2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class maintenance

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 20At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 37Opening/closing ................................. 67Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....89Lights and windshield wipers ..........101Climate control ................................. 117Driving and parking ..........................129On-board computer and displays ....165Stowing and features .......................211Maintenance and care ......................237Breakdown assistance .....................251Wheels and tires ............................... 269Technical data ................................... 299
Contents3

Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 140
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 190
Bag hook ............................................ 216
Ball coupling Installing ........................................ 161
Removing ....................................... 164
Storing ........................................... 164
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Basic settings see Settings
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 72
Important safety notes ....................72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 260
Display message ............................ 193
Important safety notes ..................259
Jump starting ................................. 262
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 183
Notes ............................................. 306
Brake fluid level ................................ 242
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 189
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................306
Display message ............................ 180
Driving tips .................................... 146
Important safety notes ..................146
Maintenance .................................. 147
Parking brake ........................ 144, 148
Warning lamp ................................. 201
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 249
Car wash ........................................ 244
Display ........................................... 248
Exterior lights ................................ 247
Gear or selector lever ....................248
Matte finish ................................... 245
Notes ............................................. 243
Paint .............................................. 245
Plastic trim .................................... 248
Power washer ................................ 244
Rear view camera .......................... 247
Roof lining ...................................... 249
Seat belt ........................................ 249
Seat cover ..................................... 249
Sensors ......................................... 247
Steering wheel ............................... 248
Tail pipes ....................................... 247
Trim pieces .................................... 248
Washing by hand ........................... 244
Wheels ........................................... 245
Windows ........................................ 246
Wiper blades .................................. 246
Wooden trim .................................. 248
Cargo compartment cover ............... 216
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 214
Cargo compartment floor Opening/closing ............................ 219
Stowage well (under) .....................219
Index5

K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............84
Display message ............................ 198
Locking ............................................ 69
Start/Stop button .......................... 131
Starting the engine ........................132
Unlocking ......................................... 69
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 131
SmartKey ....................................... 131
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 137
Knee bag .............................................. 42
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 58
License plate lamp Changing bulbs .............................. 113
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 190
Lighting see Lights
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off . 177
Active light function .......................106
Automatic headlamp mode ............104
Cornering light function .................106
Display message ............................ 188
Driving abroad ............................... 102
Fog lamps ...................................... 104
Hazard warning lamps ...................105
High beam flasher .......................... 105
High-beam headlamps ...................105
Light switch ................................... 102
Low-beam headlamps ....................103
Parking lamps ................................ 102
Rear fog lamp ................................ 104
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 176
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................103
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 176
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........176
Turn signals ................................... 105
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 191
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 151
Loading guidelines ............................ 212
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 76
Emergency locking ........................... 77
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 76
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 177
Low-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 110
Display message ............................ 188
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 102
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Lumbar support
Adjusting ......................................... 94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 95
M
M+S tires ............................................ 272
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Index11

Installing the ball coupling .............161
Lights display message ..................188
Mounting dimensions ....................308
Power supply ................................. 164
Removing the ball coupling ............164
Shift range ..................................... 137
Storing the ball coupling ................164
Trailer loads ................................... 309
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......265
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............266
Important safety notes ..................264
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 163
Trailer towing
ESP ®
................................................ 64
PARKTRONIC ................................. 156
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................163
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 266
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 150
Driving downhill ............................. 151
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 150
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 248
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 170
Resetting (on-board computer) ......171
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................112
Changing bulbs (rear) ....................113
Display message ............................ 189
Switching on/off ........................... 105
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 294Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................77
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 76
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 221
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Display message ............................ 197
Equipment ....................................... 20
Individual settings ..........................175
Limited Warranty ............................. 24
Loading .......................................... 281
Locking (in an emergency) ...............77
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 69
Lowering ........................................ 258
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking for a long period ................ 144
Pulling away ................................... 133
Raising ........................................... 255
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 264
Transporting .................................. 266
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........77
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................69
Vehicle data ................................... 308
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 308
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 308
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 77
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 301
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 252
Video (DVD) ........................................ 173
VIN ...................................................... 301
18Index

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
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. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
20Introduction

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance provides
vehicle service up to a reasonable distance
from the next paved road. We will make every
effort to assist in a breakdown situation.
However, the accessibility of your vehicle will
be determined by our authorized Mercedes-
Benz Service technician or the tow service
provider on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
Introduction21

hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
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
R alterations, 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
Introduction23Z

workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate the audio system or COMAND
(Cockpit Management and Data System) in
compliance with all legal requirements and
when the road, weather and traffic conditions
permit. You may otherwise not be able to
observe the traffic conditions, endangering
yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof racks when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Service Booklet or by the service interval
display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
Driving tips145Driving and parkingZ