2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL service

a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident is greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
Example: ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are.
The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the
selected settings and prevailing conditions.
Your driving style can significantly influence
the vehicle's consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars:
RAccelerationAcceleration
RConstantConstant
RCoastingCoasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher
percentage indicates a more economical
driving style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
192Driving tips
Driving and parking

conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (Ypage 407).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (Ypage 406).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 406).
Off-road driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
GWARNING
If the vehicle level is high, the vehicle center
of gravity is raised. This could cause the
vehicle to tip over more easily on uphill or
downhill gradients. There is a risk of an
accident.
Select the lowest possible vehicle level.
When driving off-road, sand, mud and water,
possibly mixed with oil, for example, could get
into the brakes. This could result in a reduced
braking effect or in total brake failure and also
in increased wear and tear. The braking
characteristics change depending on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Adapt your driving style to the different
braking characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of
damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead
to failure of the mechanical assembly or
systems. Adapt your driving style to suit the
terrain conditions. Drive carefully. Have
damage to the vehicle rectified immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not switch to transmission positionN
when driving off-road. You could lose control
of the vehicle if you attempt to brake using
the service brake. If the gradient is too steep,
drive backwards in reverse gear.
General notes
Read this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear shift operation
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
ROff-road program 1 and 2 (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) (Ypage 258)
RLOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package)
(Ypage 259)
RDifferential lock (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) (Ypage 259)
ROff-road ABS (Ypage 68)
RAIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
(Ypage 217)
RDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(Ypage 256)
Observe the following notes:
RStop the vehicle before starting to drive
along an off-road route.
RFor vehicles with the AIRMATIC
package:select a vehicle level that is
suitable for the off-road terrain. To avoid
damaging the vehicle, make sure there is
always sufficient ground clearance.
RCheck that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Ypage 345).
Driving tips197
Driving and parking
Z

Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other
obstacles:
RSelect the LOW RANGE (Ypage 259) off-
road gear.
RRaise the vehicle level.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
RDrive very slowly.
RDrive straight over the center of obstacles.
Traveling uphill
Approach/departure angle
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
RObserve the rules on off-road driving.
RDo not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines
or gradients, but instead follow the direct
line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing
capability of your vehicle is 100%, which
corresponds to an approach/departure
angle of 45°. Note that the climbing ability
of your vehicle depends on the terrain
conditions.
RWhen driving down an incline, make use of
the engine's braking effect. Observe the
engine speed; do not overrev the engine.
RBefore driving on extreme uphill and
downhill gradients, select the LOW RANGE
off-road gear (Ypage 259).
RDrive slowly.
RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at
appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3,000 rpm).
RUse the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into
a lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
RCheck the brakes after prolonged off-road
driving.
iHill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For further information about hill start
assist, see (Ypage 171).
Do not switch to transmission positionN
when driving off-road. If you try to brake the
vehicle using the service brake, you could
lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is
too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in
reverse gear.
Always observe the approach/departure
angle values (Ypage 455).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient
climbing ability values (Ypage 455).
Hilltops
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator
immediately before reaching the brow of the
hill. Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive
over the top of the hill.
This style of driving prevents:
Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
200Driving tips
Driving and parking

Stopping
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
RDISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a
vehicle occupant or from outside the
vehicle.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected.
Rthe accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until
it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill
at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in
front. The specified minimum distance is set
using the control on the cruise control lever.
The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated and:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also
automatically be shifted into positionP.
Setting a speed
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the speed set.
XPress the cruise control lever upCfor a
higher speed or downDfor a lower speed.
XTo adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments):briefly
press the cruise control lever upCor
downDto the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed upCor downDthe last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
XTo adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
upCor downDto the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed upCor downD, the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
iIf you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC
PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished
overtaking.
208Driving systems
Driving and parking

Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
positionDorR.
Ryou shift the transmission to positionP.
Ryou depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure untilC
disappears from the multifunction display.
Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
iAfter 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:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off.
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe 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 positionP.
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) (Ypage 217) and ACTIVE
CURVE SYSTEM (Ypage 218).
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
(Ypage 264).
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
General notes
ADS adapts the damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving situation.
This depends on:
Ryour driving style
Rthe road surface conditions
Rthe ADS setting
Rthe vehicle level setting
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning
Example: vehicles without the ON&OFFROADpackage
CSuspension tuning button
DIndicator lamp for sports tuning

Useful information
iThis 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.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 28).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and
communication equipment integrated in the
vehicle while driving, you will be distracted
from traffic conditions. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the
equipment when the vehicle is stationary.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or
malfunctioned, you may not recognize
function restrictions in systems relevant to
safety. The operating safety of your vehicle
may be impaired. There is a risk of an
accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the
multifunction display. You should therefore
make sure your vehicle is operating safely at
all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not
operating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Ypage 33).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle
interior can be adjusted using the brightness
control knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Ypage 33).
XTurn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set toX,`or
X, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
iThe light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Coolant temperature display
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated or when there is a fire in the
engine compartment could expose you to hot
gases or other service products. There is a
risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
!A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
272Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

If track information is stored on the audio
device or medium, the multifunction display
will show the number and title of the track.
The current track does not appear in audio
AUX mode (Auxiliary audio mode: external
audio source connected).
Video DVD operation
Example: CD/DVD changer display
XSwitch on COMAND and select video DVD;
see the separate operating instructions.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theAudioAudiomenu.
XTo select the next/previous scene:
briefly press thecordbutton.
XTo select a scene from the scene list
(rapid scrolling):press and hold the
cordbutton until desired
sceneChas been reached.
Telephone menu
Introduction
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and
communication equipment integrated in the
vehicle while driving, you will be distracted
from traffic conditions. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the
equipment when the vehicle is stationary.
When telephoning, you must observe the
legal requirements for the country in which
you are currently driving.
XSwitch on the mobile phone (see the
separate operating instructions).
XSwitch on COMAND (see the separate
operating instructions).
XEstablish a Bluetooth®connection to
COMAND; see the separate operating
instructions.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theTelTelmenu.
You will see one of the following display
messages in the multifunction display:
RPhone READYPhone READYor the name of the network
provider: the mobile phone has found a
network and is ready to receive.
RPhone No ServicePhone No Service: there is no network
available or the mobile phone is searching
for a network.
Accepting a call
Example: incoming call
If someone calls you when you are in the
TelTelmenu, a display message appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress theabutton on the steering
wheel to accept an incoming call.
You can accept a call even if you are not in
theTelTelmenu.
Rejecting or ending a call
XPress thevbutton on the steering
wheel.
You can end or reject a call even if you are not
in theTelTelmenu.
Menus and submenus279
On-board computer and displays
Z

Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
XPressYoreon the steering wheel
to select theDriveAssistDriveAssistmenu.
XPresscordto selectLaneLane
Keeping AssistKeeping Assist.
XPress thevbutton.
The current selection is displayed.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thedorcbutton to setOffOff,
StandardStandardorAdaptiveAdaptive.
When Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane
Keeping Assist is activated, the
multifunction display shows the lane
markings as bright lines in the assistance
graphic.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
For further information about Lane Keeping
Assist, see (Ypage 245).
For further information about Active Lane
Keeping Assist, see (Ypage 251).
Maintenance menu
In theServServmenu, you have the following
options:
RCalling up display messages in message
memory (Ypage 290)
RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning
system (Ypage 412)
RChecking the tire pressure electronically
(Ypage 412)
RCalling up the service due date
(Ypage 375)
Settings menu
Introduction
In theSett.Sett.menu, you have the following
options:
RChanging the instrument cluster settings
(Ypage 282)
RChanging the light settings (Ypage 283)
RChanging the vehicle settings
(Ypage 284)
RChanging the convenience settings
(Ypage 285)
RRestoring the factory settings
(Ypage 286)
Instrument cluster submenu
Selecting the unit of measurement for
distance
TheDisplay Unit Speed-/Odometer:Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:
function allows you to choose whether
certain displays appear in kilometers or miles
in the multifunction display.
You can determine whether the multifunction
display shows some messages in miles or
kilometers.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSett.Sett.menu.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
Instrument ClusterInstrument Clustersubmenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:
function.
You will see the selected setting:kmkmor
milesmiles.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
282Menus and submenus
On-b oard computer and displays