstances try to straighten the
vehicle/trailer combination by increasing the
speed.
General information
R Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
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.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
( Y page 291).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 308).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 20
. However,
the actual noseweight must not exceed the
value given on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible
noseweight. Do not use a noseweight that
is under the minimum permissible
noseweight; the trailer may otherwise
come loose. Missing values were not
available at time of going to print.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Y page 154) is only available
with limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer
stabilization ( Y page 64).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. Refer to the
"Technical data" section to find out whether
this applies to your vehicle. If you utilize any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph(100 km/h) for reasons
concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
20 Missing values unavailable at time of going to print.160Trailer towingDriving and parking

RIf 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 program or engage
the LOW GEAR 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 trailer
GWARNING
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.XRemove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Permissible gross weight: 3500 lbs (1588 kg).
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating is the maximum weight permitted on
the trailer drawbar: 21
Limit for Mercedes-
Benz-approved trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer
R When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight are
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the 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 trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
21 Missing values were not available at time of going to print.Trailer towing163Driving and parkingZ

weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the 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 axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar noseweight.
Removing the ball coupling
XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.XPress the protective cap into the ball
coupling recess.XMake sure that the protective cap is firmly
in place.
Storing the ball coupling
GWARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by
the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accidentXObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Trailer power supply
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 4.
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 240 W to
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer's electrical equipment
from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
164Trailer towingDriving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Enabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag is enabled during the journey, even
though:
R a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is located on the front-passenger
seat.
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied.
The system may detect objects or forces applying additional
weight on the seat.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front-passenger door.XRemove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.XIf necessary, secure the child in a child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.XMake sure that there are no objects on the seat adding to the
weight.
The system may otherwise detect the additional weight and
interpret the seat occupant's weight as greater than it actually
is.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
Observe the 45(Y page 44) indicator lamp and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 45 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit. When
the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 44) has deactivated the
front-passenger air bag.
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabl'd See
Operator's Manual display messages must not appear in the
multifunction display. Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds
until the necessary system checks have been completed and to
make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are fulfilled, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 45 indicator lamp remains lit
or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the occupant.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, the system is not operating
correctly.
186Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsXVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp remains off even after performing the above corrective steps, do
not have any children 12 years old and under and other small individuals use the front-passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Disabl'd
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag is deactivated during the journey even
though an adult or a person larger than a certain size is occupying
the front-passenger seat. If additional forces are applied to the
seat, the system may interpret the occupant's weight as lower
than it actually is.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the occupant get out of the vehicle.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
Observe the 45(Y page 44) indicator lamp and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 45 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit. When
the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 44) has deactivated the
front-passenger air bag.
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual display messages must not appear in the
multifunction display. Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds
until the necessary system checks have been completed and to
make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are fulfilled, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 45 indicator lamp remains lit
or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the occupant.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, the system is not operating
correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages187On-board computer and displaysZ

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 23).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door ( Y page 281).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
( Y page 281).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 281).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R hook in the cargo net when loading.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
212Stowage areasStowing and features

Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find an AUX IN jack or a Media
Interface installed in the glove box. A Media
Interface is a universal interface for mobile
audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or USB
device (see the separate COMAND
operating instructions).
i The glove box can be ventilated
( Y page 126).
XTo open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
XTo lock: insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it 90° clockwise to position
2 .XTo unlock: insert the mechanical key into
the lock and turn it 90° counter-clockwise
to position 1.
Stowage compartment under the armrest
i A small and a large stowage compartment
are located under the armrest. The small
stowage compartment can be removed for
emptying.
XTo open: press left-hand button ; or right-
hand button :.
The stowage compartment opens.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage compartment in the rear
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
Stowage areas213Stowing and featuresZ