2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV tow bar

Labeling (overview) ........................ 361
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 366
Load index .....................................363
Load index (definition) ................... 365
M+S tires ....................................... 348
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 365
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 365
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................3 65
Maximum tire load ......................... 363
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 365
MOExtended tires .......................... 348
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 366
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................3 65
Replacing ....................................... 366
Service life ..................................... 347
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 366
Snow chains .................................. 348
Speed rating (definition) ................ 365
Storing ...........................................3 67
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 364
Summer tires in winter .................. 348
Temperature .................................. 360
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 366
Tire bead (definition) ......................3 65
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 365
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 364
Tire size (data) ............................... 371
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 361
Tire tread ....................................... 347
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 365
Total load limit (definition) ............. 366
Traction ......................................... 360
Traction (definition) ....................... 366
Tread wear ..................................... 360
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweig ht) (
definition) ................. 366
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 359
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 364 Wear indicator (definition) ............. 366
Wheel and tire combination ........... 371
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 364
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 343
Important safety notes .................. 341
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 387
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 329
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 225
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 226
Driving tips .................................... 222
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 68
Important safety notes .................. 221
Installing the ball coupling ............. 223
Lights display message .................. 256
Mounting dimensions .................... 387
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC .......... 190
Power supply ................................. 227
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 141
Removing the ball coupling ............ 227
Trailer loads ................................... 387
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 341
Installing the towing eye ................ 342
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 343
Removing the towing eye ............... 342
Transporting the vehicle ................ 343
With both axles on the ground ....... 342
Towing eye ......................................... 331
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 264
Function/notes ............................. 206
Important safety notes .................. 206
Instrument cluster display ............. 206
Trailer coupling
see Towing a traile r
Trai

ler loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 227
22Index

Trailer towingActive Blind Spot Assist ................. 213
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 215
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 209
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 227
Transfer case ..................................... 153
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 148
Transporting the vehicle .................. 343
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 171
Driving downhill ............................. 172
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ...............................................1 71
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................3 30
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 32
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 232
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 233
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 256
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 119
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 376
Installation ..................................... 376
Transmission output (maximum) .... 376
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 366
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) .......241 USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ............................................... 292
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........304
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 270
Equipment ....................................... 26
Individual settings .......................... 238
Limited Warranty .............................3 0
Loading .......................................... 356
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 74
Lowering ........................................ 370
Maintenance .................................... 27
Operating safety .............................. 28
Parking .......................................... 159
Parking for a long period ................ 162
Pulling away ................................... 141
Raising ........................................... 368
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 367
Towing away .................................. 341
Transporting .................................. 343
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 74
Vehicle data ................................... 384
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 384
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 386
Fording depth ................................ 385
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 386
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 384
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 377
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 188
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 261
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 331
Index23

Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
Sport mode ensures even better contact with
the road. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads.
XPress button:repeatedly until indicator
lamp =lights up.
You have selected Sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension setting in
Sport + mode ensures the best possible contact
with the road. Select this mode only when driv-
ing on race circuits.
If indicator lamps ;and =are off:
XPress button :repeatedly until indicator
lamp ;lights up.
You have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemSPORT +mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
In "Sport +" mode, the vehicle is lowered by
10 mm compared to the normal level.
Comfort mode
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of
your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this
mode if you favor a more comfortable driving
style, but also when driving fast on straight
roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button :repeatedly until indicator
lamps ;and =go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemCOMFORTmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasound. It monitors the area
around your vehicle using six sensors in the
front bumper and six sensors in the rear
bumper. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC visually
and audibly indicates the distance between your
vehicle and an object.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is
not a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking and
exiting a parking space. When maneuvering,
parking or pulling out of a parking space, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are maneuver-
ing.
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such as
flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC
does not detect such objects when they are in
the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck
or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC
to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
!Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow
hitch is not required. PARKTRONIC measures
the minimum detection range to an obstacle
from the bumper, not the ball coupling.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated for
the rear area when you establish an electrical
connection between your vehicle and a trailer.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is activated auto-
matically when you:
Rswitch on the ignition
Rshift the transmission to position D,Ror N
Rrelease the electric parking brake
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated at
speeds above 11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactiva-
ted at lower speeds.
190Driving systems
Driving and parking

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 328).
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.
198Driving 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 systems203
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.
204Driving 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 387).
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.
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.
222Towing 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 364).
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 190)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 207)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 213)
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 387).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 68) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 141).
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 387). 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 trailer223
Driving an d parking
Z