2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class tow bar

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

Maximum ....................................... 276
Notes ............................................. 275
Pressure loss warning ....................277
Recommended ............................... 273
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 278
Restarting ...................................... 280
Warning lamp ................................. 209
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................293
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................291
Bar (definition) ............................... 291
Characteristics .............................. 291
Checking ........................................ 271
Definition of terms .........................291
Direction of rotation ......................295
Display message ............................ 194
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................294
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 290
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............291
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 292
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 292
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 292
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................292
Important safety notes ..................270
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......292
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........292
Labeling (overview) ........................287
Load bearing index (definition) ......293
Load index ..................................... 290
Load index (definition) ...................292
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 292
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 293
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 293
Maximum tire load .........................285
Maximum tire load (definition) .......293Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 293
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 293
Replacing ....................................... 294
Service life ..................................... 271
Sidewall (definition) .......................293
Speed rating (definition) ................292
Storing ........................................... 295
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 291
Temperature .................................. 287
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 293
Tire bead (definition) ......................293
Tire pressure (definition) ................293
Tire pressures (recommended) ......291
Tire size (data) ............................... 295
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 288
Tire tread ....................................... 271
Tire tread (definition) .....................293
Total load limit (definition) .............294
Traction ......................................... 286
Traction (definition) .......................294
Tread wear ..................................... 286
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................294
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 286
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................291
Unladen weight (definition) ............292
Wear indicator (definition) .............294
Wheel rim (definition) ....................292
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 58
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........264
Installing the towing eye ................264
Removing the towing eye ...............265
With the rear axle raised ................265
Towing a trailer
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 247
Coupling up a trailer ......................162
Decoupling a trailer .......................163
Driving tips .................................... 159
Important safety notes ..................159Index17

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

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.
158Driving systemsDriving and parking

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

Coupling up a trailer
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. 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.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
connection to the brake indicator lamp.XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish all electrical connections.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
- the trailer tow hitch
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- the electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
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.162Trailer 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