2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class tow bar

Warning lamp ................................. 337
Warning message .......................... 414
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................426
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................425
Bar (definition) ............................... 424
Changing a wheel .......................... 427
Characteristics .............................. 424
Checking ........................................ 405
Definition of terms .........................424
Direction of rotatio n...................... 428
Display message ............................ 318
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................427
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. .424
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............425
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 425
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 425
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 425
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................425
Important safety notes ..................404
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......425
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........425
Labeling (overview )........................ 421
Load bearing index (definition) ......426
Load index ..................................... 423
Load index (definition) ...................426
M+S tires ....................................... 406
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 425
Maximum load on a tire (definition) 426
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 426
Maximum tire loa d......................... 423
Maximum tire load (definition) .......426
MOExtended tires ..........................406
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 426
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 426Replacing
....................................... 427
Service life ..................................... 406
Sidewall (definition) .......................426
Speed rating (definition) ................425
Storing ........................................... 428
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 424
Temperature .................................. 420
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 426
Tire bead (definition) ......................426
Tire pressure (definition) ................426
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 425
Tire size (data) ............................... 432
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 421
Tire tread ....................................... 405
Tire tread (definition) .....................426
Total load limit (definition) .............427
Traction ......................................... 420
Traction (definition) .......................427
Tread wea r..................................... 420
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................427
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 419
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................425
Unladen weight (definition) ............426
Wear indicator (definition) .............427
Wheel and tire combination ...........435
Wheel rim (definition) ....................425
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........397
Installing the towing eye ................398
Removing the towing eye ...............399
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist .....................230
Axle load, permissible ....................457
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 381
Coupling up a trailer ......................266
Decoupling a trailer .......................268
Driving tips .................................... 264
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .7420
Index

Important safety notes
..................263
Installing the ball coupling .............265
Mounting dimensions ....................456
Power supply ................................. 270
Pulling away with a trailer ..............170
Removing the ball coupling ............269
Storing the ball coupling ................269
Trailer drive program .....................255
Trailer loads ................................... 457
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......399
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............400
Important safety notes ..................397
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 269
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist .................250
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............253
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 245
PARKTRONIC ................................. 225
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................269
Transfer case ..................................... 182
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........173
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................173
Transporting the vehicle ..................399
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 200
Driving downhill ............................. 201
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 200
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .382
Trip computer (on-board computer) 275
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 275
Resetting (on-board computer) ......276
Trunk
see Tailgate Turn signals
Display message ............................ 303
Switching on/off ........................... 131
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 427
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........350
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 320
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individual settings ..........................282
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 415
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 432
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 191
Pulling away ................................... 170
Raising ........................................... 429
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............428
Towing away .................................. 397
Transporting .................................. 399
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........88
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................80
Vehicle data ................................... 453
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 453
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angl e............ 455
Fording depth ................................ 454
Maximum gradient climbing ability 455
Vehicle dimensions ...........................453 Index
21

parking. When maneuvering or parking, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are
maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In
this event, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop
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 shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines. X
To change the function mode for
vehicles with trailer tow hitch: using the
COMAND controller, select symbol :for
the "Reverse parking" function or
symbol ;for "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 33 ft (10 m) forwards
R shift the transmission from Rto another
position after 15 seconds
R drive forwards at a speed of over 5 mph
(10 km/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. Driving systems
231Driving and parking Z

:
Red guide line at a distance of
approximately 10 in (0.25 m) from the
rear of the vehicle
; White guide line without turning the
steering wheel
= End of parking space
X Back up carefully until you have reached
the final position.
Red guide line :is then at end of parking
space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in
the parking space.
"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. Distances 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. :
Vehicle center point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 3 ft
(1.0 m) from the rear of the vehicle
; Trailer drawbar
= Ball coupling
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch.
X Set the height of trailer drawbar ;so that
it is slightly higher than ball coupling =.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar ;. :
Ball coupling
; Red guide line at a distance of
approximately 10 in (0.25 m)from the ball
coupling
= Trailer drawbar marker assistant
? Trailer drawbar
A Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function 234
Driving systemsDriving and parking

X
Use the COMAND controller to select
symbol A, 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 Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar marker assistant =points
approximately in the direction of trailer
drawbar ?.
X Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar ?
reaches red guide line ;.
X Couple up the trailer (Y page 264).360° camera (surround view)
General notes The 360° camera is a system consisting of
four cameras.
The system analyzes images from the
following cameras:
R Rear view camera
R Front camera
R Two cameras in the exterior rear view
mirrors
The cameras capture the immediate
surroundings of the vehicle. The system
supports you, e.g. when parking or if vision is
restricted at an exit.
The 360° camera images can be shown in full
screen mode or in seven different split-screen
views on the COMAND display. A split-screen
view also includes a top view of the vehicle.
This view is calculated from the data supplied
by the installed cameras (virtual camera).
The seven split-screen views are:
R top view and picture from the rear view
camera (130° viewing angle)
R top view and picture from the front camera
(without displaying the maximum steering
wheel angle)
R top view and enlarged rear view R
top view and enlarged front view
R top view and trailer view (vehicles with
trailer tow hitch)
R top view and pictures from the rearward
facing mirror cameras (rear wheel view)
R top view and pictures from the forward
facing mirror cameras (front wheel view)
i The top view and trailer view are available
for vehicles equipped with a trailer tow
hitch.
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from position Dor Rto N, you
see the previous view in the COMAND
display. The dynamic guidelines are hidden.
When you change between transmission
positions Dand R, you see the previously
selected front or rear 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
objects in the area in which you are
maneuvering.
The 360° camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at
all. It cannot show objects in the following
areas:
R
under the front bumper
R very close to the front bumper
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in close range above the handle on the
trunk lid
R very close to the exterior mirrors
You are always responsible for safety, and
must always pay attention to your
surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This applies to the areas
behind, in front of and beside the vehicle. You Driving systems
235Driving and parking Z

X
To switch to full screen mode: select
Full Screen
Full Screen by turningcVdthe
COMAND controller and press Wto
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-most guideline.
Top view with picture from the rear view
camera :
Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and rear view camera image
; Yellow guide line at a distance of
approximately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear
of the vehicle
= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
? Yellow lane marking tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic) A
Yellow guide line at a distance of
approximately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear
of the vehicle
B Vehicle center axle (marker assistance)
C Red guide line at a distance of
approximately 12 in (0.30 m) from the
rear of the vehicle
D Bumper
The guide lines are shown when the
transmission is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
Top view with picture from the front
camera :
Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and front camera image
; Yellow guide line at a distance of
approximately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the front
of the vehicle
= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
? Yellow lane marking tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic) Driving systems
237Driving and parking Z

If a course-correcting brake application
occurs, red warning lamp :flashes in the
exterior mirror and a dual warning tone
sounds. In addition, display ;underlining
the danger of a side collision appears in the
multifunction display.
In very rare cases, the system may make an
inappropriate brake application. A course-
correcting brake application may be
interrupted at any time if you steer slightly in
the opposite direction or accelerate.
The course-correcting brake application is
available in the speed range between
20 mph (30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/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&OFFROAD package).
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 285) and Active Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 281) are activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately 1.5 seconds
and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
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 Active Blind Spot Assist Currently
Unavailable See Operator's Manual Unavailable See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display. 250
Driving systemsDriving and parking

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