2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV towing

Telephone compartment ................3
13
Telephone module with Bluetooth ®
(SAP profile) Activating and connecting the
module .......................................... .308
Charging a mobile phone .............. .310
Connecting the mobile phone ....... .309
Connecting the module via a USB
cable .............................................. 308
Data modem mode ........................ 309
Installing the module ..................... 308
Introduction ................................... 307
Saving/deleting the PIN for the
SIM card ........................................ 310
Settings ......................................... 310
SIM card mode .............................. 309
Text messages ............................... 310
Transferring the phone book .......... 310
Temperature
Coolant (display in the instrument
cluster) .......................................... 242
Coolant (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. .255
Engine oil (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. .255
Outside temperature ..................... .241
Setting (climate control) ................ 136
Transmission oil (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 255
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................ .180
Text messages
Telephone module with Blue-
tooth ®
(SAP profile) ....................... 310
Through-loading ................................ 315
Time
see Separate Owner's manual
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 256
TIREFIT Kit
Declaration of conformity ................ 29
Important safety notes .................. 348
Storage location ............................ 346
Tyre pressure not reached ............. 350
Tyre pressure reached ................... 350
Using ............................................. 349
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit Top Tether
............................................ 60
Total distance recorder .................... 244
Tow-away protection
Activating ......................................... 79
Deactivating ..................................... 79
Function .......................................... .79
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 359
Important safety notes .................. 356
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 356
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 358
Transporting the vehicle ................ 358
Towing a trailer
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 224
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 227
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 390
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 74
Failure check for LEDs ................... 238
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC .......... 201
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 151
Swinging out the ball coupling ....... 235
Swinging the ball coupling in ......... 235
Trailer tow hitch display message .. 288
Towing away
Fitting the towing ey e.................... 357
Removing the towing eye ............... 357
With both axles on the ground ....... 358
Towing eye ......................................... 345
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-ing function .................................... 250
Display message ............................ 278
Function/note s............................. 217
Important safety notes .................. 218
Instrument cluster display ............. 218
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connecto r............................. 238
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 220
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 342
Coupling up a traile r...................... 236
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 237
Driving tips .................................... 234
Important safety notes .................. 233 22
Index

Leaving parked up .........................1
71
Locking (in an emergency) .............. .89
Locking (key) ................................... 81
Lowering ........................................ 373
Operating safety .............................. 27
Parking .......................................... 168
Pulling away ................................... 150
Raising ........................................... 371
Registration ..................................... 30
Securing from rolling away ............ 370
Towing away .................................. 356
Transporting .................................. 358
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 89
Unlocking (key) ................................ 81
Vehicle data ................................... 387
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 387
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 389
Fording depth ................................ 388
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 389
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 387
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 89
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 380
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 198
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 345
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 247
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 303
VIN ...................................................... 380
Seat ............................................... 381
Type plate ...................................... 380 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 293
Brakes ........................................... 292
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 301
Distance warning signal ................. 301
ESP ®
.............................................. 295
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 296 Fuel tank ........................................ 298
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 181
LIM (Distance Pilot DISTRONIC) .... 185
LIM (variable limiter) ...................... 183
Overview .......................................... 35
Parking brake ................................ 298
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 43
Reserve fue l................................... 298
Seat belt ........................................ 291
Tyre pressure monitor ................... 302
Warning triangle ................................ 345
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 289
Weather display (COMAND Online)
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 303
Wheel and tyre combinations
Tyres .............................................. 374
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 373
Wheel chock ...................................... 370
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 369
Changing/replacing ....................... 369
Checking ........................................ 361
Cleaning ......................................... 340
Emergency spare wheel ................. 375
Fitting a new wheel ........................ 372
Fitting a wheel ............................... 370
Important safety notes .................. 361
Information on driving .................... 361
Overview ........................................ 361
Removing a wheel .......................... 372
Snow chains .................................. 364
Storing ........................................... 370
Tightening torque ........................... 373
Wheel size/tyre size ...................... 374
Windowbag
Display message ............................ 267
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 340
see Side windows
Windscreen
Demisting ...................................... 137
Windscreen washer fluid
see Windscreen washer system
Windscreen washer system
Important safety notes .................. 387
Topping up ..................................... 336 24
Index

uations, PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS takes pre-emptive
measures to protect the vehicle occupants.
Important safety notes The intervention of PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS cannot
prevent an imminent collision.
The driver is not warned before the intervention
of PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS does not intervene:
R if the vehicle is reversing
R when the vehicle is towing a trailer and there
is a risk of a rear-end collision
When driving, or when parking or exiting a park-
ing space with assistance from Parking Pilot,
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS will not apply the brakes.
Function PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS intervenes in certain situa-
tions if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent head-on or rear-end collision.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detected:
R if the radar sensor system detects that a
head-on collision is imminent, the seat belts
are pre-tensioned
R if the radar sensor system detects that a rear-
end collision is imminent:
- the rear hazard warning lamps are activa-
ted and flash at a higher frequency
- the brake pressure is increased if the driver
applies the brakes when the vehicle is sta- tionary
- the seat belts are pre-tensioned
The PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS braking application is can-
celled:
R if the accelerator pedal is depressed when a
gear is engaged
R if the risk of a collision passes or is no longer
detected
R if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC indicates an
intention to pull away
If the hazardous situation passes without result- ing in an accident, the original settings are
restored. Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the following
measures may be implemented, depending on
the type and severity of the impact:
R the hazard warning lamps are activated
R the emergency lighting is activated
R the vehicle doors are unlocked
R the front side windows are lowered
R vehicles with a memory function: the electri-
cally adjustable steering wheel is raised
R the engine is switched off and the fuel supply
is cut off
R vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz emergency
call system: automatic emergency call Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured in the front seats. For this reason, Mercedes-
Benz strongly advises that you fit a child
restraint system on a rear seat. Children are
generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehi-
cle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate to the age, weight and size of the child.
R be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions
R be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes on the automatic front-passenger front
airbag deactivation system (Y page 50). Children in the vehicle
57Safety Z

G
WARNING
If you leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
R start the engine
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If persons (particularly children) are exposed
to heat or cold for a prolonged period, there is a risk of serious or even fatal injuries. Never
leave persons (particularly children) unatten-
ded in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is placed in direct sunlight, the parts could become very hot.
Children could be suffer burns by touching
these parts, in particular on the metallic parts
of the child restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you and your child leave the vehicle, always
make sure that the child restraint system is
not in direct sunlight. Cover it with a blanket, for example. If the child restraint system has
been exposed to direct sunlight, leave it to
cool down before securing the child in it.
Never leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sitting
properly. Particular attention must be paid to
children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 44) and the notes on how to use the seat
belt properly (Y page 45). Child restraint system
If you fit a rearward-facing child restraint system
to the centre rear seat, the rear arm rest must be folded back as far as possible.
Observe the instructions for correct use of the
child restraint system (Y page 62).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use only a child restraint system recommended by Mercedes-Benz
(Y page 65). G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is incorrectly fit-
ted on the seat position suitable for this pur-
pose, it cannot perform its intended protec-
tive function. In the event of an accident,
sharp braking or a sudden change in direction, the child may not be held securely. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions and the correct use for the child
restraint system. Make sure that the entire
surface of the child restraint system is resting
on the seat surface. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system,
e.g. cushions. Only use child restraint sys-
tems with the original cover designed for
them. Only replace damaged covers with gen- uine covers. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is fitted incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik- ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always fit child restraint systems properly,
even if they are not being used. Make sure
that you observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions.
Further information on stowing objects, luggage and loads securely can be found under "Loading
guidelines" (Y page 312).58
Children in the vehicleSafety

X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction
of arrow P.
Engaging park position P automatically Park position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the key and
remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the key or
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
R you open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving at a very low speed
while the transmission is in position Dor R
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission shifts automatically to transmission
position Pif the HOLD function or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC is activated. Observe the informa-
tion on the HOLD function (Y page 196) and on
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Y page 188).
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X If the transmission is in position Dor N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first
point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they can:
R open doors and endanger other persons or
road users
R climb out and be injured by the traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-
ple, trap themselves.
Children could also set the vehicle in motion, for example by:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R starting the engine. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. Always
keep the key out of reach of children.
X If the transmission is in position Dor R: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's door
or the front-passenger door or remove the key
from the ignition, the automatic transmission
shifts to Pautomatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to Pautomat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
With the key:
X Switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button:
X Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X Switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal. Automatic transmission
157Driving and parking Z

Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position
D. Gearshifting is determined
by:
R the selected drive program
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your driving style influences how the automatic
transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Gliding mode (diesel engines only) Gliding mode is characterised by the following:
R the combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train
R the engine speed is equal to the engine idling
speed
R the gear indicated after the transmission
position Ddisappears in the multifunction
display (Y page 158)
Gliding mode can be activated and transmission
position Dshown in green under the following
conditions:
R you select the "ECO" setting for the drive sys-
tem within the Individualdrive program. You
can find information about this in the Digital
Owner's Manual
R the speed is within a suitable range
R the type of road is suitable, e.g. no steep uphill
or downhill gradients R
the distance to the vehicle in front is sufficient
R you are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal
Gliding mode is deactivated under the following
conditions:
R you depress the accelerator pedal
R you depress the brake pedal
R you use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch
the transmission position (Y page 156)
R you use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
change the drive program (Y page 155)
R you activate manual gearshifting
(Y page 160)
R the distance to the vehicle in front is too short
R you leave the suitable speed range
Towing a trailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients.
X Depending on the uphill or downhill gradient,
use the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle (Y page 160) to select a lower gear,
even if cruise control, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the speed limiter are activated. Drive programs
Slippery drive program The
Slippery drive program has the following
characteristics:
R reduced engine and transmission settings for
optimum propulsion on slippery or snow-cov-
ered roads.
R optimised ESP ®
stability control on slippery
or snow-covered roads.
R the vehicle has improved driving stability on
slippery or snow-covered roads, for example.
Comfort drive program The
Comfort drive program has the following
characteristics:
R comfort-orientated engine and transmission
settings.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner. Automatic transmission
159Driving and parking Z

components. In particular, do not park on dry
grassland or harvested grain fields. G
WARNING
If you leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
R start the engine
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is safeguarded
against rolling away unintentionally:
R the electric parking brake must be applied.
R the transmission must be in position Pand the
key must be removed from the ignition lock
R the front wheels must be turned towards the
kerb on steep uphill or downhill gradients
R the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar
object, for example, on uphill or downhill gra- dients
R a laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or similar object,
for example, on uphill or downhill gradients Switching off the engine
G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi- cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X With the key: turn the key to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated.
X With KEYLESS-GO:
Press the Start/Stop button (Y
page 148).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps
on the instrument cluster go out.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
If you then open the driver's or front-passenger door, the automatic transmission shifts to P.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
X Vehicles with a key: switch on the ignition.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X Switch the ignition on.
X All vehicles: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
i You can switch off the engine while the vehi-
cle is in motion by pressing and holding the
Start/Stop button for about three seconds.
This function operates independently of the
ECO start/stop automatic engine switch-off
function. Parking
169Driving and parking Z

Hill start assist will aid you when pulling away on
a hill. Further information on hill start assist
(Y page 151).
Do not shift into transmission position Nwhen
driving off-road. You could lose control of the
vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehicle using
the service brake. If the gradient is too steep for
your vehicle, back up in reverse gear.
Always observe the approach/departure angle
values (Y page 389).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability Always observe the maximum gradient climbing
ability values (Y page 389).
Hilltops When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator immediately
before reaching the brow of the hill. Make use of the vehicle's own impetus to travel over the
brow.
This style of driving prevents:
R the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
R the vehicle from travelling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill R
Drive slowly.
R Do not drive at an angle down steep inclines.
Steer into the line of fall and drive with the
front wheels aligned straight. Otherwise, the
vehicle could slip sideways, tip and overturn.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients, use
the left-hand steering wheel gearshift paddle
to shift to a lower gear.
R Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line of fall.
R Check that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
i Off-road ABS is activated when the off-road
program is selected.
At speeds below 30 km/h the front wheels
lock cyclically during braking. The digging-in
effect achieved in the process reduces the
stopping distance when driving off-road. The steerability of the vehicle is considerably
reduced if the wheels lock. Driving systems
Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno- vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in
critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi- nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well thought-out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
(Y page 68). Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. You must select a
lower gear in good time on long and steep down-
hill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. By doing so, you will make use of
the braking effect of the engine. This relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions are appropriate for maintaining a steady
speed for a prolonged period. You can store any road speed above 30 km/h.
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control
cannot take into account road, weather or traffic
conditions. Cruise control 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 lane. 180
Driving systemsDriving and parking