2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE SUV tow bar

Information on driving .................... 341
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 360
Labeling (overview) ........................ 356
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 361
Load index .....................................358
Load index (definition) ................... 360
M+S tires ....................................... 343
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 360
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 360
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................3 60
Maximum tire load ......................... 358
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 360
MOExtended tires .......................... 343
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 361
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................3 60
Replacing ....................................... 361
Service life ..................................... 342
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 361
Snow chains .................................. 343
Speed rating (definition) ................ 360
Storing ...........................................3 62
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 359
Summer tires in winter .................. 343
Temperature .................................. 355
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 361
Tire bead (definition) ......................3 60
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 360
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 359
Tire size (data) ............................... 366
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 356
Tire tread ....................................... 342
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 360
Total load limit (definition) ............. 361
Traction ......................................... 355
Traction (definition) ....................... 361
Tread wea r ..................................... 355
T

WR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 361
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 354 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 359
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 361
Wheel and tire combination ........... 366
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 359
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 338
Important safety notes .................. 336
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 384
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 324
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 219
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 220
Driving tips .................................... 216
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 68
Important safety notes .................. 215
Installing the ball coupling ............. 217
Lights display message .................. 250
Mounting dimensions .................... 384
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC .......... 184
Power supply ................................. 221
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 135
Removing the ball coupling ............ 221
Trailer loads ................................... 384
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 336
Installing the towing eye ................ 337
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 338
Removing the towing eye ............... 337
Transporting the vehicle ................ 338
With both axles on the ground ....... 337
Towing eye ......................................... 326
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 281
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 258
Function/notes ............................. 200
Important safety notes .................. 200
Instrument cluster display ............. 200
Trail er c
oupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 221
22Index

Trailer towingActive Blind Spot Assist ................. 207
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 209
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 221
Transfer case ..................................... 147
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 142
Transporting the vehicle .................. 338
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 165
Driving downhill ............................. 166
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ...............................................1 65
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................3 25
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 26
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 226
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 227
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 250
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 114
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 371
Installation ..................................... 371
Transmission output (maximum) .... 371
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 361
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
UnlockingEmergency unlocking ....................... 81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) .............................8 0
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .......235 USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ............................................... 286
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........299
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 264
Equipment ....................................... 26
Individual settings .......................... 232
Limited Warranty .............................3 0
Loading .......................................... 351
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 74
Lowering ........................................ 365
Maintenance .................................... 27
Operating safety .............................. 28
Parking .......................................... 153
Parking for a long period ................ 156
Pulling away ................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 363
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 362
Towing away .................................. 336
Transporting .................................. 338
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 74
Vehicle data ................................... 380
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 380
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 383
Fording depth ................................ 382
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 383
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 380
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 372
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 182
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 255
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 326
Index23

The flap closes again when:
Ryou have finished the maneuvering process
Ryou switch off the engine
Ryou open the cargo compartment
Observe the notes on cleaning (
Ypage 323).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the rear view camera has
been deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
XTo activate: make sure that the SmartKey is
in position 2in the ignition lock.
XMake sure that the Activation by R gearfunction is selected in the multimedia system;
see the Digital Operator's Manual.
XEngage reverse gear.
The rear view camera flap opens. The multi-
media system shows the area behind the vehi-
cle with guide lines.
The image from the rear view camera is avail-
able throughout the maneuvering process.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the multimedia system
The rear view camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera does not show objects in
the following positions:
Rvery close to the rear bumper
Runder the rear bumper
Rin the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
!Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
Rthe bumper of a parked vehicle
Rthe drawbar of a trailer
Rthe ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
Rthe rear section of an HGV
Ra slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bottom-
most guideline.
:Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
;White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking of the tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
AYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the vehi-
cle
BVehicle center axle (marker assistance)
CBumper
DRed guide line at a distance of approximately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the vehicle
The guide lines are shown when the transmis-
sion is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
192Driving systems
Driving and parking

!Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
Rthe bumper of a parked vehicle
Rthe drawbar of a trailer
Rthe ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
Rthe rear section of an HGV
Ra slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bottom-
most guideline.
Top view with picture from the rear view
camera
:Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
;Symbol for the split screen setting with top
view and rear view camera image
=Guide line for the maximum steering angle
?Yellow lane marking of the tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
AYellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
BVehicle center axle (marker assistance)
CYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the vehi-
cle
DBumper
ERed guide line at a distance of approximately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the vehicle
The guide lines are shown when the transmis-
sion is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
Top view with picture from the front cam-
era
:Symbol for the split screen setting with top
view and front camera image
;Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the front of the
vehicle
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking of the tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
Driving systems197
Driving and parking
Z

ARed guide lineat adistanc eof approximately
12 in (0.30m) from the front of the vehicle
BYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) fromthe front of the
vehicle
Top view and enlarged rear view
:Symbol for the split screen setting with top
view and rear view camera image enlarged
;Red guide line at a distance of approximately
12 in (0.30 m)from the rear of the vehicle
This view assists you in estimating the distance
to the vehicle behind you.
iThis setting can also be selected as an
enlarged front view.
Top view with image from the camera in
the exterior mirrors
:Symbol for setting the top view with image
from the forward camera in the exterior mir-
rors
;Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors (right side of
vehicle)
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors (left side of
vehicle)
iYou can also select the camera setting in the
exterior mirrors for the rear-facing view.
Top view with trailer view
:Symbol for the trailer view setting
;Trailer drawbar marker assistant
=Ball coupling
?Red guide line at a distance of approximately
0.30 m from the ball coupling
The lines are shown at the level of the trailer
coupling.
iFor technical reasons, the ball coupling of
the trailer tow hitch is only partially visible in
the multimedia system display.
180° view
:Symbol for the full screen setting with rear
view camera image
;Own vehicle
=Warning displays for Parking Assist
PARKTRONIC
i180° view can also be selected as front
view.
Select this view when you are driving out of an
exit and the view of crossing traffic is restricted,
for example.
198Driving systems
Driving and parking

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 thatis 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" (
Ypage 384).
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe 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:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
Ron 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:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas 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.
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
216Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf 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 (
Ypage 359).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all:
RParking Assist PARKTRONIC (Ypage 184)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 201)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 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" (
Ypage 384).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 68) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 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
(
Ypage 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
and 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:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe 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
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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 trailer217
Driving an d parking
Z

XSecure the bolt using spring cotterB.
XCheck the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly mounted,
remove the ball coupling. Under these circum-
stances, the ball coupling must not be used for
trailer towing.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the
towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with AIRMATIC package: select
normal level and the Comfortdrive program.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RParking Assist PARKTRONIC
RParking Pilot
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive Lane Keeping Assist
iVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the foll
owing:
RIf the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
RThe
Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer219
Driving and parking
Z