2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV headlamp

Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you drive with the lights switched on
even during the daytime. In some countries,
operation of the headlamps varies due to legal
requirements and self-imposed obligations.
Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options
Exterior lighting can be set using:
Rthe light switch
Rthe combination switch (Ypage 113)
Rthe on-board computer (Ypage 239)
Light switch
Operation
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps
2XRight-hand standing lamps
3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4cAutomatic headlamp mode, controlled
by the light sensor
5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps
BRRear fog lamp
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to c.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/stand-
ing lamps) switches off automatically if you:
Rremove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
Ropen the driver's door with the SmartKey in
position 0in the ignition lock
Automatic headlamp mode
c is the favored light switch position. The
light setting is automatically selected according
to the brightness of the ambient light (excep-
tion: poor visibility due to weather conditions
such as fog, snow or spray):
RSmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock: the
parking lamps are switched on/off automat-
ically depending on the brightness of the
ambient light.
RWith the engine running (USA only): if you
have switched on the Daytime Running
Lightsfunction in the on-board computer,
the daytime running lamps or the parking
lamps and low-beam headlamps are switched
on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp mode:
turn the light switch to c.
GWARNING
When the light switch is set to Ã, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
L.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid.
The driver is responsible for the vehicle's light-
ing at all times.
Canada only:
The daytime running lamps improve the visibility
of your vehicle during the day. The daytime run-
ning lamps function is required by law in Can-
ada. It cannot therefore be deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from a
drive position to P, the daytime running lamps/
low-beam headlamps go out after three
minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is sta-
tionary and in bright ambient light: if you turn the
light switch to the Tposition, the daytime
running lamps and parking lamps switch on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take prec-
edence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
112Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

The daytime running lamps improve the visibility
of your vehicle during the day. To do this, the
daytime running lamps function must be
switched on using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 239).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to TorL, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detect that it is
dark, the parking lamps and low-beam head-
lamps switch on when the ignition is switched on and the light switch is set to the Lposition.
This is a particularly useful function in the event
of rain and fog.
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to posi- tion 2or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L.
The green Lindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of thick
fog. Please take note of the country-specific
regulations for the use of rear fog lamps.
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2or
start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to Lorc .
XPress the Rbutton.
The yellow Rindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow Rindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Parking lamps
!If the battery charge is very low, the parking
lamps or standing lamps are automatically
switched off to enable the next engine start.
Always park your vehicle safely and in a well lit
area, in accordance with the relevant legal
stipulations. Avoid using the Tparking
lamps over a period of several hours. If pos-
sible, switch on the right-hand Xor left-
hand W standing lamps.
XTo switch on: turn the light switch to T.
The green Tindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Standing lamps
Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is illuminated.
XTo switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey should not be in the ignition lock or
it should be in position 0.
XTurn the light switch toW(left-hand side of
the vehicle) or X(right-hand side of the
vehicle).
Vehicles towing a trailer: both the right-hand
and left-hand standing lamps (tail lamps) are
always illuminated on the trailer.
Combination switch
:High-beam headlamps
;Turn signal, right
=High-beam flasher
?Turn signal, left
XTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ;or?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction of
arrow ;or?.
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the light switch to LorÃ.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :.
In the Ãposition, the high-beam head-
lamps are only switched on when it is dark and
the engine is running.
Exterior lighting113
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

The blueKindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam head-
lamps: move the combination switch back to
its normal position.
The blue Kindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist: if
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is activated, it auto-
matically controls activation and deactivation of
the high-beam headlamps (
Ypage 115).
Hazard warning lamps
XTo switch on the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on a
turn signal using the combination switch, only
the turn signal lamp on the corresponding
side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
The hazard warning lamps automatically switch
on if:
Ran air bag is deployed or
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a speed
of above 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes to a
standstill
The hazard warning lamps switch off automati-
cally if the vehicle reaches a speed of above
6 mph (10 km/h) again after a full brake appli-
cation.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if the
ignition is switched off.
Intelligent Light System
General notes
The Intelligent Light System is a system that
adjusts the headlamps automatically to suit the
prevailing driving and weather conditions. It
offers advanced functions for improved illumi-
nation of the road surface, e.g. depending on the
vehicle speed or weather conditions. The sys-
tem includes the active light function, cornering
light function, highway mode and extended
range fog lamps. The system is only active when
it is dark.
You can activate or deactivate the "Intelligent
Light System" using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 239).
Active light function
The active light function is a system that moves
the headlamps according to the steering move-
ments of the front wheels. In this way, relevant
areas remain illuminated while driving. This
allows you to identify pedestrians, cyclists and
animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the illu-
mination of the road over a wide angle in the
direction you are turning, enabling better visi-
bility in tight bends, for example. It can only be
activated when the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
Active:
Rif you are driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h) and switch on the turn signal or
turn the steering wheel
Rif you are driving at speeds between 25 mph
(40 km/h) and 45 mph (70 km/h) and turn
the steering wheel
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time, but is automatically switched off after no
more than three minutes.
Highway mode
Highway mode increases the range of the beam.
Active: if you are driving at a speed above
110 km/h and do not make any large steering
movements for at least 1,000 m or if you are
driving at a speed above 130 km/h.
114Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Not active:if you are driving at speeds below
80 km/h following activation.
Extended range fog lamps
The extended range fog lamps reduce the glare
experienced by the driver and improve the illu-
mination of the edge of the road.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
40 mph (70 km/h) and you switch on the rear
fog lamp.
Not active: if, following activation, you are driv-
ing at speeds above 60 mph (100 km/h) or if you switch off the rear fog lamp
Off-road lights
The off-road lights facilitate the early recogni-
tion of objects/obstacles when driving off-road
thanks to a symmetrical, wider and brighter dis- tribution of light from the low-beam headlamps.
Active: when driving at speeds no faster than
30 mph (50 km/h) and the off-road program
selector wheel is in position 1 or 2.
Not active: when driving at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
When the off-road lights are switched on, the
cornering light function is permanently activa-
ted, the active light function is deactivated and
the headlamp range control is set to static
mode.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the illu-
mination of the road over a wide angle in the
direction you are turning, enabling better visi-
bility in tight bends, for example. It can only be
activated when the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
Active:
Rif you are driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h) and switch on the turn signal or
turn the steering wheel
Rif you are driving at speeds between 25 mph
(40 km/h) and 45 mph (70 km/h) and turn
the steering wheel
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time, but is automatically switched off after no
more than three minutes.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
General notes
You can use this function to set the headlamps
to change between low beam and high beam
automatically. The system recognizes vehicles
with their lights on, either approaching from the
opposite direction or traveling in front of your
vehicle, and consequently switches the head-
lamps from high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-beam
headlamp range depending on the distance to
the other vehicle. Once the system no longer
detects any other vehicles, it reactivates the
high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control panel.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Adaptive Highbeam Assist does not recognize
road users:
Rwho have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
Rwho have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
Rwhose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier
On very rare occasions, Adaptive Highbeam
Assist may fail to recognize other road users
that have lights, or may recognize them too
late. In this, or in similar situations, the auto-
matic high-beam headlamps will not be deac-
tivated or will be activated regardless. There is a risk of an accident.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for adjusting the vehicle's lighting
to the prevailing light, visibility and traffic con-
ditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rpoor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or
snow
Rdirt on the sensors or the sensors are
obscured
Exterior lighting115
Lights and windshield wiper s
Z

Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
on/off
XTo switch on:turn the light switch to Ã.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :.
The _ indicator lamp in the multifunction
display lights up when it is dark and the light
sensor activates the low-beam headlamps.
If you are driving at speeds above approx-
imately 16 mph (25 km/h):
The headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the vehi-
cle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above approx-
imately 19 mph (30 km/h) and no other road
users have been detected:
The high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The Kindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below approx-
imately 16 mph (25 km/h) or other road users have been detected or the roads are ade-
quately lit:
The high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The Kindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The _indi-
cator lamp in the multifunction display
remains lit.
XTo switch off: move the combination switch
back to its normal position or move the light
switch to another position.
The _ indicator lamp in the multifunction
display goes out.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
Certain climatic and physical conditions may
cause moisture to form in the headlamp. This
moisture does not affect the functionality of the
headlamp.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
:
p Switches the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off
;c Switches the front interior lighting on
=vSwitches the rear interior lighting on/
off
?| Switches the front interior lighting/
automatic interior lighting control off
Ap Switches the right-hand front reading
lamp on/off
BSwitches the automatic interior lighting con-
trol on
Rear overhead control panel (second row of seats)
:
To switch the reading lamp on/off
116Interior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Rear overhead control panel (thirdrow of seats)
:
Readin glamp
Interior lighting control
General notes
In order to prevent the veh icle's battery fr om
disc harg ing, the interior lighting functions are
automatical lydeactivated after some time
except whentheSmartKey is in posi tion2in the
igniti on loc k.
The co lorand brightne ss for the ambient lighting
may beset via the multimedia system (see the
separate operating ins tructions).
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on:set the switch to center posi-
tion B.
XToswitch off: set theswitch to the |
posi tion.
The interior lighting automatical ly switcheson if
you:
Runlo ck the veh icle
Ropenadoor
Rremove the SmartKey fr omthe igniti on lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when theSmartKey isremoved fr omthe igniti on
loc k.This delayed switch-off can beadjusted via
the multimedia system; see the separate oper-
ati ng ins tructions.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically if
the vehicle isinv olv ed inan accident.
XTo switch off the crash- responsiveemer-
gency lighting:press the hazard warn ing
lamp butto n.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
Sm artKey.
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with LED
headlamps)
The fr ont and rear light clusters ofyour vehicle
are equipp edwit h LED bulbs. Do not replace the
vehicle's bulbs yourself. Contact a qualified spe-
cialist workshop which has the necessary spe-
cialist kn owledge and to olsto carry out the work
required.
Lamps are animportant aspect ofvehicle safety.
You must therefore make sure that these func-
tion correctly at all times. Have the headlamp
setting checked regularly.
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halo-
gen headlamps)
Important safety notes
GWARNIN G
Bulb s, lamps and co nnectors can get very hot
when oper ating.If you change a bulb,you
could burn yourself onthese co mponent s.
There is a risk ofinjury.
Allow these co mponent s to cool down before
changing a bulb.
Do no t use a bulb if it has been dro pped orif its
glass tube has been scratched.
The bulb may explode if:
Ryou touchit
Ritis hot
Ryou drop it
Ryou scratch it
Use bulbs only in closed lamps that have been
designed for this purpose. Only install spare
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halogen headlamps)117
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

bulbs of the same type and the specified volt-
age.
Marks on the glass tube reduce the service life
of the bulbs. Do not touch the glass tube with
your bare hands. If necessary, clean the glass
tube when cold with alcohol or spirit and rub it
off with a lint-free cloth.
Protect bulbs from moisture during operation.
Do not allow bulbs to come into contact with
liquids.
Replace only the bulbs listed (
Ypage 118).
Have the bulbs that you cannot replace yourself
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance replacing bulbs, con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
Headlamps and lights are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times. Have
the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Overview of bulb replacement - bulb
types
You can replace the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend.
Halogen headlamps
:
Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 W
;High-beam headlamp: H7 55 W
=Turn signal: W 5 W BV
Removing and installing the cover in
the front wheel housing
You must remove the cover from the front wheel
housing before you can change the front bulbs.
XTo remove: switch off the lights.
XTurn the front wheel inwards.
XRemove securing pin ;using a suitable tool.
XSlide cover :up and remove it.
XTo install: insert cover :again and slide it
down until it engages.
XInsert securing pin ;.
Low-beam headlamps
XRemove the cover in the front wheel housing
(Ypage 118).
XTurn housing cover:counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XTurn bulb holder ;counter-clockwise and
pull out.
XPull the bulb out of bulb holder ;.
XInsert new bulb into bulb holder ;.
XInsert bulb holder;and turn it clockwise.
118Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halogen headlamps)
Lights and windshield wipers

XPress on housing cover:and turn it to the
right.
XReplace the cover in the front wheel housing
(Ypage 118).
High-beam headlamps
XSwitch off the lights.
XOpen the hood.
XTurn housing cover :counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XPull lever =upwards and remove bulb
holder ;.
XRemove the bulb from bulb holder ;.
XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.
XSimultaneously press on bulb holder ;and
pull lever =downwards.
XPress on housing cover :and turn it clock-
wise.
Turn signals
XSwitch off the lights.
XOpen the hood.
XTurn housing cover :counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XTurn bulb holder ;counter-clockwise and
pull out.
XPull the bulb out of bulb holder ;.
XInsert new bulb into bulb holder ;.
XInsert bulb holder;and turn it clockwise.
XPress on housing cover :and turn it to the
right.
Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers
on/off
!
Do not operate the windshield wipers when
the windshield is dry, as this could damage
the wiper blades. Moreover, dust that has col-
lected on the windshield can scratch the glass
if wiping takes place when the windshield is
dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always use
washer fluid when operating the windshield
wipers.
!If the windshield wipers leave smears on the
windshield after the vehicle has been washed
in an automatic car wash, wax or other resi-
dues may be the reason for this. Clean the
windshield using washer fluid after washing
the vehicle in an automatic car wash.
!Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due to
optical influences and the windshield becom-
ing dirty in dry weather conditions, the wind-
shield wipers may be activated inadvertently.
This could then damage the windshield wiper
blades or scratch the windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch off
the windshield wipers in dry weather.
Windshield wipers119
Lights and windshield wipers
Z