2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class Owner's Manual

Always install and secure the ball coupling asdescribed. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight may cause damage to the following:
Ryour vehicle
Rthe trailer
Rthe ball coupling
Rtrailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could become
unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the mini-
mum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unstable.
To avoid hazardous situations:
Rmake sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
Ruse a drawbar noseweight as close as possi-
ble to the maximum noseweight
Rdo not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
Rdo not use a noseweight lower than the min-
imum permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
When backing up the vehicle towards the trailer,
make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be fou nd:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plate of the trailer tow hitch and
trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
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:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling characteristics.
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Maintain a
safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not excee
d the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical
data" section (
Ypage 297).
General notes
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This reduces the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
iCheck the tire pressures when towing a
trailer. You will find the values in the tire pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
(
Ypage 266).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 297).
Towing a trailer167
Driving an d parking
Z

The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling for up to 3 people is 562 lbs
(255 kg). The maximum permissible trailer draw-bar noseweight for more than 3 persons and the
maximum load in the trunk can be found in the
trailer drawbar noseweight table (
Ypage 298).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch or trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 158) and Blind Spot
Assist (Ypage 154) are only available with lim-
itations, or not at all.
iOn vehicles without level control, the height
of the ball coupling will alter according to the
load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips
XOn long and steep downhill gradients, select
shift range 1,2or 3(Ypage 123) in good
time.
iThis also applies if you have activated cruise
control or SPEEDTRONIC.
XIf necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (Ypage 162).
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies to
your vehicle. If you utilize any of the added max- imum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the
vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed a
maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 60 mph (100 km/h). When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you must
select shift range
1,2or 3in good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depre ss the bra
ke pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen- tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine and, conse-
quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Trailer power supply
!
You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 180 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at
the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
168Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes
You can make a connection to the 13-pin socket
on the ball coupling using an adapter or, if nec-
essary, an adapter cable. Both can be obtained
in a qualified specialist workshop.
Installing the adapter
!Make sure that there is enough slack in the
cable for cornering so that the cable cannot
become detached.
XOpen the socket cover.
XInsert the connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn it clockwise
to the stop.
XMake the cover engage.
XIf you are using an adapter cable, secure the
cable to the trailer with cable ties.
iWhen the socket is connected, the backing
up aid is deactivated.
Towing a trailer169
Driving an d 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 publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific 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 23).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
The on-board computer only shows messages or
warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-
tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times. Oth-
erwise, a vehicle that is not operating safely may
cause an accident.
You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
For an illustration of the instrument cluster, see
(
Ypage 171).
170Important safety notes
On-board computer and displays

Displaysan doperation
Instrument cluste r
Instrument clusterlighting
The brightness contro lknob is located on th e
botto mleftof th einstrumen tcluster
(
Ypage 171).
XTur nth ebrightness contro lknob clockwise or
counter-clockwise .
If th eligh tswitch is set to Ã,T or
L ,th ebrightness is dependen tupon th e
brightness of th eambien tlight.
iThe ligh tsensor in th einstrumen tcluster
automatically controls th ebrightness of th e
multifunction display.
In daylight ,th edisplays in th einstrumen t
cluster are no tilluminated.
Displaying th ecoolant temperatur e
GWARNING
Opening th ehoo dwhen th eengin eis over-
heated or when there is afir ein th eengin e
compartmen tcould expos eyou to hot gases
or other servic eproducts .There is aris kof
injury.
Let an overheated engin ecool down befor e
opening th ehood. If there is afir ein th e
engin ecompartment, keep th ehoo dclose d
and contact th efir edepartment.
!A display messag eis shown if th ecoolan t
temperature is to ohigh.
If th ecoolan ttemperature is over 24 8 ‡
(12 0†), do no tcontinue driving. The engin e
will otherwise be damaged .
The coolan ttemperature gage is in th einstru-
men tcluster on th eright-hand sid e
(
Ypage 171).
Under normal operatin gcondition sand wit hth e
specifie dcoolan tlevel, th ecoolan ttemperature
may ris eto 24 8 ‡(120†) .
Tachomete r
!
Do no tdriv ein the overrevvin grange, 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 condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the temperature measured and
does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display (
Ypage 173).
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.
RCruise control activated (Ypage 141):
The segments light up from the stored speed
to the maximum speed.
RVariable SPEEDTRONIC activated
(Ypage 145):
The segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected limit speed.
RDISTRONIC PLUS activated (Ypage 149):
One or two segments in the set speed range
light up.
RDISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the vehi-
cle in front and the stored speed light up.
Displays and operation171
On-board computer and displays
Z

Operating the on-board computer
Overview
:Multifunction display
;Switches on the Voice Control System (see
the separate operating instructions)
=Right control panel
?Left control panel
ABack button
XTo activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition lock
(
Ypage 112).
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using the
buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
Left control panel
=
;RCalls up the menu and menu bar
9
:Press briefly:
RScrolls in lists
RSelects a submenu or function
RIn the Audiomenu: selects a
stored station, an audio track or a
video scene
RIn the Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or telephone num-
ber
9
:Press and hold:
RIn the Audiomenu: selects the
previous/next station or selects
an audio track or a video scene
using rapid scrolling
RIn the Tel(telephone) menu:
starts rapid scrolling if the phone
book is open
aRConfirms a selection/display mes-
sage
RIn the Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the telephone book
and starts dialing the selected
number
RIn the Audiomenu: stops the sta-
tion search function at the desired
station
Right control panel
~RRejects or ends a call
RExits phone book/redial memory
6RMakes or accepts a call
RSwitches to the redial memory
W
XRAdjusts the volume
8RMute
Back button
%Press briefly:
RBack
RSwitches off the Voice Control
System (see the separate operat-
ing instructions)
RHides display messages/calls up
the last Tripmenu function used
RExits the telephone book/redial
memory
%Press and hold:
RCalls up the standard display in the
Tripmenu
172Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Multifunction display
:Transmission position (Ypage 121)
;Drive program (Ypage 122)
=Text field
?Menu bar
AOutside temperature or speed
(Ypage 179)
BTime
CTransfer case position (Ypage 162)
XTo show menu bar?:press the =
or ; button on the steering wheel.
Menu bar ?disappears after a few seconds.
Text field =shows the selected menu or sub-
menu as well as display messages.
For further information on displaying the trans-
mission position, see (
Ypage 119).
iYou can set the time using COMAND (see
the separate operating instructions).
The following messages may appear in the mul-
tifunction display:
Z Shift recommendation (
Ypage 124)
¯ Cruise control (
Ypage 141)
LIM
SPEEDTRONIC (Ypage 145)
è ECO start/stop function
(
Ypage 114)
LOW
RANGELOW RANGE off-road gear
(Ypage 162)
ë HOLD function (
Ypage 157)
Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the=or; button on the steering
wheel to call up the menu bar and select a menu.
Operating the on-board computer (
Ypage 172).
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
RTripmenu (Ypage 173)
RNavimenu (navigation instructions)
(Ypage 174)
RAudiomenu (Ypage 176)
RTelmenu (telephone) (Ypage 177)
RDriveAssistmenu (assistance)
(Ypage 178)
RServmenu (Ypage 178)
RSettmenu (settings) (Ypage 178)
RAMGmenu in AMG vehicles (Ypage 182)
Trip menu
Standard display
XPress and hold the %button on the steer-
ing wheel until the Tripmenu with trip odom-
eter :and odometer ;is shown.
Trip computer "From start" or "From
reset"
Example: trip computer "From Start"
:
Distance
;Time
Menus and submenus173
On-board computer and displays
Z

=Average speed
?Average fuel consumption
XPress the=or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Tripmenu.
XPress9or: to select From Startor
From Reset.
The values in the From
Startsubmenu are cal-
culated from the start of a journey whilst the
values in the From Reset
submenu are calcu-
lated from the last time the submenu was reset
(
Ypage 174).
The From Start
trip computer is automatically
reset when:
Rthe ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R999 hours have been exceeded.
R9,999 miles have been exceeded.
The From Reset
trip computer is automatically
reset if the value exceeds 9999 hours or
99,999 miles.
Range
:Approximate range
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Tripmenu.
XPress9or: to select the approximate
range.
The approximate range that can be covered
depends on the fuel level and your current driv-
ing style. If there is only a small amount of fuel
left in the fuel tank, the display shows a vehicle
being refueled Cinstead of the range.
Digital speedometer
:Digital speedometer
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Tripmenu.
XPress the9or: button to select the
digital speedometer.
Resetting values
Example: resetting the trip computer "From Start"
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Tripmenu.
XPress the9or: button to select the
function that you wish to reset.
XPress the abutton.
XPress the :button to select Yesand press
the a button to confirm.
You can reset the values of the following func-
tions:
RTrip odometer
R"From Start" trip computer
R"From Reset" trip computer
Navigation system menu
Displaying navigation instructions
In the Navimenu, the multifunction display
shows navigation instructions.
For further information, see the separate oper-
ating instructions.
174Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays