
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" ( Y
page 384).
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
G WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded: R
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight R
the permissible trailer load R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle R
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found: R
in the vehicle documents R
on the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer R
on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability R
has an increased braking distance R
is affected more by strong crosswinds R
demands more sensitive steering R
has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the cooling system and drive train
may be necessary, depending on the vehicle
type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
The GLE 550 e 4MATIC cannot be used to tow a
trailer. R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.216
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
( Y
page 359).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 184)R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 201)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 207)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 384).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer stabili-
zation ( Y
page 68) and on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 135).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
( Y
page 384). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permissi-
ble maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combi-
nations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer. Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lowe r g ear in good time on long
a
nd steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side: X
Do not accelerate. X
Do not counter-steer. X
Brake if necessary. R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer. R
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly. R
The values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine and, conse-
quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Installing the ball coupling
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.Towing a trailer 217
Driving an d parking Z

neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake. X
Start the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Apply the trailer's parking brake. X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. X
Switch off the engine.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum allowable gross mass The gross vehicle weight of the trailer is calcu-
lated by adding the weight of the trailer to the
weight of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 384).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 384).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross weight of the trailer
nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to the respective lowest values. R
The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle weight.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8 % to 15 % of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissible
trailer load and drawbar load for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing vehi-
cle and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values, have the vehicle/trailer
combination (including the driver, passen-
gers, and cargo with a fully laden trailer)
weighed on a calibrated weighbridge. R
Check the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and the trailer drawbar noseweight.
Removing the ball coupling X
Remove the spring cotter. X
Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess. X
Remove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess. X
Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty. X
Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 288)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 288).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 324).
Trailer power supply
! Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.Towing a trailer 221
Driving an d parking Z

Information regarding technical data PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID vehicles: pleas e be sur e to
read th e separat e operating instructions. Oth-
erwise, you may no t recognize dangers.
i The dat a state d her e specifically refers to a
vehicl e wit h standard equipment. Consult an
authorize d Mercedes-Ben z Cente r for th e
dat a for all vehicl e variants and trim levels.
Vehicle electronics
Installing two-way radios and mobile
phones (RF transmitters)
G WARNIN G
The electromagneti c radiation from modifie d
or incorrectl y retrofitte d RF-transmitters can
interfere wit h th e vehicl e electronics . This can
compromise th e operational safet y of th e
vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
You should hav e all wor k to electrical and
electronic equipmen t carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
G WARNIN G
The electromagneti c radiation from incor-
rectl y operate d RF transmitters can interfere
wit h th e vehicl e electronics , for example:R
if th e RF transmitte r is no t connecte d wit h
an exterio r antennaR
th e exterio r antenna has been installed
incorrectl y or is no t a low-reflection typ e
This can compromise th e operational safet y
of th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Hav e th e low-reflection exterio r antenna
mounte d at a qualified specialist workshop.
When operating RF transmitters in th e vehi-
cle , always connec t them wit h th e low-reflec -
tion exterio r antenna.
! The operating permit may be invalidated if
th e instruction s for installation and use of RF
transmitters are no t observed. In particular, th e followin g condition s must be
complied with: R
only approve d wavebands may be used. R
observ e th e maximum permissible output
in these wavebands. R
only approve d antenna position s may be
used.
Excessiv e levels of electromagneti c radiation
may caus e damag e to your healt h and th e healt h
of others. Using an exterio r antenna takes int o
accoun t curren t scientific discussion s relating
to th e possible healt h hazards that may result
from electro magneti c fi
elds.
The followin g antenna position s may be used if
RF transmitters hav e been properly installed:
Approved antenna position s
C
Rear roo f area D
Rear fender
i On th e rear fenders, it is recommended to
position th e antenna on th e side of th e vehicl e
closes t to th e center of th e road .
Use th e Technical Specification ISO/TS 2160 9
when retrofitting RF transmitters (Road Vehicles
- EM C guidelines for installation of aftermarket
radi o frequency transmitting equipment) .
Observ e th e legal requirements for accessory
parts.
If your vehicl e has installation s for two-way radi o
equipment, use th e power suppl y or antenna
connection s intended for use wit h th e basic wir-
ing . Be sur e to observ e th e manufacturer' s Sup -
plemen t when installing.
Deviation s wit h respec t to frequency bands,
maximum transmission output s or antenna
position s must be approve d by Mercedes-Benz.Vehicle electronics 371
Technical data Z

Fuel
Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a ris k of fir e and explo-
sion .
You must avoi d fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switc h off th e engin e
and , if applicable, th e auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNIN G
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
Ther e is a ris k of injury.
You must mak e sure that fuel does no t come
int o contact wit h your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is no t swallowed. Do no t inhale fuel
vapors. Kee p fuel away from children .
If you or other s come int o contact wit h fuel ,
observ e th e following:R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
usin g soap and water.R
If fuel comes int o contact wit h your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly wit h
clean water. Seek medical assistanc e with-
out delay. R
If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do no t induce vomit -
ing . R
Immediately chang e out of clothing whic h
has come int o contact wit h fuel .
Tank capacity
Model Total capa-
cit y
GLE 550 e 4MATIC
21.1 US gal
(80.0 l)
Al l ot her models
24.6 US gal
(93.0 l) Model Of which
reserve
Mercedes-AMG GLE 43
4MATIC Approx.
3.2 US gal
(12.0 l)
GLE 550 4MATIC
Approx.
2.6 US gal
(10.0 l)
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles
Approx.
3.7 US gal
(14.0 l)
Al l ot her models
Approx.
3.2 US gal
(12.0 l)
Gasoline Fuel grade
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the ignition
if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Only refuel using unleaded premium grade
gasoline with at least 91 AKI/95 RON.
i E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol.
Your vehicle is E10-compatible. You can
refuel your vehicle using E10 fuel.
! Only use the fuel recommended. Operating
the vehicle with other fuels can lead to dam-
age to the fuel system, engine and exhaust
system.
! Do not use the following: R
E15 (gasoline with 15% ethanol) R
E85 (gasoline with 85% ethanol) R
E100 (1 00% ethanol) R
M15 (gasoline with 15% methanol) R
M30 (gasoline with 30% methanol) R
M85 (gasoline with 85% methanol) R
M100 (1 00% methanol) R
Gasoline with metalliferous additives R
Diesel374
Service products and filling capacities
Technical data

Do not mix such fuels with the fuel recom-
mended for your vehicle.
! To ensure the longevity and full perform-
ance of the engine, only premium-grade
unleaded gasoline must be used.
If standard unleaded gasoline is unavailable
and you have to refuel with unleaded gasoline
of a lower grade, observe the following pre-
cautions: R
Only fill the fuel tank to half full with regular
unleaded gasoline and fill the rest with pre-
mium-grade unleaded gasoline as soon as
possible. R
Do not drive at the maximum speed. R
Avoid sudden acceleration and engine
speeds over 3,000 rpm.
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the label
on the pump, ask the staff for assistance.
i For further information, consult a qualified
specialist workshop or visit
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
As a temporary measure, if the recommended
fuel is not available, you may also use regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87 AKI /91 RON . This may reduc e engin e per -
formance an d increas e fuel consump tion. Avoid
driving at full throttle and sudden acceleration.
Neve r refuel using gasoline with a lower AKI.
Informati
on on refueling ( Y
page 148).
Additives
! Operating the engine with fuel additives
added later can lead to engine failure. Do not
mix fuel additives with fuel. This does not
include additives for the removal and preven-
tion of residue buildup. gasoline must only be
mixed with additives recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Comply with the instructions
for use on the product label. More information
about recommended additives can be
obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use bran-
ded fuels that have additives.
The fuel quality available in some countries may
not be sufficient. Residue could build up in the
fuel injection system as a result. In such cases,
and in consultation with an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, the fuel may be mixed
with the cleaning additive recommended by Mercedes-Benz. You must observe the notes
and mixing ratios specified on the container.
Diesel Fuel grade
G WARNING
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline
with diesel fuel.
! Only use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD),
otherwise it may lead to increased wear and
damage to the fuel system, engine and
exhaust system.
! Do not use the following: R
gasoline R
diesel with a bio-diesel content greater
than 5% (e.g. B20) R
bio-diesel R
vegetable oil R
paraffin R
kerosene R
marine diesel R
heating oil
Do not mix such fuels with diesel fuel and do
not use any special additives. Otherwise,
engine damage may occur.
! In countries outside USA and Canada, only
use sulfur-free diesel with a sulfur content
under 50 ppm. Otherwise, the emission con-
trol system could be damaged.
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the label
on the pump, ask the staff for assistance.
Information on refueling ( Y
page 148).
Low outside temperatures
i Diesel fuel with improved cold flow proper-
ties is available during the winter months.
Further information about fuel properties can
be obtained from oil companies, e.g. at gas
stations.Service products and filling capacities 375
Technical data Z

Flexible Fuel vehicles Import ant safety notes
G WARNIN G
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a ris k of fir e and explo-
sion .
You must avoi d fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switc h off th e engin e
and , if applicable, th e auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNIN G
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
Ther e is a ris k of injury.
You must mak e sure that fuel does no t come
int o contact wit h your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is no t swallowed. Do no t inhale fuel
vapors. Kee p fuel away from children .
If you or other s come int o contact wit h fuel ,
observ e th e following:R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
usin g soap and water.R
If fuel comes int o contact wit h your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly wit h
clean water. Seek medical assistanc e with-
out delay. R
If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do no t induce vomit -
ing . R
Immediately chang e out of clothing whic h
has come int o contact wit h fuel .
Flexible Fuel vehicles can be refueled wit h th e
followin g fuel types:R
premium-grade unleaded gasolin eR
E8 5 fuelR
a mixtur e of E8 5 fuel and premium-grade
unleaded gasolin e
i Flexible Fuel vehicles can be recognize d by
th e Ethanol up to E85 sticker on th e inside of
th e fuel filler flap . Fuel consu mp tionThe energ y conten t of E8 5 fuel is less than that
of th e sam e amoun t of premium-grade gasoline.
The amoun t of fuel consumed when operating
th e vehicl e wit h E8 5 fuel is therefor e higher than
wit h premium-grade gasoline.
Maintenance Infor m your authorize d Mercedes-Ben z C ente r
that you are operating or have operate d th e
vehicl e wit h E8 5 fuel .
Low outside temperatures If th e outside temperature is belo w 32 ‡( 0 †),
the starting procedure can take noticeably lon-
ger when operating with E85 fuel.
E85 fuel is not suitable for use at outside tem-
peratures under -4 ‡ (-20 †).
DEF
Important safety notes Comply with the important safety notes for ser-
vice products when handling DEF ( Y
page 373).
DEF is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust gas
aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is: R
not poisonous R
colorless and odorless R
not flammable
When you open the DEF container, small
amounts of ammonia vapor may be released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to the skin, to mucous
membranes and to the eyes. You may experi-
ence a burning sensation in your eyes, nose and
throat. Coughing and watering of the eyes are
possible.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Fill the DEF tank
only in well-ventilated areas.
Low outside temperatures
DEF freezes at a temperature of approximately
12 ‡( -11 †). The vehicle is delivere d from th e
factory equippe d wit h a DE F preheatin g system.
Winte r operation can thus be guaranteed even
at temperature s below 12 ‡ (-11 †).376
Service pr od ucts and filling capacities
Technical data

Additives
! Only use DE F in accordanc e wit h IS O
22241. Do no t use additive s wit h DE F and do
no t dilut e DE F wit h water. This may destroy
th e BlueTE C exhaust gas aftertreatmen t sys-
tem.
Purity
! Impurities in DE F (e.g. due to other servic e
products , cleaning agents or dust ) lead to :R
increased emission value sR
damag e to th e catalytic converterR
engin e damag eR
malfunction s in th e BlueTE C exhaust gas
aftertreatmen t system
Assuring th e purity of DE F is particularly impor-
tan t wit h respec t to avoidin g malfunction s in th e
BlueTE C exhaust gas aftertreatmen t system.
If DE F is pumped out of th e DE F tank, e.g. during
repair work, it mus t no t be returned to th e tank.
The purity of th e fluid can no longer be guaran-
teed.
Filling capacities Model Total capacit y
GLE 350 d 4MATIC (Can -
ad a only ) 7. 5 US gal
(28.4 l)
All other models
8. 5 US gal
(32.0 l)
Engine oil
Gene ra l notes ! Never use engin e oil or an oil filter of a spec -
ification other than is necessar y to fulfill th e
prescribed servic e intervals. Do no t chang e
th e engin e oil or oil filter in order to achiev e
longer replacemen t intervals than those pre -
scribed. You could otherwise caus e engin e
damag e or damag e to th e exhaust gas after-
treatment.
Follow th e instruction s in th e servic e interval
display regarding th e oil change. Otherwise ,
you may damag e th e engin e and th e exhaust
gas aftertreatment.
When handlin g engin e oil, observ e th e important
safet y note s on servic e products ( Y
page 373).
The engin e oils are matched to th e performance
of Mercedes-Benz engines and servic e intervals.
You should therefor e only use engin e oils and oil
filters that are approve d for vehicles wit h main -
tenance systems .
Fo r a list of approve d engin e oils and oil filters ,
consult an authorize d Mercedes-Benz Center.
Or visit th e websit e
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.
Gasoline engines MB-Freigabe or
MB-Approval
All models
229.5
Diesel engines MB-Freigabe or
MB-Approval
All models
228.51, 229.31,
229.51, 229.52
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: only use SAE 0W-40
or SAE 5W-40 engine oils.
i MB approval is indicated on the oil contain-
ers.
Filling capacities
The following values refer to an oil change
including the oil filter.
Model Capacity
GLE 300 d 4MATIC
6.9 US qt (6.5 l)
GLE 350 d 4MATIC
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Service products and filling capacities 377
Technical data Z