2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL brakes

Belt
see Seat belts
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 59
Function ........................................... 59
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating.................281
Display message............................314
Notes/function..............................243
Trailer towing.................................245
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF....................................186
BlueTEC (DEF)....................................448
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message............................297
Notes.............................................450
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs..............................140
Display message............................304
Brakes
ABS..................................................67
Adaptive Brake Assist......................71
BAS..................................................68
BAS PLUS........................................68
Brake fluid (notes).........................450
Display message............................291
High-performance brake system....195
Important safety notes..................193
Maintenance..................................194
Parking brake................................189
Riding tips ...................................... 193
Warning lamp ................................. 326
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees....................25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera.................................380
Carpets..........................................383
Car wash ........................................ 376
Display...........................................381
Exhaust pipe..................................381
Exterior lights................................379
Gear or selector lever....................382
Interior...........................................381
Matte finish...................................378
Night View Assist Plus...................381
Notes.............................................376
Paint..............................................378
Plastic trim....................................382
Power washer................................377
Rear view camera..........................380
Roof lining ...................................... 383
Seat belt........................................383
Seat cover.....................................383
Sensors.........................................380
Steering wheel...............................382
Trim pieces....................................382
Washing by hand...........................377
Wheels...........................................379
Windows........................................379
Wiper blades..................................379
Wooden trim..................................382
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/how to use.........................346
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes..................344
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing............................347
Stowage well (under).....................347
Cargo tie down rings.........................345
Car key
see SmartKey
Car wash (care).................................376
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer)..........................................278
Center console
Lower section..................................37
Upper section..................................36
6Index

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 beam..................128
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle............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.............................76
Driving 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 roads...................................194
Off-road driving..............................197
Off-road fording.............................195
Snow chains..................................407
Index9

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......................................................444
W
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...................431
Mounting 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...........................159
22Index

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator
lamp does not light up
and/or stays on.
The front-passenger
seat is:
Runoccupied
Roccupied with the
weight of a child up
to twelve months old
in a child restraint
system
The OCS is malfunctioning.
XMake sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat.
XMake sure that the backrest and base of the child restraint
system are resting securely on the front-passenger seat. If
necessary, adjust the position of the front-passenger seat.
XWhen installing the child restraint system, make sure that the
seat belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight with the front-
passenger seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt
being pulled too tightly.
XCheck the installation of the child restraint system.
XMake sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto
the seat.
XIf the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off, have
the OCS system checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. Do not transport a child on the front-
passenger seat until the OCS has been repaired.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Ypage 301).
PRE-SAFE®(anticipatory occupant
protection system)
Introduction
PRE-SAFE®takes preemptive measures to
protect occupants in certain hazardous
situations.
Important safety notes
!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.
Despite your vehicle being equipped with the
PRE-SAFE®system, the possibility of
personal injuries occurring as a result of an
accident cannot be eliminated.
Always adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front. Drive carefully.
Function
PRE-SAFE®intervenes:
Rin emergency braking situations, e.g. when
BAS is activated.
Rin critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded and the
vehicle understeers or oversteers severely.
Ron vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS:if
BAS PLUS brakes hard or the radar sensor
system detects an imminent danger of
collision in certain situations.
PRE-SAFE®takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
Rthe front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
Rif the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof and
the side windows are closed so that only a
small gap remains. On vehicles with a
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel, they are closed completely.
54Occupant safety
Safety

The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Off-road ABS
An ABS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Ypage 258).
At speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 67).
GWARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
General information
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 67).
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
For BAS PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor
system must be operational.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning,
BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake
system is still available with complete brake
boosting effect and BAS.
BAS PLUS can help you to minimize the risk
of a collision with a vehicle or reduce the
effects of such a collision. If BAS PLUS
detects a danger of collision, you are assisted
when braking.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, BAS PLUS may:
Rintervene unnecessarily
Rnot intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
68Driving safety systems
Safety

As a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
In the event of snowfall or heavy rain, the
recognition can be impaired.
Recognition by the radar sensor system is
also impaired in the event of:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
Function
To avoid a collision, BAS PLUS calculates the
brake force necessary if:
Ryou approach an obstacle, and
RBAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision
When driving at a speed under 20 mph
(30 km/h): if you depress the brake pedal,
BAS PLUS is activated. The increase in brake
pressure will be carried out at the last
possible moment.
When driving at a speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h): if you depress the brake pedal
sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the
brake pressure to a value adapted to the
traffic situation.
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in
hazardous situations with vehicles in front
within a speed range between 4 mph
(7 km/h) and 155 mph (250 km/h).
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also react to
stationary objects. Examples of stationary
objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
iIf BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are
activated simultaneously.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes
function as usual again, if:
Ryou release the brake pedal.
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision.
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
If you have activated DSR (Ypage 256), BAS
PLUS is likewise deactivated.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
General notes
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST consists of
Adaptive Brake Assist and the distance
warning function, which are described in the
following.
Distance warning function
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 67).
GWARNING
The distance warning function does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
Driving safety systems69
Safety
Z

Adaptive Brake Assist
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 67).
GWARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
situations.
In such cases, Adaptive Brake Assist may:
Rintervene unnecessarily
Rnot intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
GWARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rto stationary obstacles
Rwhen cornering
As a result, Adaptive Brake Assist may not
intervene in all critical conditions. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving
conditions may also cause Brake Assist to
intervene.
Adaptive Brake Assist aids you in braking
during hazardous situations at speeds above
4 mph (7 km/h) and uses the radar sensor
system to evaluate the traffic situation.
With the help of Adaptive Brake Assist, the
distance warning signal can detect obstacles
that are in the path of your vehicle for an
extended period of time.
Should you approach an obstacle and
Adaptive Brake Assist has detected a risk of
collision, Adaptive Brake Assist calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you apply the brakes
vigorously, Adaptive Brake Assist will
automatically increase the braking force to a
level suitable for the traffic conditions.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
Ryou release the brake pedal.
Rthere is no longer any danger of a collision.
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
Vehicles with PRE-SAFE®:if adaptive Brake
Assist requires particularly high brake
pressure, preventive passenger protection
measures (PRE-SAFE®) are deployed
simultaneously.
Up to vehicle speeds of around 155 mph
(250 km/h), adaptive Brake Assist is capable
of reacting to moving objects that have
already been recognized as such at least once
over the period of observation. Adaptive
Brake Assist does not react to stationary
obstacles.
If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due
to a malfunction in the radar sensor system,
the brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Driving safety systems71
Safety
Z

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Rnew vehicles or after the COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST system has been
serviced
Observe the notes in the section on
breaking-in (Ypage 166).
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensor checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 67).
ESP®monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP®detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP®assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
4ETS traction control is part of ESP®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP®.
In appropriate driving situations, activate the
off-road program (Ypage 258).
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)
A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Ypage 258).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP®may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
ESP®is deactivated if the