2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GL tow bar

Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) .................................... .4 25
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................ .4 26
Maximum tire load ......................... 423
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 426
MOExtended tires .......................... 406
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 426
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) .......................................... .4 26
Replacing ....................................... 427
Service life ..................................... 406
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 426
Speed rating (definition) ................ 425
Storing .......................................... .4 27
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 424
Temperature .................................. 420
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 426
Tire bead (definition) ..................... .4 26
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 426
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 425
Tire size (data) ............................... 432
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 421
Tire tread ....................................... 405
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 426
Total load limit (definition) ............. 427
Traction ......................................... 420
Traction (definition) ....................... 426
Tread wear ..................................... 420
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 426
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 419
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 425
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 427
Wheel and tire combination ........... 434
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 425
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Tow -s
tarting
Emergency engine starting ............ 400 Important safety notes .................. 397
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist ..................... 231
Axle load, permissible .................... 458
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 381
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 266
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 268
Driving tips .................................... 264
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 75
Important safety notes .................. 263
Installing the ball coupling ............. 265
Lights display message .................. 303
Mounting dimensions .................... 457
Power supply ................................. 269
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 168
Removing the ball coupling ............ 269
Trailer drive program ..................... 256
Trailer loads ................................... 458
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 397
Installing the towing eye ................ 398
Removing the towing eye ............... 399
With both axles on the ground ....... 399
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 269
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 251
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 254
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 246
PARKTRONIC ................................. 226
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 269
Transfer case ..................................... 182
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 174
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 174
Transporting the vehicle .................. 399
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 202
Driving downhill ............................. 202
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bili ty ............................................... 202 Index 21

R
if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter R
if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning
( Y
page 380) R
if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).
For technical reasons, leaving the standard
height can result in inaccuracies in the guide
lines on vehicles with a height-adjustable
chassis.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2 in the ignition lock.X
Make sure that the "Show rear view camera
display" function is selected in COMAND
(see the Digital Operator's Manual). X
Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines. X
To change the function mode for vehi-
cles with trailer tow hitch: using the
COMAND controller, select symbol C for
the "Reverse parking" function or sym- bol D for "Coupling up a trailer" (see the
separate COMAND operating instructions).
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to P or after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the COMAND display The rear view camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. The rear view camera does not show
objects in the following positions: R
very close to the rear bumper R
under the rear bumper R
in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.: R
the bumper of a parked vehicle R
the drawbar of a trailer R
the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch R
the rear section of an HGV R
a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline.
C
White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the
exterior mirrors (static)
D
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle232
Driving system s
Dr ivi ng an d parking

Either no braking application, or a course-
correcting brake application adapted to the
driving situation occurs if: R
there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, close to both sides of your vehicle. R
a vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side. R
you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds. R
you brake or accelerate significantly. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ESP ®
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.R
ESP ®
is switched off.R
the off-road program is activated (vehicles
without the ON&OFFROAD package). R
off-road program 1 or 2 is activated (vehi-
cles with the ON&OFFROAD package). R
the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package). R
a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire is
detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that Active Blind Spot Assist is
activated in the on-board computer
( Y
page 282). X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the igni-
tion lock.
Warning lamps C in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately 1.5 seconds
and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
co rr ectly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Active Blind Spot Assist is
then deactivated. The indicator lamp lights up
yellow in the exterior mirrors and the Active
Blind Spot Assist Currently Unavail‐
able See Operator's Manual message
appears in the multifunction display. Active Lane Keeping Assist General notes
Active Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area
in front of your vehicle by means of camera C
at the top of the windshield. Active Lane
Keeping Assist detects lane markings on the
road and warns you before you leave your
lane unintentionally. If you do not react to the
warning, a lane-correcting application of the
brakes can bring the vehicle back into the
original lane.
This function is available in a speed range
between 40 mph and 120 mph (60 km/h and
200 km/h).
For Active Lane Keeping Assist to assist you
when driving, the radar sensor system must
be operational
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, Active
Lane Keeping Assist can neither reduce the
risk of accident nor override the laws of phys-
ics. Active Lane Keeping Assist cannot take
into account road, weather or traffic condi-
tions. Active Lane Keeping Assist is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for
braking in good time and for staying in your
lane.
Active Lane Keeping Assist cannot continu-
ously keep your vehicle in its lane.
G WARNING
Active Lane Keeping Assist cannot always
clearly detect lane markings.Driving system s 251
Dr ivi ng an d parking Z

R
Uphill or downhill gradient in percentage R
On-road/off-road program selected R
Condition of the differential lock for the
transfer case R
LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected R
Condition of the LOW RANGE off-road
gear R
On-road trailer program is selected
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the
ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech-
nical data" ( Y
page 458).
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
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
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: R
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight R
the permissible trailer load R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle R
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found: R
in the vehicle documents R
on the identification plates for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer R
on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability R
has an increased braking distance R
is affected more by strong crosswinds R
demands more sensitive steering R
has a larger turning radius Towing a trailer 263
Driving and parking Z

so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer. X
Shift the transmission 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 to AUTO or
COMF .X
Switch off the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Couple up the trailer. X
Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer. 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
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to
your state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety switch applies
the trailer 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 Towing a trailer 267
Driving and parking Z

using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly. R
Se cure 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 han dlin g will be less
st able when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing wit hout one. Avoid sudden steering
movements. R
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient cli mbin g capability and a longer
braking dist ance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering. R
If poss ible, do not brake suddenly, but
instead depr ess the brake pedal moder-
ate ly at first so that the trailer can activate
it s brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal. R
If the automat ic transmission repeat edly
shifts between gears on uphill or down hill
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 driv ing down hill, shift to a lower gear
to uti liz e the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
m ay
overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
instal led, the trailer brakes.R
If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matical ly while the air-cond it ioning system
is swit ched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
opening the win dows and switching the ventilation blowe r and the interior temper-
ature to the highest leve l.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 WARNIN G
If you uncouple a trailer wit h th e overrun
brak e engaged , you could trap your han d
between th e vehicl e and th e trailer drawbar.
Ther e is a ris k of injury.
Do no t uncouple a trailer if th e overrun brak e
is engaged .
G WARNIN G
Vehicles wit h leve l control :
The vehicl e is lowered as soo n as you discon -
nect th e trailer cable. This could result in your
limb s or those of other people that are
between th e vehicl e body and tires or under-
neath th e vehicl e bein g trapped . Ther e is a
ris k of injury.
Mak e sure that nobody is in th e immediat e
vicinity of th e whee l housing s or under th e
vehicl e when you disconnect th e trailer cable.
! Do not disc onnect a trailer wit h an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the reboun d-
ing of the overrun brake. X
Sh ift the transmission to position P .X
Ap ply the vehicle's electr ic parking brake.X
St art the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Apply the trailer's parking brake.268
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

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 457).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 457).
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 340)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces ( Y
page 341).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 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 trailer 269
Driving an d parking Z

k
Wheel boltsl
Towing eye X
Lift the cargo compartment floor up
( Y
page 347).
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle Your vehicle may be equipped with: R
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires R
a TIREFIT kit R
an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries)
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
( Y
page 427). X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps. X
Secure the vehicle against rolling away
( Y
page 189). X
If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position. X
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that highway level is selected
( Y
page 219). X
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: make sure that highway level is selec-
ted ( Y
page 213).X
Switch off the engine. X
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Vehicles 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. X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y
page 165). X
Make 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. X
Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so. X
Close the driver's door. X
Unload heavy luggage.
i Only operate the tire inflation compressor
using a 12 V socket, even if the ignition is
turned off ( Y
page 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
( Y
page 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 tire 387
Breakdown assistance