2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV differential

Temperature gauge ........................ 209
Warning lamp ................................. 256
Cooling
see Climate control

Cornering light function
Function/notes ............................. 104
Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................170
Display message ............................ 242
Driving system ............................... 169
Function/notes ............................. 169
Selecting ........................................ 170
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 268
Important safety notes .................. 268
Rear compartment ......................... 268
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ...24
Customer Relations Department .......24 D
Data see Technical data



Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 234
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 219
Switching on/off (switch) ................ 99
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 219
Interior lighting .............................. 220
Differential locks ............................... 201
Digital speedometer .........................213
Display (cleaning instructions) ........298
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 225
Driving systems ............................. 238
Engine ............................................ 234
General notes ................................ 224
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 224
Lights ............................................. 231
Safety systems .............................. 226
Service interval display .................. 293
SmartKey ....................................... 247
Tires ............................................... 242
Vehicle ........................................... 245Distance display (on-board
computer) ..........................................
218
Distance recorder see Trip odometer


Distance warning (warning lamp) ....258
DISTRONIC PLUS Activating ....................................... 179
Activation conditions .....................179
Cruise control lever .......................179
Deactivating ................................... 184
Display message ............................ 240
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 182
Driving tips .................................... 184
Function/notes ............................. 177
Important safety notes .................. 177
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 183
wählen ........................................... 179
Warning lamp ................................. 258
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 35
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 220
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 75
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 68
Display message ............................ 246
Emergency locking ........................... 76
Emergency unlocking .......................75
Important safety notes .................... 73
Opening (from inside) ......................74
Overview .......................................... 73
Drinking and driving .........................159
Drive program Automatic ...................................... 150
Display ........................................... 146
Manual ........................................... 151
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 222
Driving abroad
Symmetrical low beam .................... 98
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 167
Driving downhill ............................. 169
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 168 Index
7

Triggering the vehicle alarm ........... 280
Vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis
....................................... 278
Vehicle remote unlocking .............. 277
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 70
General notes .................................. 70
Removing
......................................... 70
Memory card (audio) ......................... 216
Memory function ................................. 95
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 225
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 269
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 216
Mounting wheels
Mounting a new wheel ................... 343
Raising the vehicle ......................... 342
Removing a wheel ..........................343
Securing the vehicle against
rolling away ................................... 341
MP3
Operation ....................................... 216
see separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 212
Permanent display ......................... 219
Multifunction steering wheel
Back button ................................... 211
Operating the on-board computer . 210
Overview .......................................... 31N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............ 214
see separate operating instructions


NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 47
Resetting after being triggered ........ 48
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 138 O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle .....................54
Important safety notes ....................38
Odometer
see Trip odometer


Off-road
Differential locks ............................ 201
Off-road ABS .................................... 61
Off-road driving
Checklist ........................................ 165
Driving on sand .............................. 166
Important safety notes .................. 164
Traveling uphill ............................... 167
Off-road fording ................................. 162
Off-road system 4MATIC .......................................... 193
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 222
Assistance menu ........................... 218
Audio menu ................................... 215
Convenience submenu .................. 221
Display messages ..........................224
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 182
Factory settings submenu ............. 222
Important safety notes .................. 208
Instrument cluster submenu ..........219
Lighting submenu .......................... 219
Menu overview .............................. 212
Message memory .......................... 225
Navigation menu ............................ 214
Operation ....................................... 210
RACETIMER ................................... 222
Service menu ................................. 218
Settings menu ............................... 218
Standard display ............................ 212
Telephone menu ............................ 216
Trip menu ...................................... 212
Vehicle submenu ........................... 220
Video DVD operation ..................... 216
Operating system
see On-board computer
Outside temperature display ...........210
Overhead control panel ......................3412
Index

X
To activate/deactivate: press button 0043.
If indicator lamp 0044
is lit, operation of the
rear side windows is disabled. Operation is
only possible using the switches in the
driver's door. If indicator lamp 0044 is off,
operation is possible using the switches in
the rear compartment. Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you

will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
(Y page 61)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System) ( Y page 61)
R Adaptive brake lamps (Y page 62)
R ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
(Y page 62)
R EBD ( electronic brake force distribution)
(Y page 64)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE(Y page 64)
R Trailer stabilization Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
R braking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is increased
Make sure the differential

locks are switched
on at all times except when driving off-road
for example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible if there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 318).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. 60
Driving safety systems
Safety

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 60). G
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS
or the ESP®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance. G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There
is

an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
Provided that the differential locks are not
active, ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The yellow 0025 ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal. X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress
the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Off-road ABS If the
LOW RANGE shift range is
selected by
the transfer case, (Y page 199), an ABS
system specifically suited to off-road terrain
is automatically activated.
At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 60). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts

the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. Driving safety systems
61
Safety Z

Adaptive brake lamps
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is
assisted by BAS, the brake lamps flash
rapidly. In this way, traffic traveling behind
you is warned in an even more noticeable
manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 45 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the
hazard warning lamps are activated
automatically. If
the brakes are applied again,
the brake lamps light up continuously. If you
drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h), the hazard
warning lamps are deactivated automatically.
You can also switch off the hazard warning
lamps using the hazard warning button
(Y page 104). ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 60).G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk
of

skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system. ESP
®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
ESP ®
is deactivated if

the 00BB warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the 00E5 warning lamp and the 00BB
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 252) and any display messages that
appear in the instrument cluster
(Y page 226).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 00E5 warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are

switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off
automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP
®
. 62
Driving safety systems
Safety

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 23).Breaking-in notes
Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by

applying greater force
to the brake pedal. The first 1,000 miles (1,500 km)
The more you look

after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gear in good time, before the
tachometer needle is 00C3 of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain. After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can
increase the engine
speed

gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R Do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km)
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R Change gear in good time.
R Avoid driving off-road before the
differential oil change at 2,000 miles
(3,000 km).
R Ideally, drive for the first
1,000 miles(1,500 km) in drive program C.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
To improve the protection of the differential,
change the oil after a break-in distance of
2,000 miles (3,000 km). This oil change will
lengthen the service life of the differential.
Have the oil change

carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident. 138
Driving
Driving and parking

R
Switch off the air-conditioning system.
R
R Shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 198).
R Engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 201).
R Restrict the shift range to 1 or
2(Y page 150).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the
water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording. Winter driving
General notes G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide

(CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave
the

engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind. G
WARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R never install snow chains to the front
wheels
R always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
Have your vehicle winterproofed

at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 320).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 320).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Driving tips
163
Driving and parking
Z

The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R
4ETS ( Y page 62)
R Transfer case (Y page 198)
R Differential locks ( Y page 201)
Observe the following notes:
R stop your vehicle and,
if necessary, shift the
transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 199) before driving off-
road.
R AMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case to
LOW RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/
stop function (Y page 142).
R engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 201)
i ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated
when the differential locks are activated.
This allows the front wheels to lock briefly,
so that these can dig into a loose surface.
However, please note that locked wheels
skid and can no longer steer.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 267).
R To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
walking pace.
R Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
the ground at all times.
R Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine. R
Look out for obstacles
such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R Always keep the doors, rear door, side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed
while the vehicle is in motion.
R Switch off cruise control.
R Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
R Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at
appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3,000 rpm).
R Do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
R Always check the vehicle for damage after
off-road driving.
i Information about retrofitting special all-
terrain tires is available from any qualified
specialist workshop.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road !
If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe

place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage. Driving tips
165
Driving and parking Z