2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class weight

Observe the warning labels in the vehicle
interior or on the infant or child restraint.
Special seat belt retractor G
WARNING
If you release the seat belt when driving, the
special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
The released seat belt cannot be engaged
again while driving, because the inertia reel
pulls in the seat belt a small distance. The
child restraint system is no longer properly
secured. There is an increased risk of serious
injury or even fatal injury.
Always keep the seat belt of the activated
special seat belt retractor engaged when
driving.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures that the seat belt will not
slacken once the child restraint system has
been secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
X Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat
belt retractor.
X Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the seat
belt retractor retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is activated.
X Push down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack. Removing a child restraint system/
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
X
Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
X Press the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
in the rear G
WARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt
integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.
When installing a child restraint system, be
sure to observe the manufacturer's
installation instructions and the instructions
for correct use of the child restraint system.
To ensure that the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system can perform its protective
function as intended, the backrest of the
respective outer seat in the second row must
be in the upright position.
! When installing the LATCH-type (ISOFIX)
child restraint system, make sure that the
seat belt for the center seat does not get
trapped. Otherwise, the seat belt could be
damaged. Children in the vehicle
63Safety Z

we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seat whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
! To avoid damage to the seats and the seat
heating, observe the following information:
R keep liquids from spilling on the seats. If
liquid is spilled on the seats, dry them as
soon as possible.
R if the seat covers are damp or wet, do not
switch on the seat heating. The seat
heating should also not be used to dry
the seats.
R clean the seat covers as recommended;
see "Interior care".
R do not transport heavy loads on the
seats. Do not place sharp objects on the
seat cushions, e.g. knives, nails or tools.
The seats should only be occupied by
passengers, if possible.
R when the seat heating is in operation, do
not cover the seats with insulating
materials, e.g. blankets, coats, bags,
seat covers, child seats or booster seats.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
i It is not possible to remove the head
restraints from the front seats. The rear-
compartment head restraints, however,
can be removed (Y page 110).
For more information, contact a qualified
specialist workshop. i
Further related subjects:
R Important safety notes on air bags
(Y page 44)
R Cargo compartment enlargement
(folding down the rear bench seat)
(Y page 344)
R Securing children in the vehicle
(Y page 60) Adjusting the seats electrically
:
Head restraint height
; Seat cushion angle
= Seat height
? Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
A Backrest angle
i Vehicles with memory function: if PRE-
SAFE ®
has been triggered, the front-
passenger seat will be moved to a better
position if it was previously in an
unfavorable position.
i You can store the seat settings using the
memory function (Y page 125). Adjusting the head restraints
General notes Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Y
page 107).
Do not rotate the head restraints of the front
and rear seats. Otherwise, you cannot adjust 108
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

R
uphill or downhill gradient in percentage
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 a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. 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.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" ( Ypage 457). 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. Never
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 for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies. Towing a trailer
263Driving and parking Z

Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 456).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 456).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
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. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
R The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for your vehicle. Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
X Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines
(Y page 340) and the safety notes regarding
stowage spaces (Y page 341).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Y page 381). Storing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by
the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident Towing a trailer
269Driving and parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Front Passenger
Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled Airbag Disabled
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual The front-passenger air bag is disabled during the journey, even
though:
R
an adult
or
R a person larger than a certain size is occupying the front-
passenger seat
If additional forces are applied to the seat, the system may
interpret the occupant's weight as lower than it actually is.
G WARNING
The front-passenger air bag does not deploy during an accident.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 188).
X Switch the ignition off.
X Have the occupant get out of the vehicle.
X Keep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
X Observe the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp in the
center console and the multifunction display and check the
following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up and
remain lit. If the indicator lamp is on, OCS has disabled the front-
passenger air bag ( Ypage 49).
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual Manual orFront Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual display messages must not be shown in
the multifunction display.
X Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds until the necessary
system checks have been completed.
X Make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are fulfilled, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains lit or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the
occupant.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, the system is not operating
correctly.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display
messages
301On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Front Passenger
Front Passenger
Airbag Enabled Airbag Enabled
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual The front-passenger air bag is enabled during the journey, even
though:
R
a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is located on the front-passenger
seat
or
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied
The system may detect objects or forces applying additional
weight on the seat.
G WARNING
The air bag may deploy unintentionally.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 188).
X Switch the ignition off.
X Open the front-passenger door.
X Remove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.
X Make sure that there are no objects on the seat adding to the
weight.
The system may otherwise detect the additional weight and
interpret the seat occupant's weight as greater than it actually
is.
X Keep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
X Observe the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp in the
center console and the multifunction display and check the
following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up and
remain lit. When the indicator lamp is on, OCS (Occupant
Classification System) has disabled the front-passenger air bag
(Y page 49).
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual
Manual orFront Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual display messages must not be shown in
the multifunction display. 302
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

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 28).Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury,
particularly in the event of sudden braking or
a sudden change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running,
particularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the
tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (Y
page 415).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 415).
Observe the notes on the loading the vehicle
(Y page 415).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight or the gross axle
weight rating of the vehicle (including
occupants).
R The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
R Always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R Use the cargo tie down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and
size of the load.
R Hook in the cargo net when loading.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges
for protection. 340
Stowage areasStowage and features

i
Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be open stowage spaces above
and below the stowage compartment. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Vehicles with the Occupant Classification
System (OCS):
If the gross weight of the objects in the
stowage net on the back of the front-
passenger seat is greater than 4.4 lb (2 kg),
OCS cannot correctly assess the occupant's
weight category. The front-passenger front air
bag could deploy without cause, or may fail to
deploy in the event of an accident. This poses
an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Never exceed the permissible gross weight of
4.4 lb (2 kg). Stow and secure heavy objects
in the cargo compartment. :
Stowage net in front-passenger footwell :
Stowage net on the back of the front seats :
Stowage net in cargo compartment
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 340)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 341). Through-loading facility in the rear
If objects or loads are not secured when being
transported in the through-loading facility,
they could slip or be thrown around and
thereby hit vehicle occupants.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 340)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 341). The through-loading facility is opened from
the cargo compartment.
X
Release the seat backrests in the second
row of seats and tilt them in the cargo/load
position (Y page 111).
X Fold down the rear seat armrest. Sto
wage areas
343Stowage and features Z