2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class tow bar

Tread wear
..................................... 416
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................423
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s...................................... 415
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s(definition) .................... 421
Unladen weight (definition) ............422
Wea rindicato r(definition) .............423
Whee lrim (definition ).................... 421
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........393
Installing the towing eye ................394
Removing the towing eye. ..............395
Towing atrailer
Activ eParking Assist ..................... 225
Axle load, permissible ....................449
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 376
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 260
Decoupling atrailer ....................... 262
Driving tips .................................... 257
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .72
Important safety notes ..................257
Installing the ball coupling .............259
Mounting dimensions ....................448
Power supply ................................. 264
Pulling away with a trailer ..............166
Removing the ball coupling ............263
Shift range ..................................... 172
Storing the ball coupling ................263
Trailer drive program .....................249
Trailer loads ................................... 449
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......395
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............396
Important safety notes ..................393
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 263
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist .................244
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............247
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 239 PARKTRONI
C................................. 220
Permissible trailer loads and
drawba rnoseweights ..................... 263
Transfer case ..................................... 177
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........169
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 169
Transporting the vehicle ..................395
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 195
Driving downhill ............................. 195
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 195
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .378
Trip computer (on-board computer) 271
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 270
Resetting (on-board computer) ......272
see Trip odometer
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 299
Switching on/off ........................... 127
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 423
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................86
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 85 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........346
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 316
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individua lsettings .......................... 278
Limited Warranty ............................. 2920
Index

Parking tips:
R
On narrow roads, drive as close to the
parking space as possible.
R Parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 219) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R Never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
R Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has adirec tinfluence
on the parking characteristics of the
vehicle.
General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle.
As
uitable parking space is indicated by the
parking symbol. Active steering intervention
can assis tyou during parking.
You may also use PARKTRONIC
(Y page 217). When PARKTRONIC is switched
off, Active Parking Assist is also unavailable.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Detecting parking spaces G
WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range,
Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely.
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident. If there are objects above the detection range,
stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.
Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active
Parking Assist may therefore guide you into
the parking space too early. 0002
Detected parking space on the left
0003 Parking symbol
0021 Detected parking space on the right
Active Parking Assist is switched on
automatically when driving forwards. The
system is operational at speeds of up to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) .While in
operation, the system independently locates
and measures parking spaces on both sides
of the vehicle. When driving at speeds below
19 mph (30 km/h), you will see the parking
symbol as a status indicator in the instrument
cluster. By default, Active Parking Assist only
displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side. Parking spaces on the
driver's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. To park
on the driver's side, you must leave the
driver's side turn signal switched on. This
must remain switched on until you
acknowledge the use of Active Parking Assist
by pressing the 000Bbutton on the
multifunction steering wheel.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. 222
Driving systemsDriving and parking

view camera messages in the COMAND
display.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the function "show rear
view camera display" is selected in
COMAND.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is show ninthe
COMAND display with guide lines.
X To change the function mode for
vehicles with trailer tow hitch: using the
COMAND controller, select symbol 0002for
the "Reverse parking" function or
symbol 0003for "Coupling up a trailer" (see
the separate COMAND operating
instructions).
The symbol of the selected function is
highlighted.
To deactivate: the rear view camera is
deactivated if you:
R shift the transmission to position P
R drive forwards 33 ft (10 m)
R shift the transmission from Rto another
position (after 15 seconds)
R drive forwards at a speed of over 5mph
(10km/h) Displays in the COMAND display The rear view camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. The rear view camera does not show
objects in the following positions:
R
very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the
bottom-most guideline. 0002
White guide line without turning the
steering wheel, vehicle width including
the exterior mirrors (static)
0003 Yellow guide line at a distance of
approximately 13 ft (4.0m) from the rear
of the vehicle
0021 Red guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
0020 Yellow lane marking tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic) 226
Driving systemsDriving and parking

"Coupling up a trailer" function
!
The following distance specifications
refer to trailer tow hitches with ball
coupling that have been approved for this
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.D istances may
differ if you use other ball couplings. In this
case, take into account that actual
distances will not match the following
distance specifications. Otherwise you
could damage the trailer and vehicle. 0002
Vehicle center point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 3ft
(1 m) from the rear of the vehicle
0003 Trailer drawbar
0021 Ball coupling
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch.
X Set the height of trailer drawbar 0003so that
it is slightly higher than ball coupling 0021.
X Position the vehicle centrally in fron tof
trailer drawbar 0003. 0002
Ball coupling
0003 Red guide line at a distance of
approximately 10 in (0.25 m)from the ball
coupling
0021 Trailer drawbar marker assistant
0020 Trailer drawbar
001E Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function
X Use the COMAND controlle rto select
symbol 001E, see the separate operating
instructions for COMAND.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is
selected. The distance specifications now
only apply to objects that are at the same
level as the ball coupling.
X Reverse carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar marker assistant 0021points
approximately in the direction of trailer
drawbar 0020.
X Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar 0020
reaches red guide line 0003.
X Couple up the trailer (Y page 257). 360° camera (surround view)
Important safety notes The 360° camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering and
parking. When maneuvering or parking, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or Driving systems
229Driving and parking Z

Activation conditions
The 360° camera imag
ecan be displayed if:
R your vehicle is equipped with a 360°
camera
R COMAND is switched on, see the separate
COMAND operating instructions
R the 360° camera function is activated
Activating the 360° camera using the
SYS button X
Press and hold the 0003button for longer
than 2seconds, see the separate COMAND
operating instructions.
Depending on whether position Dor Ris
engaged, the following is shown:
R full screen display with the image from
the front camera
R full screen display with the image from
the rear camera
Activating the 360° camer awith
COMAND X
Press the 0003button, see the separate
COMAN Doperating instructions.
X Select System by turning
000E0002000Fthe
COMAND controller and press 000Cto
confirm.
X Select 360° camera and press
000Cto
confirm.
Depending on whether position Dor Ris
engaged, the following is shown:
R a split screen with top view and the
image from the front camera or
R a split screen with top view and the
image from the rear view camera
For further information about the COMAND
Controller, see the separate COMAND
operating instructions. Activating the 360° camer
ausing
reverse gear The 360° camera images can be
automatically displayed by engaging reverse
gear.
X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the Activation by R gear setting is active in COMAND, see the
separate COMAND operating instructions.
X To show the 360° camer aimage: engage
reverse gear.
The COMAND display shows the area
behind the vehicle in spli tscreen:
R vehicle with guide lines
R top view of the vehicle
Selecting the split-screen and full
screen displays X
To switc hbetween spli tscreen views:
switch to the line with the vehicle icons by
sliding 000B0002the COMAND controller.
X Turn 000E0002000F the COMAND controller and
selec tone of the vehicle symbols.
X To switc hto full screen mode: select
Full screen by turning
000E0002000Fthe
COMAND controller and press 000Cto
confirm.
Displays in the COMAND display Important safety notes
!
Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the
bottom-mos tguideline. Driving systems
231Driving and parking Z

If Active Blind Spot Assist detects a risk of a
lateral collision in the monitoring range, a
course-correcting brake application is carried
out. This is meant to assist you in avoiding a
collision.
If a course-correcting brake application
occurs, red warning lamp 0002flashes in the
exterior mirror and a dual warning tone
sounds. In addition, display 0003appears in the
multifunction display.
The course-correcting brake application is
available in the speed range betwee n20m ph
(30 km/h) and120 mph (200km/h).
Either no braking application, or a course-
correcting brake application adapted to the
driving situation occurs if:
R there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, located on both sides of your
vehicle.
R a vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side.
R you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds.
R you clearly brake or accelerate. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ESP ®
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
R ESP ®
is switched off.
R the off-road program is activated (vehicles
without the ON&OFFROA Dpackage).
R off-road program 1 or 2 is activated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
R a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire is
detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that the radar sensor system
(Y page 281) and Active Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 277) are activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps 0002in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately
1.5 seconds and then turn yellow.
Towing atrailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting .Active Blind Spot
Assist is then deactivated. The indicator lamp
lights up yellow in the exterior mirrors and the
Active Blind Spot Assist Currently Unavailable See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display. 244
Driving systemsDriving and parking

R
uphill or downhill gradien tinpercentage
R on-road/off-road program selected
R condition of the differential lock for the
transfer case
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected
R condition of the LOW RANGE off-road
gear
R the on-road trailer program is selected Towing
atrailer Notes on towing
atrailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other tha nthe one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. This
could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.N
ever
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer .Apply the
brake as necessary.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
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
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in the vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification Towing
atrailer
257Driving an d parking Z

plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (Y
page 449).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
with when driving without atrailer.
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 radius
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for yourv ehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes 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 If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
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 421).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 448).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 600 lbs
(272 kg).
The actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given. The value can be
found on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Ypage 217) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 237) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
Driving tips i
Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer
stabilization (Y page 72) and on pulling
away with a trailer (Y page 166).
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 permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benzv ehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (Y page 449). 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
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h). 258
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking