2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV steering

Opening/closing the luggage compart-
ment floor X
To open: holding the ribbing, press handle :
downwards ;.
Handle :folds upwards.
X Swing the luggage compartment floor
upwards using handle :until it rests against
the luggage compartment cover. X
Fold out hook =on the underside of the lug-
gage compartment floor in the direction of the arrow. X
Attach hook =to the luggage compart-
ment's upper seal ?.
X To close: detach hook =from the luggage
compartment's upper seal ?.X
Fasten hook =to the bracket on the under-
side of the luggage compartment floor.
X Fold the luggage compartment floor down.
X Press the luggage compartment floor
down ;until it engages.
Locking and unlocking the luggage
compartment floor 1
Luggage compartment floor, released
2 Luggage compartment floor, locked
The luggage compartment floor can be locked
and unlocked using the emergency key element. Roof carrier
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When a load is transported on the roof, the
vehicle's centre of gravity rises and the han-
dling changes. If you exceed the maximum
roof load, the handling as well as steering and braking characteristics are severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the maximum roof load and
adapt your driving style.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use roof carriers that have been tested and
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such a way that the vehicle will not sustain damage
even when it is in motion. Stowage areas
319Stowing and features Z

You can find more information on the Mercedes-
Benz emergency call system in the separate
multimedia system operating instructions. Mobile phone
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Operating mobile communications equip-
ment while driving distracts you from paying
attention to traffic conditions. This could also cause you to lose control of the vehicle. There
is a risk of an accident.
Use this device only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the country in which you are currently driving when
operating mobile communications equipment in the vehicle.
If it is permitted by law to operate communica-
tions equipment while the vehicle is in motion,
you may only do so if the traffic situation per-
mits. You may otherwise be distracted from the
traffic conditions, cause an accident and injure
yourself and others.
Excessive levels of electromagnetic radiation
may cause damage to your health and to the
health of others. The use of an exterior aerial
takes into consideration the scientific discus-
sion surrounding the possible health risk posed
by electromagnetic fields.
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of an
approved exterior aerial. This ensures:
R optimal mobile phone reception quality in the
vehicle
R that mutual interference between the vehicle
electronics and mobile phones is minimised
An exterior aerial has the following advantages:
R it conducts the electromagnetic fields gener-
ated by a wireless device to the exterior
R the field strength in the vehicle interior is
lower than in a vehicle that does not have an
exterior aerial
Information on retrofitting two-way radios and
mobile phones (RF transmitters) (Y page 379).General notes There are various mobile phone brackets that
may be fitted in your vehicle; in some cases,
these are country-specific.
More information on suitable mobile phones,
mobile phone brackets and on connecting Blue-
tooth ®
-capable mobile phones with the multi-
media system can be obtained:
R at your Mercedes-Benz Service Centre
R on the Internet at http://www.mercedes-
benz.com/connect
The functions and services available when you
use the phone depend on your mobile phone
model and service provider.
Using a mobile phone To connect a mobile phone to the exterior aerial
and charge it, insert it into the mobile phone
bracket.
X Open the telephone compartment
(Y page 313).
X Place the mobile phone bracket into the pre-
installed fitting; see the separate installation
instructions for the mobile phone fitting.
X Insert the mobile phone into the mobile phone
bracket; see the separate installation instruc-
tions for the mobile phone fitting.
i The mobile phone can also be operated
without being in the bracket. However, the
charging function and aerial function are not
available.
In order to use Bluetooth ®
(SAP profile) on your
telephone module, you must first insert the tele-
phone module into the pre-installed fitting. This connects it to the exterior aerial. If you wish to
charge the mobile phone, then you must con-
nect it to a USB port.
Further information on the telephone module
with Bluetooth ®
(SAP profile) can be found in the
Digital Owner's Manual.
Operating the mobile phone You can operate the telephone using the
6
and ~ buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. You can operate other mobile phone
functions via the on-board computer
(Y page 248).
When you remove the key from the ignition lock, the mobile phone is disconnected from the vehi- Features
325Stowing and features Z

X
Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
(Y page 148).
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button (Y page 150).
X Press the Start/Stop button (Y page 150).
X Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clockwise
and allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 1.5 cm
above marker bar =in the filler neck when
warm, there is enough coolant in coolant
expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
Further information on coolant (Y page 386).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys- tem/headlamp cleaning system Example: washer fluid reservoir
X To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom- mended minimum of 1 litre, a message appears in the multifunction display prompting you to
top up the washer fluid (Y page 289).
Further information on windscreen washer fluid
(Y page 387). ASSYST PLUS
Service message
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the engine oil level. Observe the notes on the engine oil
level (Y page 334).
The multifunction display shows a service mes-
sage for a few seconds, e.g.:
R Service A in .. days Service A in .. days
R Service A due
Service A due
R Service A overdue by .. days
Service A overdue by .. days
Depending on the operating conditions of the
vehicle, the remaining time or distance until the
next service due date is displayed.
The letter indicates which service is due. A A
stands for a minor service and B
Bfor a major ser-
vice. A number or another letter may be dis-
played after the letter.
Only for certain countries: the position after the letter A
A or B
Bindicates any necessary additional
maintenance work to be performed. If you notify
a qualified specialist workshop of this display,
you will receive a statement on the associated
costs.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display does
not take into account any periods of time during which the battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule:
X Note down the service due date displayed in
the multifunction display before disconnect-
ing the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display. Hiding service messages
X Press the %ora button on the steering
wheel. 336
ASSYST PLUSMaintenance and care

Displaying service messages
X Switch the ignition on.
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Serv.
Serv.menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select the
ASSYST
ASSYST PLUS
PLUSsubmenu and confirm by press-
ing the abutton.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display. Information about service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display !
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
has been inadvertently reset, this setting can
be corrected at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Have service work carried out as described in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise lead
to increased wear and damage to the major
assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the
ASSYST PLUS service interval display after the
service work has been carried out. You can also
obtain further information on maintenance
work, for example.
Special service requirements The prescribed service interval is based on nor-
mal operation of the vehicle. Service work will
need to be performed more often if the vehicle is
operated under arduous conditions or increased loads, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermediate
stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel short
distances
R for frequent operation in mountainous terrain
or on poor road surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long periods
In these or similar operating conditions, have,
for example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter changed more frequently. The tyres must be
checked more frequently if the vehicle is oper-
ated under increased loads. Further informationcan be obtained at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network is
also available in other countries. You can obtain further information from any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. Care
General notes
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any of
the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up your vehicle for a long period
of time immediately after cleaning, particu-
larly after cleaning the wheel rim with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaner may lead to increased corrosion of the brake discs and pads. You
should therefore drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. By heating up the brakes, the brake
discs and pads dry. The vehicle can then be
parked up for a long period of time.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Care
337Maintenance and care Z

Cleaning the plastic trim
G
WARNING
Care products and cleaning agents containing solvents can cause surfaces in the cockpit to
become porous. This could result in plastic
parts breaking away when the airbags are
deployed. There is a danger of injury.
Do not use care products and cleaning agents containing solvents to clean the cockpit.
! Do not affix the following to plastic surfaces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You could otherwise damage the plastic.
! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or
sunscreen to come in contact with the plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality look of
the surfaces.
X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfibre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The surface may change colour temporarily.
Wait until the surface is dry again.
Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or selector lever X
Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use
leather care agents that have been recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning wood trim and trim elements !
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, polishes
or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of damag- ing the surface.
X Wipe the wooden trim and trim elements with
a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfibre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Cleaning the seat covers General notes
! Do not use a microfibre cloth to clean covers
made out of real leather, artificial leather or
DINAMICA. If used frequently, this can dam-
age the cover.
i Note that regular care is essential to make
sure that the appearance and comfort of the
covers are retained over time.
Genuine leather seat covers
! To retain the natural appearance of the
leather, observe the following cleaning
instructions:
R Clean genuine leather covers carefully with
a damp cloth and then wipe the covers
down with a dry cloth.
R Make sure that the leather does not
become soaked. It may otherwise become
rough and cracked.
R Only use leather care agents that have
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. You can obtain these from a qualified specialist workshop.
Leather is a natural product.
It has natural surface properties, e.g.:
R unevenness in structure
R marks caused by growth and injury
R subtle colour differences
These are characteristics of leather and not
material faults.
Seat covers from other materials
! Observe the following when cleaning:
R clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. washing-up liquid).
R clean cloth covers with a microfibre cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. washing-up liquid). Rub
carefully, and always wipe entire seat sec-
tions to avoid leaving visible lines. Leave
the seat to dry afterwards. Cleaning results
depend on the type of dirt and how long it
has been there.
R Clean DINAMICA covers with a damp cloth.
Make sure that you wipe entire seat sec-
tions to avoid leaving visible lines. Care
343Maintenance and care Z

may be used as a temporary measure. Make
sure that you use the proper size and type
(summer or winter tyres).
i Vehicles with MOExtended tyres are not
equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you fit
tyres that do not feature run-flat characteris-
tics, e.g. winter tyres. A TIREFIT kit can be
obtained from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when corner-
ing, accelerating quickly and when braking.
There is a risk of accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving manoeu-
vres, and driving over obstacles (kerbs, pot-
holes, off-road). This applies in particular to a laden vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tyre.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
faulty tyre must be replaced. TIREFIT kit
Important safety notes TIREFIT is a tyre sealant.
You can use TIREFIT to seal punctures of up to
4 mm, particularly those in the tyre tread. You
can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures down
to
Ò20 †. G
WARNING
In the following situations, the tyre sealant is
unable to provide sufficient breakdown assis- tance, as it is unable to seal the tyre properly:
R there are cuts or punctures in the tyre
larger than those mentioned above.
R the wheel rim is damaged.
R you have driven at very low tyre pressures
or on a flat tyre.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not drive any further. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
The tyre sealant is harmful and causes irrita-
tion. It must not come into contact with your
skin, eyes or clothing or be swallowed. Do not inhale TIREFIT fumes. Keep tyre sealant away
from children. There is a risk of injury.
If you come into contact with the tyre sealant,
observe the following:
R Rinse off the tyre sealant from your skin
immediately with water.
R If the tyre sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water.
R If tyre sealant is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tyre sealant.
R If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
! Do not operate the tyre inflation compres-
sor for longer than eight minutes at a time
without a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The tyre inflation compressor can be oper-
ated again once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer's safety instruc-
tions on the sticker on the tyre inflation com-
pressor. 348
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

X
To reduce the tyre pressure: press pressure
release button Eon the hose.
X The tyre pressure is shown on pressure gauge
F.
X When the tyre pressure is correct, unscrew
the filler hose from the valve of the sealed
tyre.
X Screw the valve cap onto the tyre valve of the
sealed tyre.
X Pull the tyre sealant bottle out of the tyre
inflation compressor.
The filler hose stays on the tyre sealant bottle.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist work-
shop and have the tyre changed there.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced as soon
as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist workshop. Battery (vehicle)
12 V battery - important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or fitting,
requires specialist knowledge and the use of
special tools. Therefore, always have work on
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted. You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example:
R when braking
R in the event of abrupt steering manoeuvres
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. Always have work on the battery carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Further information about ABS (Y page 69)and
ESP ®
(Y page 72). G
WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture is created
while the battery is charging and when jump-
starting.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery is electrostatically charged. Electrostatic
charge is created, for example: R by wearing synthetic-fibre clothing
R by friction between clothing and the seat
R if you pull or push the battery across carpet or
other synthetic materials
R if you rub the battery with a cloth G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ- ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery. Battery (vehicle)
351Breakdown assis tance
Z

X
Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using the jump
lead, connecting the jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from positive
clamp ;and positive terminal =. Each time, begin at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
X After removing the jump leads, close cover :of positive terminal clamp ;.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing away and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning
R the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical
system is malfunctioning.
If your vehicle is towed, significantly greater
force may be required to steer the vehicle or
to brake. There is a risk of an accident.
In such circumstances, use a towing bar.
Make sure that the steering is moving freely
before towing. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R towing eye may be torn off
R car/trailer combination may swerve or
even overturn
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. Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 380).
! When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing away
R in a 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 cable or tow bar to the
towing eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow
hitch. You could otherwise damage the vehi-
cle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow hitch.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis- 356
Towing away and tow-startingBreakdown assistance