2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class roof

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip-
ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (
Ypage 25).
Overview of climate control systems
General notes
Observe the settings recommended on the
following pages. The windows could other-
wise fog up.
To prevent the windows from fogging up:
Rswitch off climate control only briefly
Rswitch on air-recirculation mode only
briefly
Rswitch on the cooling with air dehumidifi-
cation function
Rswitch on the defrost windshield function
briefly, if required
The air-conditioning system/dual-zone auto-
matic climate control regulates the tempera- ture and the humidity of the vehicle interior
and filters out undesirable substances from
the air.
The air-conditioning system/dual-zone auto-
matic climate control can only be operated
when the engine is running. Optimum opera-
tion is only achieved with the side windows
and panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel closed.
If you start the engine using your smartphone,
the last selected climate control setting is
reactivated (
Ypage 171). The residual heat function can only be acti-
vated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off (
Ypage 143).
Always keep the ventilation flaps behind the
side trim panel in the cargo compartment
clear (
Ypage 124). Otherwise the vehicle will
not be ventilated correctly.
iVentilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the con-
venience opening feature (
Ypage 91). This
will speed up the cooling process and the
desired interior temperature will be
reached more quickly.
iThe integrated filter filters out most par-
ticles of dust and soot and completely fil-
ters out pollen. It also reduces gaseous pol- lutants and odors. A clogged filter reduces
the amount of air supplied to the vehicle
interior. For this reason, you should always
observe the interval for replacing the filter,
which is specified in the Maintenance
Booklet. As it depends on environmental
conditions, e.g. heavy air pollution, the
interval may be shorter than stated in t
he
Maintenance Booklet.
iIt is possible that under certain circum-
stances the residual heat function may be
activated automatically an hour after the
SmartKey has been removed in order to dry the automatic climate control. The vehicle
is then ventilated for 30 minutes.
132Overview of climate control systems
Climate control

Starting procedure with the Start/Stop
button
The Start/Stop button can be used to start
the vehicle manually without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. The Start/
Stop button must be inserted in the ignition
lock and the SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
This mode for starting the engine operates
independently of the ECO start/stop auto-
matic engine start function.
You can start the engine if a valid SmartKey is
in the vehicle. Switch off the engine and
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle, even if you only leave it for
a short time. Pay attention to the important
safety notes.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XPress the Start/Stop button once
(
Ypage 149).
The engine starts.
Starting procedure via smartphone
Observe the important safety notes on start-
ing the engine (
Ypage 151).
You can also start your engine via your smart-
phone from outside the vehicle. In this case,
the previously selected climate control set-
ting is activated. In this way you can cool or
heat the interior of the vehicle before starting
the journey.
Only start the engine via your smartphone if it
is safe to start and run the engine where your
vehicle is parked.
Observe the legal stipulations in the area
where your vehicle is parked. Engine start via
smartphone may be limited to certain coun-
tries or regions.
You can execute a maximum of two consec-
utive starting attempts via your smartphone.
If you insert the key into the ignition lock, you
can carry out two more starting attempts.
Once you have started the engine, you can
switch the engine off via your smartphone at
any time. You can only start the engine via your smart-
phone if:
Rthe key is in the ignition lock
Rpark position Pis selected
Rthe accelerator pedal is not depressed
Rthe anti-theft alarm system is not activated
Rthe panic alarm is not activated
Rthe hazard warning lamps are switched off
Rthe hood is closed.
Rthe doors are closed and locked
Rthe windows and sliding sunroof are closed
Also make sure that:
Rthe fuel tank is sufficiently filled
Rthe starter battery is sufficiently charged
GWARNING
Limbs could be crushed or trapped if the
engine is started unintentionally during ser-
vice or maintenance work. There is a risk of
injury.
Always secure the engine against uninten-
tional starting before carrying out mainte-
nance or repair work.
Make sure that the engine cannot be started
via your smartphone before carrying out
maintenance or repairs. You can prevent an
engine start via your smartphone, for exam-
ple, if you:
Rswitch on the hazard warning lamps
Rdo not lock the doors
Ropen the hood.
Pulling away
General notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
152Driving
Driving and parking

with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the coun-
try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit the driver from using a mobile
phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
RThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
RRemove unnecessary loads.
RRemove roof racks when they are not nee-
ded.
RWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
RAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
RHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in
hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. Always
have work on the engine carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. In
particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
Driving tips175
Driving and parking
Z

GDANGER
If th eexhaust pipe is blocke dor adequate
ventilation is no tpossible, poisonous gase s
suc has carbon monoxide (CO) may ente rth e
vehicle. This is th ecase, e.g. if th evehicl e
become strapped in snow. There is aris kof
fatal injury.
If you leav eth eengin eor th eauxiliary heating
running, mak esur eth eexhaust pipe and area
around th evehicl eare clear of snow. To
ensur ean adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on th eside of th evehicl ethat is no t
facing int oth ewind.
Hav eyour vehicl ewinter-proofe dat aquali-
fie dspecialist workshop at th eonset of win -
ter.
Drive particularly carefully on slipper yroad
surfaces. Avoid sudde nacceleration ,steering
and brakin gmaneuvers .Do no tuse th ecruise
control or DISTRONI CPLUS.
If th evehicl ethreaten sto skid or canno tbe
stoppe dwhen moving at low speed:
XShift th etransmission to position N.
XTry to bring th evehicl eunder control usin g
corrective steering .
The outside temperature indicator is no t
designed to serve as an ice-warnin gdevice
and is therefor eunsuitable for that purpose .
Changes in th eoutside temperature are dis-
played after ashort delay.
Indicate dtemperatures jus tabov eth efreez -
in g p
oin tdo no tguarantee that th eroad sur -
fac eis free of ice .The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges .
You should pay special attention to road con-
dition swhen temperatures are around freez -
in g point.
Fo rmor einformation on drivin gwit hsnow
chains, see (
Ypage 343).
Fo rmor einformation on drivin gwit hsummer
tires ,see (
Ypage 342).
Observ eth enote sin th e"Winte roperation "
section (
Ypage 342).
Off-road driving
Import ant safety notes
GWARNIN G
If you drive on asteep inclin eat an angle or
tur nwhen drivin gon an incline, th evehicl e
could slip sideways, ti pand rollover. There is a
ris kof an accident.
Always drive on asteep inclin ein th elin eof
fall (straight up or down )and do no ttur nth e
vehicle.
GWARNIN G
Flammabl ematerial suc has leaves, grass or
twigs may ignit eif they come int ocontact wit h
hot part sof th eexhaust system. There is aris k
of fire.
Whe ndrivin goff roa dor on unpaved roads,
chec kth evehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove part sof plants or other
flammabl ematerials whic hhav ebecome
trapped .In th ecas eof damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop .
!There isaris kof damag eto th evehicl eif:
Rth evehicl ebecome sstuck ,e.g. on ahigh
cur bor an unpaved road
Ryou drive to ofas tove ran obstacle, e.g. a
cur bor ahole in th eroad
Raheav yobjec tstrikes th eundercarriage
or part sof th echassi s
In situation slik ethis, th ebody, th eunder-
carriage, chassi sparts, wheels or tires
could be damaged without th edamag e
bein gvisible. Components damaged in this
way can unexpectedly fail or, in th ecas eof
an accident, no longer withstand th estrain
they are designed to .
If th eunderbody panelin gis damaged,
combustible materials suc has leaves,
gras sor twigs can gather between th e
underbody and th eunderbody paneling. If
these materials come in contact wit hhot
part sof th eexhaust system, they can catch
fire.
180Driving tips
Driving and parking

In such situations, have the vehicle
checked and repaired immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop. If on con-
tinuing your journey you notice that driving
safety is impaired, pull over and stop the
vehicle immediately, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions. In such cases,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The vehicle is only designed for easily nego-
tiable off-road terrain and poor road surfaces.
When driving off-road, substances such as
sand, mud and water or water mixed with oil
may get into the brakes. This could result in a
reduced braking effect or in total brake failure and also in increased wear and tear. The brak-
ing characteristics change depending on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Adapt your driving style to the different brak-
ing characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of
damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead
to failure of the mechanical assembly or sys-
tems. Adapt your driving style to suit the ter-
rain conditions. Drive carefully. Have damage
to the vehicle rectified immediately at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Do not switch to transmission position N
when driving off-road. If you try to brake the
vehicle using the service brake, you could
lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is
too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in
reverse gear.
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Protection of the environment is of primary
importance. Treat nature with respect.
Observe all prohibiting signs.
Read this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road. Off-road driving is only possible with the Off-
Road Engineering package (
Ypage 199).
The following driving systems are specially
adapted for driving over easily negotiable off-
road terrain:
ROff-road program (Ypage 199)
ROff-road ABS (Ypage 66)
ROff-road 4ETS (Ypage 69)
ROff-road ESP®(Ypage 72)
RDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(
Ypage 197)
Observe the following notes:
RStop the vehicle before starting to drive
along an off-road route. If necessary, acti-
vate the off-road program (
Ypage 157).
RTo avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
RCheck that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(
Ypage 285).
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient. Acti-
vate DSR (
Ypage 197).
RDrive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
walking pace.
REnsure that the wheels are in contact with
the ground at all times.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
RCheck the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
RWatch out for obstacles.
RTake care when turning on an uphill or
downhill slope or when driving across a
slope. The vehicle could otherwise tip over.
RAlways keep the side windows and the pan-
orama roof with power tilt/sliding panel
closed during the journey.
RDo not deviate from marked routes.
Do not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
Driving tips181
Driving and parking
Z

XUsing handle:, swing the cargo compart-
ment floor upwards as far as side flaps =,
then overcome the resistance of flaps =.
XPlace the cargo compartment floor on side
flaps=.
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust 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 vehi-
cle.
Position the load on the roof rack in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain dam-
age even when it is in motion.
Ensure that, depending on the vehicle's
equipment, you can raise the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel fully and
open the tailgate fully when the roof carrier is installed. You will find information on the maximum roof
load in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 383).
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof
load may become detached from the vehicle.
You must therefore ensure that you observe
the roof carrier manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Attaching the roof carrier
XSecure the roof carrier to the roof rails. In
doing so, observe the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The cup holder cannot hold a container secure
whilst traveling. If you use a cup holder whilst
traveling, the container may be flung around
and liquid may be spilled. The vehicle occu-
pants may come into contact with the liquid
and if it is hot, they may be scalded. You may
be distracted from the traffic conditions and
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only use the cup holder for con-
tainers of the right size. Always close the con-
tainer, particularly if the liquid is hot.
GWARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of sudden braking or a sudden change
in direction.
288Features
Stowage and features

should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin 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 the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position 0).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
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 wind-
shield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each coun-
try.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towardsthe air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
314Care
Maintenance and care

Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
!Edition 1 special model: parts of your
vehicle are covered with a decorative foil.
Maintain a distance of at least 70 cm
between the foil-wrapped parts of the vehi-
cle and the nozzle of the high pressure
cleaner.
Information about the correct distance is
available from the equipment manufac-
turer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint surface, use the paint care products recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
This is the case approximately every three to
five months, depending on the climate con-
ditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Care315
Maintenance and care
Z