2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV air suspension

R
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully.
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven
at lower engine speeds and the wheels being less likely to spin.
Sport drive program The
Sport drive program has the following char-
acteristics:
R sporty engine and transmission settings.
R the automatic transmission shifting up later.
As a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption possibly
being higher.
R the suspension exhibits sporty damping (vehi-
cles with AIRMATIC).
Drive program Sport Plus (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) The
Sport Plus drive program has the following
characteristics:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifting up later.
As a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption possibly
being higher.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC).
R the ECO start/stop function is deactivated, it
can, however, be activated again using the
ECO button (Y page 153).
Individual drive program In the
Individual drive program, the following
properties of the drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the transmission
R the suspension
R all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
the steering
R all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
availability of the ECO start/stop function To select the gears in the
Individualdrive pro-
gram permanently using the steering wheel pad- dles, select the permanent manual gearshift
program.
Information about configuring the Individual
drive program with the multimedia system can
be found in the Digital Owner's Manual. Manual gearshifting
General notes You can shift gears yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must
be in position Dto do this.
Depending on which steering wheel gearshift
paddle is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear up or
down, if permitted.
To use manual shifting, you have two options:
R temporary setting
R permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically.
Temporary setting X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D.
X Pull steering wheel gearshift paddle :or;.
The temporary setting will remain active for a
certain amount of time. Under certain condi-
tions, the minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in the case of lateral acceleration, during an overrun phase or when driving on steep terrain. 160
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking

Deactivate the HOLD function (Y
page 196).
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running or if it has been auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
R the driver's door is closed or if your seat belt
is fastened
R the electric parking brake is released
R the transmission is in position D,Ror N
R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated
Activating the HOLD function X
Make sure that the activation conditions are
met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until :appears in the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first time
does not activate the HOLD function, wait
briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated automatically
if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a cer-
tain amount of pressure until :disappears
from the multifunction display.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric park-
ing brake.
R you activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC. i
After a short period, the vehicle is secured
by the electric parking brake, thus relieving
the service brake.
When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-
mission is shifted automatically to position Pif:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's seat
belt is unfastened
R the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle is stationary and:
R a system fault occurs.
R the power supply is insufficient.
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is
a malfunction, the transmission may also be
automatically shifted into position P. AIRMATIC package
General notes AIRMATIC is an air suspension system with var-
iable damping for improved driving comfort.
Level control ensures the best possible suspen- sion and constant ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle. When you drive at speed, the
vehicle is lowered automatically to improve driv-
ing safety and to reduce fuel consumption. You
also have the option of manually adjusting the
vehicle level.
AIRMATIC consists of:
R level settings
R level control and
R ADS or ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping Sys-
tem)
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): your vehicle may also be equipped with
the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (Y page 198).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles : your vehicle is equip-
ped with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
(Y page 198).
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
(Y page 234).
The vehicle level can be set using the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller (Y page 155)or the level but-
ton (Y page 198). The setting always corre-
sponds to the last function selected. 196
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tyres of the wrong size are used, the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tyres with those
that fulfil the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R type
When replacing tyres, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R type G
WARNING
A flat tyre severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident.
Tyres without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tyre.
R immediately replace the flat tyre with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tyres with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and warn-
ing notices on MOExtended tyres (tyres
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being used cor- rectly can impair operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and enquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations Further information regarding wheels and tyres
can be found under "Wheel/tyre combinations"
(Y page 374).
You can ask for information regarding permitted
wheel/tyre combinations at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Information on tyre pressure can be found:
R in the tyre pressure table in the fuel filler flap
R in the "Tyre pressure" section
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of spacers or
brake dust shields is not permitted. This inva-
lidates the general operating permit for the vehi- cle.
i Further information on wheels and tyres can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop. Operation
Information on driving
Check the tyre pressures when the vehicle is
heavily laden and adjust prior to a trip.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pull-
ing to one side. This may indicate that the
wheels or tyres are damaged. If you suspect that a tyre is defective, reduce your speed immedi-
ately. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tyres for damage. Hidden tyre damage could also be causing the unusual
handling characteristics. If you find no signs of
damage, have the tyres and wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure not to
squash the tyre sidewalls. If it is necessary to
drive over kerbs, speed humps or similar eleva- tions, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tyres, particularly the sidewalls,
may be damaged. Regular checking of wheels and tyres
G
WARNING
Damaged tyres can cause tyre inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. There is a risk of accident. Operation
361Wheels and ty res
Z

Radio type approval for the tyre pres-
sure monitor Country Radio type approval number
Argentina MW2433A
H-12337
GG4
H-12338
Brazil 2770-12-8001
Model: MW2433A
0381-13-8001
Model: GG4
Abu Dhabi
Dubai TRA, Registered NO
ER0092100/12
TRA, Registered NO
ER0099792/12
TRA, Registered NO
ER0076990/11
Dealer NO: DA0047074/10
Jordan Model: Gen Alpha Wal 2 TPMS
transmitter
Type Approval Number:
TRC/LPD/2012/114
Model: Gen Gamma Gen 4
433.92 Mhz.
Type Approval Number:
TRC/LPD/2012/190
Model: Corax 3 MRXMC34MA4
Type Approval Number:
TRC/LPD/2011/158
Type Number: LPD Morocco MR7319 ANRT 2012/
11/07/2012
MR7672 ANRT 2012/
23/11/2012
MR6706 ANRT 2011
Moldova 1024
Philip-
pines No: ESD-1206394C
No: ESD-1306871C
Serbia И 011 12 Country Radio type approval number
Singapore Compliance with IDA Standard
DA- 103365
South
Africa TA-2012/719
TA-2012/1540
TA-2011/1370
Changing a wheel
Flat tyre
You can find information on what to do in the
event of a flat tyre in the "Breakdown assis-
tance" section (Y page 346). Information on
driving with MOExtended tyres in the event of a flat tyre can be found under "Breakdown assis-
tance" (Y page 347).
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel: in
the event of a flat tyre, fit the emergency spare
wheel according to the description under "Fit-
ting a wheel" (Y page 370). Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tyres have different dimensions. The wheel brakes or suspension components may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure mon-
itor, electronic components are located in the wheel.
Tyre-fitting tools should not be applied in thearea of the valve, as this could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tyres changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of dif-
fering dimensions can render the general oper-
ating permit invalid.
Observe the instructions and safety notes in the "Fitting a wheel" section (Y page 370). Changing a wheel
369Wheels and tyres Z

X
Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise
pattern in the sequence indicated (: toA).
The tightening torque must be 150 Nm.
X Turn the jack back to its initial position.
X Stow the jack and the rest of the tyre chang-
ing tools in the stowage well under the boot
floor.
X Check the air pressure of the newly fitted
wheel and adjust accordingly.
Observe the recommended tyre pressure
(Y page 364).
If you are driving with the emergency spare
wheel fitted, the tyre pressure loss warning sys-
tem or the tyre pressure monitor cannot func-
tion reliably. Only restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system or tyre pressure monitor when
the defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with a tyre pressure monitor: all fit-
ted wheels must be equipped with functioning
sensors. Wheel and tyre combinations
You can ask for information regarding permitted wheel/tyre combinations at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tyres and wheels
which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehicle.
These are specially adapted to the control
systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
and are
marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tyres featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only cer-
tain AMG tyres)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tyres may
only be used on wheels that have been spe-
cifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tyres, wheels or accessories tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Certain
characteristics, e.g. handling, vehicle noise
emissions or fuel consumption, may other-
wise be adversely affected. In addition, when
driving with a load, tyre dimension variations
could cause the tyres to come into contact
with the bodywork and axle components. This could result in damage to the tyres or the
vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for dam-
age resulting from the use of tyres, wheels or
accessories other than those tested and
approved.
Further information about wheels, tyres and
approved combinations can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop.
! Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previ-
ous damage cannot always be detected on
retreaded tyres. As a result, Mercedes-Benz
cannot guarantee vehicle safety if retreaded
tyres are fitted. Do not fit used tyres if you
have no information about their previous
usage.
! Large wheels: the lower the section width
for a certain wheel size, the lower the ride
comfort is on poor road surfaces. Roll comfort and suspension comfort are reduced and therisk of damage to the wheels and tyres as a
result of driving over obstacles increases.
The recommended tyre pressures for various
operating conditions can be found in the tyre
pressure table inside the fuel filler flap. Further
information on tyre pressure (Y page 364).
Check tyre pressures regularly and only when
the tyres are cold.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always fit the
vehicle:
R with tyres of the same size across an axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tyres at a given time
(summer tyres, winter tyres, MOExtended
tyres)
Vehicles with MOExtended tyres are not equip-
ped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It is there-
fore recommended that you additionally equip
your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you fit tyres that do not feature run-flat characteristics, e.g. win-
ter tyres. A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop. 374
Wheel and tyre combinationsWheels and tyres

Windscreen washer system
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If windscreen washer concentrate comes into contact with hot components of the engine or
the exhaust system, it can ignite. There is a
risk of fire and injury.
Make sure the windscreen washer concen-
trate does not come into contact with the filler neck.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or MB
WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid could dam-
age the plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Only the washer fluids SummerFit and Win-
terFit can be mixed. Otherwise, the spraying
nozzles could become blocked.
Do not use distilled or de-ionised water. Other-
wise, the level sensor may give a false reading.
When handling washer fluid, observe the impor- tant safety notes on service products
(Y page 381).
At temperatures above freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture of
water and washer fluid, e.g. MB SummerFit.
Mix 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts water.
At temperatures below freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture of
water and washer fluid, e.g. MB WinterFit.
For the correct mixing ratio refer to the infor- mation on the antifreeze reservoir.
i Add washer fluid concentrate, e.g. MB Sum-
merFit or MB WinterFit, to the washer fluid all
year round. Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle data: R the heights specified may vary as a result of:
- tyres
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
R optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload
R vehicle-specific weight information can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 380)
R for certain countries only: you can find vehi-
cle-specific vehicle data in the COC docu-
ments (CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY).
These documents are delivered with your
vehicle
Observe the information relating to level con-
trol:
R AIRMATIC package (Y page 198)
R Off-Road Engineering package (Y page 229) Dimensions and weights
Missing values were not available at the time of
going to print. Model
: :
Height when
opened ;
;
Maximum
headroom Mercedes-
AMG vehicles Vehicle data
387Technical data Z