! Before driving into an automatic car wash,
make sure that it is suitable for the dimen-
sions of the vehicle. In particular, make sure
that: R
there is enough ground clearance between
the vehicle underbody and the guide rails of
the automatic car wash. R
the clearance width of the automatic car
wash is sufficient, particularly the width of
the guide rails. R
you enter the automatic car wash straight
and in the center of the guide rails in order
to avoid damaging the tires or wheel rims.
Fold in the exterior mirrors before the vehicle
is washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that: R
the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed. R
the ventilation/heating is switched off (the
OFF button has been pressed). R
the windshield wiper switch is in position 0 .
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission is
in transmission position N , otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged. R
Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door or
front-passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position P auto-
matically and locks the wheels. You can
prevent this by shifting the automatic trans-
mission to N beforehand.R
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position P auto-
matically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N :X
Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 145).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/ Stop
button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all countries
concerned. X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight. X
Use a soft sponge to clean. X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz. X
Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water. X
Do not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets. X
Use plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently. X
Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois. X
Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.362
Care
Maintenance and care
Otherwise, the automatic transmission may
shift to position P when 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 other-
wise 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 damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you: R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock R
cannot release the electric parking brake R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed ( Y
page 275). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles:
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles may not be towed
away but must instead be transported, if: R
the multifunction display is not working or R
the á Towing Not Permitted See
Operator's Manual message appears in the
multifunction display.
If the vehicle is in a dangerous area, it can be
towed out of that area with both axles on the
ground. In this case, the towing distance must
not be greater than 165 ft (50 m) and must not
exceed a towing speed of 6 mph (10 km/h). For
longer distances, have the vehicle loaded and
transported. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front and
rear behind covers C D .X
Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit ( Y
page 369). X
To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover C inwards in the direction of
the arrow. X
To open the cover at the rear: insert a flat,
blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover D out of the bumper. X
Take cover C or D off the opening.X
Screw in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove the towing eye. X
Position cover C or D in the bumper and
press the cover on until it engages. X
Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position P when you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the Smart-
Key from the ignition lock.382
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assitance
In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position N when towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points: X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N . X
Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the igni-
tion lock. X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
( Y
page 116).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles Transportation of the vehicle should only be car-
ried out by professional recovery companies.
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
! When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged. All vehicles
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N .
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded: X
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P . X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it. X
Secure the vehicle.
Information on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P . To shift
the automatic transmission to position N , you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
( Y
page 379).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.Towing and tow-starting 383
Breakdown assitance Z
Example: steps 1 to 3 The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying
seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of
1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load
limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard ( Y
page 397).
The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer ( Y
page 257).
Step 1
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
Step 2
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Number of people in
the vehicle (driver and
occupants) 5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the occu-
pants Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Occupant 2: 180 lbs
(82 kg)
Occupant 3: 160 lbs
(73 kg)
Occupant 4: 140 lbs
(63 kg)
Occupant 5: 120 lbs
(54 kg) Occupant 1: 200 lbs
(91 kg)
Occupant 2: 190 lbs
(86 kg)
Occupant 3: 150 lbs
(68 kg) Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants 750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)400
Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires
Removing/stowing the emergency
spare wheel
Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel under the cargo compart-
ment floor Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
( Y
page 409).
The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can be
found in the stowage well under the cargo com-
partment floor.
Removing the emergency spare wheel X
Lift the cargo compartment floor upwards
( Y
page 337). X
Vehicle without a lockable cargo compart-
ment floor: turn emergency spare wheel
retainer D counter-clockwise and remove it.X
Remove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel C .
X
Vehicle with a lockable cargo compart-
ment floor: remove the contents of stowage
tray
Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a collaps-
ible spare wheel under the cargo com-
partment floor
! Only place the collapsible spare wheel in the
vehicle when it is dry. Otherwise, moisture
may get into the vehicle.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
( Y
page 409).
The collapsible spare wheel can be found in the
stowage well under the cargo compartment
floor.
Removing the emergency spare wheel X
Lift the cargo compartment floor upwards
( Y
page 337).X
Unscrew retaining screw D counter-clock-
wise. X
Remove collapsible spare wheel C from the
spare wheel well.
Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
( Y
page 429).
Take the following steps to stow a used collaps-
ible spare wheel. Otherwise, it will not fit into the
spare wheel well. Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you have this work performed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Stowing the emergency spare wheel X
Unscrew the valve cap from the valve. X
If possible, unscrew the valve insert from the
valve and release the air.
i Fully deflating the tires can take a few
minutes. X
Screw the valve insert back into the valve. X
Screw the valve cap back on. X
Lay collapsible spare wheel C in the emer-
gency spare wheel well. X
Screw in retaining screw D clockwise in the
collapsible emergency wheel to the stop. X
Swing the cargo compartment floor down
( Y
page 337).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a collaps-
ible spare wheel in the emergency
spare wheel bag Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
( Y
page 409).
On Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a Bang & Oluf-
sen sound system, the collapsible spare wheel is
packed in an emergency spare wheel bag. The
emergency spare wheel bag is secured to the
cargo tie-down rings in the cargo compartment.
Removing the emergency spare wheel X
Unhook retaining spring hooks C of fasten-
ing strap D from the cargo tie-down rings. X
Remove the emergency spare wheel bag with
the emergency collapsible spare wheel. X
Open the bag and remove the emergency col-
lapsible spare wheel.
Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
( Y
page 429).
Stowing the emergency spare wheel X
Place the collapsible spare wheel into the
emergency spare wheel bag and close the
emergency spare wheel bag. X
Place the emergency spare wheel bag with
the collapsible spare wheel into the cargo
compartment with the carrying strap at the
back. X
Hook retaining spring hooks C of fastening
strap D into the cargo tie-down rings. X
Tighten fastening strap D .428
Emergency spare wheel
Wheels and tires
Trailer loads
Trailer loads, trailer drawbar noseweights and axle loads Missing values for the model GLE 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC were not available at the time of going to
print.
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)
GLE 250 d 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
GL E 350
6614 lbs (3000 kg )
GL E 350 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
GL E 400 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
GL E 550 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
GL E 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
Merc edes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
GL E 350 d 4MATIC
7198 lbs (3265 kg )
GL E 550 e 4MATIC
4409 lbs (2000 kg )
Maximu m dr awbar noseweight (the drawbar noseweight is not included in the trailer load)
GLE 250 d 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
GL E 350
529 lbs (24 0 kg )
GL E 350 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
GL E 400 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
GL E 550 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
GL E 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
Merc edes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
GL E 350 d 4MATIC
575 lbs (26 1 kg )
GL E 550 e 4MATIC
353 lbs (16 0 kg )
Permissibl e re ar axle load when towing a trailer
GLE 250 d 4MATIC
3638 lbs (1650 kg )
GL E 350
3527 lbs (1600 kg )
GL E 350 4MATIC
3527 lbs (1600 kg )
GL E 400 4MATIC
3527 lbs (1600 kg )
GL E 550 4MATIC
3527 lbs (1600 kg )Traile r to w hi tch 445
Technical data Z