2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class air suspension

Emergency unlocking
.......................88
Important safety notes ....................86
Opening (from inside) ......................87
Overview .......................................... 86
Power closing feature ......................88
Drinking and driving .........................192
Drive program Automatic ...................................... 178
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......173
Manual .......................................... .178
Manual (AMG vehicles) ..................179
Manual (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................179
Off-road program (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package) ..........258
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........287
see On-road programs
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................376
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 128
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angl e............ 200
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...72
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......67
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 75
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................71
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............68
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .68
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST ....69
Distance warning function ...............69
Electronic brake force distribution ...74
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .72
Important safety information ...........67
Overview .......................................... 66
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .75
STEER CONTROL ............................. 76Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 235
Active Blind Spot Assist .................247
Active Curve System ......................218
Active Driving Assistance package 247
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............251
Active Parking Assist .....................226
ADS ............................................... 217
AIRMATIC package ........................217
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 221
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................239
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 243
Cruise control ................................ 201
Display message ............................ 309
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 203
HOLD function ............................... 216
Lane Keeping Assist ......................245
Level control (vehicles with
AIRMATIC package) .......................218
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................212
On-road programs .......................... 253
PARKTRONIC ................................. 222
Rear view camera .......................... 230
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................176
Brakes ........................................... 193
Break-in period .............................. 166
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 211
Downhill gradient ........................... 193
Drinking and driving .......................192
Driving abroad ............................... 128
Driving in winter ............................ .196
Driving on flooded roads ................195
Driving on sand .............................. 199
Driving on wet roads ......................195
Driving over obstacles ...................199
Exhaust check ............................... 192
Fuel ................................................ 192
General .......................................... 191
Hydroplaning ................................. 195
Icy road surfaces ........................... 196
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 194
Off-road driving .............................. 197
Off-road fording ............................. 195
Snow chains .................................. 407 Index
9

Vehicle emergency locking
................88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............444
Vehicle level AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 221
Vehicle level (display message) .......310
Vehicle maintenance see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 386
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 279
VIN ...................................................... 444W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 327
Brakes ........................................... 326
Check Engine ................................. 333
Coolant .......................................... 334
Distance warning ........................... 336
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 336
ESP ®
.............................................. 329
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 330
Overview .......................................... 34
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................49
Reserve fuel ................................... 333
Seat belt ........................................ 324
SRS ................................................ 332
Tire pressure monitor ....................337
Warranty .............................................. 24
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 322
Wheel and tire combination
see Tires
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........432
Wheel chock ...................................... 428
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 427
Checking ........................................ 405
Cleaning ......................................... 379
Cleaning (warning) .........................428
Emergency spare wheel .................439
Important safety notes ..................404
Interchanging/changing ................427
Mounting a new wheel ...................431Mounting a wheel
.......................... 428
Overview ........................................ 404
Removing a wheel ..........................431
Storing ........................................... 428
Tightening torque ........................... 432
Wheel size/tire size .......................432
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 300
Operation ........................................ .48
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 159
Infrared reflective .......................... 367
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid .......................374
Notes ............................................. 451
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................143
Rear window wiper ........................141
Replacing the wiper blades ............141
Switching on/off ........................... 140
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ...................196
Snow chains .................................. 407
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 406
Overview ........................................ 406
Radiator cover ............................... 371
Snow drive program ....................... 255
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 406
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 379
Important safety notes ..................141
Replacing ....................................... 141
Replacing (rear window) ................142
Replacing (windshield )................... 141
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions) 382
Workshop see Qualified specialist workshop Z
ZONE function Switching on/off ........................... 15922
Index

Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R
you accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until :
disappears from the multifunction display.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if the HOLD function is
activated and:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also
be automatically shifted into position P.AIRMATIC package
General notes AIRMATIC regulates the level of your vehicle.
As well as level control ( Ypage 218), your
vehicle can be equipped with ADS (Adaptive
Damping System) (Y page 217) and ACTIVE
CURVE SYSTEM (Y page 218).
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
(Y page 264). ADS (Adaptive Damping System) General notes
ADS adapts the damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving situation.
This depends on:
R
your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R the ADS setting
R the vehicle level setting
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning Example: vehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package
:
Suspension tuning button
; Indicator lamp for sports tuning
= Indicator lamp for comfort tuning
X Start the engine.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected. The vehicle
is lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm).
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. Driving syste
ms
217Driving an d parking Z

Comfort tuning
Example: vehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package
: Suspension tuning button
; Indicator lamp for sports tuning
= Indicator lamp for comfort tuning
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp =lights up. Comfort tuning
is selected. The vehicle is raised by 0.6 in
(15 mm).
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
highway.
Active Curve System The Active Curve System uses active
stabilizers to optimize both driving comfort
and vehicle agility. Depending on the ADS
mode selected (Y page 217), the Active Curve
System also changes the setting.
If you select ADS comfort mode:
R rolling movement is reduced in the event of
changing surface undulations
R the roll angle when cornering is reduced
R the driving style is agile
If you select ADS sport mode:
R the roll angle is reduced significantly
R the driving style is even more agile Level control Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered. G
WARNING
When you drive with the vehicle raised, the
driving characteristics could be impaired by
the vehicle's raised center of gravity. The
vehicle could rollover more easily, for
example on a bend. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always select as low a vehicle level as
possible and adjust your driving style. G
WARNING
When you drive with the chassis lowered or
raised, the vehicle's braking and driving
characteristics can be significantly impaired.
You could also exceed the permissible vehicle
height if the chassis is raised. There is a risk
of an accident.
Adjust the vehicle level before pulling away. G
WARNING
Due to the high center of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and roll over in the event of
an abrupt steering maneuver and/or when
the vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road
conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
! When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time.
Make sure there is always sufficient ground 218
Driving systemsDriving and parking

The vehicle automatically adjusts to highway
level when you:
R drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).
R drive between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
50 mph (80 km/h) for approximately
20 seconds.
Depending on the ADS mode selected
(Y page 217), the vehicle is lowered to high-
speed level at high speeds. AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered. G
WARNING
The vehicle is lowered if:
R you have selected the Comfort or Sport
suspension tuning and
R lock the vehicle after switching off the
engine
Persons in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody may thus become trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody when you switch
off the engine.
! The vehicle is lowered by approximately
10 mm if:
R you have selected the Sport or Comfort
suspension tuning and
R you switch off the engine and then
R lock the vehicle When parking, position your vehicle so that
it does not make contact with the curb as
the vehicle is lowered. Your vehicle could
otherwise be damaged.
Vehicle level Level control adapts the vehicle level
automatically to the current operating and
driving situation. Level control ensures the
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
This improves driving safety and fuel
consumption.
The AIRMATIC package and ACTIVE CURVE
SYSTEM are always components of AMG
adaptive suspension system (Y
page 217).
Due to the sportier suspension settings
compared to standard vehicles, the levels and
speed thresholds for sinking and raising the
vehicle are different.
In Comfort and Sport driving modes, after
locking the vehicle it lowers to the Sport+
level. When locking the vehicle at the raised
level, the vehicle does not lower.
The settings will remain stored after you
switch off the engine. When starting the
engine, the selected setting, e.g. AMG
adaptive suspension system Comfort, is
restored.
i The vehicle level may change visibly if you
park the vehicle and the outside
temperature changes. If the temperature
drops, the vehicle level lowers; with an
increase in temperature, the vehicle level
rises.
Suspension tuning General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort. Driving systems
221Driving and parking Z

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).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model G
WARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R
pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or that are not
being used correctly can impair operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Y page 432).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
(Y page 415)
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Y page 184)
R in the "Tire pressure" section Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires 404
OperationWheels and tires

Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of áin
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the
number of seats in the vehicle. Changing a wheel
Flat tire
You can find information on what to do in the
event of a flat tire in the "Breakdown
assistance" section (Y page 387).
Information on driving with MOExtended tires
in the event of a flat tire can be found under
"MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
characteristics" (Y page 387).
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 387) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. Information on
driving with MOExtended tires in the event of
a flat tire can be found under "MOExtended
tires (tires with run-flat characteristics"
(Y page 387).
Vehicles with an emergency spare
wheel: in the event of a flat tire, mount the
emergency spare wheel according to the
description under "Mounting a wheel"
(Y page 428). Rotating the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of
accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(Y page 428).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if tire wear requires. Do
not change the direction of wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressure and, if
necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. Changing a wheel
427Wheels and tires Z