2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class tow bar

XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
XSwitch 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" (
Ypage 457).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 457).
Loading a trailer
RWhen 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.
RThe trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoidexceeding 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.
iMercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
iThe 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
RTo 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.
RCheck 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
XRemove the spring cotter.
XRemove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
XRemove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess.
XClean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
XStow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 340)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (
Ypage 341).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch (
Ypage 381).
Trailer power supply
!
You can connect accessories with a max-
imum power consumption of 240 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.
Towing a trailer269
Driving an d parking
Z

CWheel bolts
DTowing eye
XLift the cargo compartment floor up
(
Ypage 347).
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit
Ran emergency spare wheel (only for certaincountries)
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
(
Ypage 427).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(
Ypage 189).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that highway level is selected
(
Ypage 219).
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: make sure that highway level is selec-
ted (
Ypage 213).
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(
Ypage 165).
XMake sure that the passengers are not
endangered as they do so. Make sure that
no one is near the danger area while a
wheel is being changed. Anyone who is not
directly assisting in the wheel change
should, for example, stand behind the bar-
rier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
XUnload heavy luggage.
iOnly operate the tire inflation compressor
using a 12 V socket, even if the ignition is
turned off (
Ypage 353).
An emergency cut-out ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the on-board voltage is too low, the power to
the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires. The affected
tire must not show any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-
bearing capacity and the speed index
(
Ypage 421).
MOExtended tires may only be used in con-
junction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor.
Flat tire387
Breakdown assistance

!Residue from the tire sealant may come
out of the filler hose after use. This could
cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit.
HEnvironmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If a tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi)
has been attained after five minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of
the faulty tire.
XStow the tire sealant bottle and the tire
inflation compressor.
XPull away immediately.
XStop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with
the tire inflation compressor.
The tire pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair
the tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a
tire pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIn cases such as the one mentioned
above, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Can-
ada).
XCorrect the tire pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar or the tire pressure table in the
fuel filler flap for values.
XTo increase the tire pressure: switch on
the tire inflation compressor.
XTo reduce the tire pressure: press pres-
sure release button Eon the filler hose.
XThe tire pressure is shown on pressure
gauge F.
XWhen the tire pressure is correct, unscrew
the filler hose from the valve of the sealed
tire.
XScrew the valve cap onto the tire valve of
the sealed tire.
XPull the tire sealant bottle out of the tire
inflation compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tire
sealant bottle.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tire changed there.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced as
soon as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are
required when working on the battery, e.g.
removal and installation. You should there-
Battery (vehicle)391
Breakdown assistance
Z

Position numberBidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
XSlide cover :of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
XConnect positive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal =of donor battery B
using the jumper cable, always begin with positive terminal ;on your own vehicle first.
XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point Aand negative terminal ?, then from
positive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
XClose cover :of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
iDetails on the permissible gross vehicle
weight of your vehicle can be found on the
vehicle identification plate (
Ypage 446).
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
Towing and tow-starting397
Breakdown assistance
Z

To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
!Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recov-
ery or towing. Do not use the towing eye for recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If
in doubt, have the vehicle recovered using
a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight
as possible and not at an acute angle.
Excessive tractive power could damage the
vehicles.
iWhen towing, it is preferable to use a rigid
towing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing bar helps to keep the tractive power
low.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop but-
ton. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
may shift to position Pwhen the driver's or
front-passenger door are opened, which
could lead to damage to the transmission.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
!Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure the differential locks are in automatic
mode. When towing, the differential locks
must not be switched on. The transmission may otherwise be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded. If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission dam-
age, have it transported on a transporter or
trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-
tion Nwhen the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to position N
iDisarm the automatic locking feature
(
Ypage 285). You could otherwise be
locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
Example: towing eye mounting covers
398Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

the tire. This specifies the load-bearing capa-
city more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard equip-
ment including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil and coolant. It also includes the air-condi-
tioning system and optional equipment if
these are installed in the vehicle, but does not
include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating is the maximum
permissible weight in kilograms or lbs for
which a tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square inch of the tire's surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold.
Cold tire pressure
The ti
res are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
Rif the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km) Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-
performance battery, are not included in the
curb weight and the weight of the accesso-
ries.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufactu ring d
ate.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow hitch can support.
426All about wheels an d tires
Wheels and tires

XPlace the ratchet wrench onto the hexagon
nut of the jack so that the lettersABare
visible.
XTurn the ratchet wrench until the vehicle is
once again standing firmly on the ground.
XPlace the jack to one side.
XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a cross-
wise pattern in the sequence indicated ( :
to A). The tightening torque must be
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
XTurn the jack back to its initial position.
XStow the jack and the rest of the tire-
change tool kit in the stowage well under
the cargo compartment floor again.
XCheck the tire pressure of the newly moun-
ted wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(
Ypage 408).
iVehicles with tire pressure monitor: all
wheels mounted must be equipped with
functioning sensors.
Wheel and tire combinations
General notes
!
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you only use tires and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehi-
cle. These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the control systems, such as ABS
or ESP
®, and are marked as follows:
RMO = Mercedes-Benz Original
RMOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics)
RMO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only cer-
tain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Cer-
tain characteristics, e.g. handling, vehicle
noise emissions or fuel consumption, may
otherwise be adversely affected. In addi-
tion, when driving with a load, tire dimen-
sion variations could cause the tires to
come into contact with the bodywork and
axle components. This could result in dam-
age to the tires or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories other than those tes-
ted and approved.
Information on tires, wheels and approved
combinations can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop.
!Retreaded tires are neither tested nor rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz, since pre-
vious damage cannot always be detected
on retreaded tires. As a result, Mercedes-
Benz cannot guarantee vehicle safety if
retreaded tires are mounted. Do not mount
used tires if you have no information about
their previous usage.
Overview of abbreviations used in the follow-
ing tire tables:
RBA: both axles
RFA: front axle
RRA: rear axle
432Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires

Trailer loads
Trailer loads, trailer drawbar noseweights and axle loads
Missing values were not available at time of going to print.
GL 450
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-
climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)6613 lbs (3000 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the drawbar nose-
weight is not included in the trailer load)529 lbs (240 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing a trailer3970 lbs (1800 kg)
GL 450 4MATIC, GL 550
4MATIC and GL 350 Blue- TEC 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-
climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)7500 lbs (3402 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the drawbar nose-
weight is not included in the trailer load)600 lbs (272 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing a trailer3970 lbs (1800 kg)
GL 63 AMG 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-
climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)7165 lbs (3250 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the drawbar nose-
weight is not included in the trailer load)309 lbs (140 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing a trailer4189 lbs (1900 kg)
The actual noseweight may not be higher than the value which is given. The value can be found
on the trailer tow hitch or trailer identification plates. The lowest weight applies.
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar noseweight is the maximum weight with which the
trailer drawbar can be loaded. Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer couplings.
458Trailer tow hitch
Technical data