2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class Engine

overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine
and, consequently, the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decreases with
increasing altitude. Installing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
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 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 the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
installed and secured correctly before every
journey. Cover cap
X Pull protective cap 0043in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
X Place protective cap 0043in the ball coupling
recess. 266
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X Vehicles with ADS: set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When cou-
pling up a trailer, please observe the fol-
lowing:
R Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle. Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R A separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R A safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi- cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions: R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually 268
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
ular intervals that the load is firmly secured.If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv- ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
instead depress the brake pedal moder-
ately at first so that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
opening the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temper-
ature to the highest level.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking before you can change back to
the original lane. Decoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake. Towing a trailer
269Driving and parking Z

X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing 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 458).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 458).
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 val-
ues 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 val-
ues.
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 per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissi-
ble 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 max-
imum permissible values, have the vehicle/
trailer combination (including the driver,
passengers, and cargo with a fully laden
trailer) weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge.
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 cou-
pling 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 342)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 343).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer tow hitch can be found at (Y page 382). 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: 270
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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 special-
ist workshops (Y page 29). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi- cle 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 equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, 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 immedi-
ately.
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 mul- tifunction display. You should therefore make
sure your vehicle is operating safely at all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not oper-
ating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Y
page 35). Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 35).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to 0058,0060or
0058, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The 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
G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated 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.
If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡
(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged. 274
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 35).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature
display indicates the temperature measured
and does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the mul- tifunction display (Y page 276).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 203):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 206):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up. Operating the on-board computer
Overview 0043
Multifunction display
0044 Switches on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
0087 Right control panel
0085 Left control panel
0083 Back button
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. Displays and operation
275On-board computer and displays Z

X
Press 0076to confirm.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Daytime
Daytime
Running Lights
Running Lights function.
If the Daytime Running Lights
Daytime Running Lights function
has been switched on, the cone of light and
the 0086 symbol in the multifunction dis-
play are shown in orange.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Further information on daytime running
lamps (Y page 128).
Setting the brightness of the ambient
lighting
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett Settmenu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Light
Light submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Amb. Light +/-.
Amb. Light +/-. function.
You will see the selected setting.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to adjust the
brightness to any level from Off
OfftoLevel 5
Level 5
(bright).
X Press the 0076or0038 button to save the
setting.
Setting the ambient lighting color X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Lights
Lights submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Ambient Light Color
Ambient Light Color function.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to set the
color to SOLAR
SOLAR,NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL orPOLAR
POLAR.
X Press the 0076or0038 button to save the
setting. Surround lighting and exterior lighting
delayed switch-off
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett. menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Lights
Lights submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Sur‐
Sur‐
round Lighting
round Lighting function.
When the Surround Lighting
Surround Lighting function is
activated, the light cone and the area
around the vehicle are displayed in orange
in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Deactivating delayed switch-off of the exte-
rior lighting temporarily: X Before leaving the vehicle, turn the Smart-
Key to position 0in the ignition lock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the
engine.
If you have activated the Surround Light‐ Surround Light‐
ing
ing function and the light switch is set to
0058, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
R surround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the SmartKey. If you start the engine,
the surround lighting is switched off and
automatic headlamp mode is activated
(Y page 128).
R exterior lighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for 60 seconds
after the engine is switched off. If you close all the doors and the tailgate, the exterior
lighting goes off after 5 seconds.
i Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the fol-
lowing light up: 286
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Restoring the factory settings
X
Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Factory Setting
Factory Setting submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
The Reset All Settings?
Reset All Settings? message
appears.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select No
No
or Yes
Yes.
X Press 0076to confirm the selection.
If you select Yes
Yes, the multifunction display
shows a confirmation message.
For safety reasons, the Daytime Running
Daytime Running
Lights
Lights function in the Lights
Lightssubmenu is
only reset if the vehicle is stationary. ON&OFFROAD menu
Example: multifunction display
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the ON&OFFROAD
ON&OFFROADmenu.
You can set the current settings to appear in
the ON&OFFROAD ON&OFFROAD menu:
R On-road program (Y page 255)
R Off-road program (Y page 259) AMG menu in AMG vehicles
AMG displays 0043
Digital speedometer
0044 Gear indicator
0087 Upshift indicator
0085 Engine oil temperature
0083 Coolant temperature
0084 Transmission fluid temperature
X Press 0059or0065 on the steering wheel
to select the AMG
AMGmenu.
Upshift indicator UP
UP0087 indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range
when in the manual gearshift program.
Upshift indicator UP UP0087 fades out other mes-
sages until you have shifted up.
If the engine oil temperature is below 176 ‡
(80 †), oil temperature 0085is shown in blue.
Avoid driving at full engine output during this time.
If the transmission fluid temperature is below
122 ‡(50 †), oil temperature 0084is shown in
blue. Avoid driving at full engine output during
this time.
SETUP 0043
Drive program (C C/SS/MM)
0044 ESP ®
mode (ON ON/OFFOFF)
0087 Suspension tuning (COMFORT COMFORT/SPORT SPORT/
SPORT+
SPORT+ ) Menus and submenus
289On-board computer and displays Z