2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV maintenance

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
We urge you to read this Operator's Manual
carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehi-
cle before driving. For your own safety and a
longer vehicle life, follow the instructions and
warning notices in this Operator's Manual.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the
vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow
instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
RModel
ROrder
RCountry specification
RAvailability
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right to
introduce changes in the following areas:
RDesign
REquipment
RTechnical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and
illustrations.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
RDigital Operator's Manual
RPrinted Operator's Manual
RMaintenance Booklet
REquipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. If you sell the vehicle, always pass all
documents on to the new owner.
Your Operator's Manual:
Digital form inside the vehicle
The Digital Operator's Manual provides
comprehensive and specifically adapted
information on your vehicle's equipment
and multimedia system. It contains infor-
mative animations, individual language
settings and an intuitive search function.
Booklet inside the vehicle
In addition to this manual and the afore-
mentioned digital media, you also have the
option to obtain a comprehensive printed
version of the Supplement for your multi-
media system from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Digital form via the Internet
The Operator's Manual on the Internet pro-
vides easy access to all information
regarding your vehicle and multimedia sys-
tem. It also provides helpful animations,
interesting background information and a
wide array of search options.
Digital form as an App
Using the Mercedes-Benz Guides App, you
can view all the information on your vehicle
and multimedia system via mobile Internet
or download it independently of network
access. Available for smartphones or tab-
lets.
You can also use the Mercedes-Benz Guides
App:
Please note that the Mercedes-Benz Guides App
may not yet be available in your country.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company
1665844305
É1665844305dËÍ

Index....................................................... 4
Introduction......................................... 25
Protecting the environment .................. .25
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .25
Operator's Manual ................................. 26
Service and vehicle operation ................2 6
Operating safety .................................... 28
QR codes for the rescue card ................3 0
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 30
Information on copyright ....................... 32
At a glance ........................................... 33
Cockpit .................................................. 33
Instrument cluster ................................. 34
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 35
Center console ...................................... 36
Overhead control panel .........................3 9
Door control panel ................................. 40
Safety ................................................... 41
Panic alarm ............................................ 41
Occupant safety .................................... 41
Children in the vehicle ........................... 57
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 62
Driving safety systems ........................... 63
Protection against theft .........................7 2
Opening and closing...........................74
SmartKey ............................................... 74
Doors ..................................................... 80
Cargo compartment .............................. .81
Side windows ......................................... 85
Sliding sunroof ....................................... 89
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....94
Correct driver's seat position ................ 94
Seats ..................................................... 94
Steering wheel ..................................... 105
Mirrors ................................................. 107
Memory function ................................. 110
Lights and windshield wipers ..........112
Exterior lighting ................................... 112 Interior lighting .................................... 116
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with LED
headlamps) .......................................... 117
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halo-
gen headlamps) ................................... 117
Windshield wipers ................................ 119
Climate control
................................. 123
Overview of climate control systems ... 123
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 129
Setting the air vents ............................ 134
Driving and parking ..........................137
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 137
Driving ................................................. 137
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............... 145
Automatic transmission ....................... 146
Refueling ............................................. 153
Parking ................................................ 159
Driving tips .......................................... 162
Driving systems ................................... 172
Towing a trailer .................................... 221
On-board computer and displays ....229
Important safety notes ........................ 229
Displays and operation ........................ 229
Menus and submenus ......................... 232
Display messages ................................ 243
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 274
Multimedia system ...........................287
General notes ...................................... 287
Important safety notes ........................ 287
Function restrictions ............................ 287
Operating system ................................ 288
Stowage and features ......................294
Stowage areas ..................................... 294
Features .............................................. 302
Maintenance and care ......................319
Engine compartment ........................... 319
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 323
2Contents

Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 387
B
Back button ...................................... .288
Bag hook ............................................ 299
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 223
Removing ....................................... 227
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 77
Important safety notes .................... 77
Replacing ......................................... 77
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 338
Display message ............................ 258
Important safety notes .................. 336
Jump starting ................................. 338
Overview ........................................ 336
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 238
Display message ............................ 265
Notes/function .............................. 207
Trailer towing ................................. 209
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Blootooth
®
Connecting a different mobile
phone ............................................ 292
BlueTEC
Adding DEF ....................................1 56
BlueTEC (DEF) ....................................3 81
Bluetooth
®
Searching for a mobile phone ........2 91
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................2 87
Telephony ...................................... 290
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 250
Notes ............................................. 382
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 256
Brakes
ABS ..................................................6 3
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 65
BAS .................................................. 64
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 382
Display message ............................ 245
High-performance brake system .... 166
Hill start assist ............................... 141
Impo
rtant safety notes .................. 164
Maintenance .................................. 165
Parking brake ................................ 160
Riding tips ...................................... 164
Warning lamp ................................. 276
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 331
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 34
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 26
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 328
Car wash ........................................ 324
Carpets .......................................... 330
Display ........................................... 329
Exhaust pipe .................................. 328
Exterior lights ................................ 327
Gear or selector lever .................... 329
Interior ........................................... 329
Matte finish ................................... 326
Notes ............................................. 324
Paint .............................................. 326
Plastic trim .................................... 329
Power washer ................................ 325
Rear view camera .......................... 328
6Index

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

systems, e.g. the brake system. Use only genu-
ine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal qual-ity. Only use tires, wheels and accessories that
have been specifically approved for your vehi-
cle.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Every part has been spe-
cifically developed, manufactured or selected
for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
should be used.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain
a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In addition,
strategically located parts delivery centers pro-
vide quick and reliable parts service.
Always specify the vehicle identification number
(VIN) when ordering genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts (
Ypage 377).
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment
i
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of going to
print. Country-specific differences are possi-
ble. Bear in mind that your vehicle may not
feature all functions described here. This also applies to safety-relevant systems and func-
tions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase contract documentation
for your vehicle contains a list of all the systems
in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and Maintenance Book-
let are important documents and should be kept
in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Warranty
The Limited Warranty for your vehicle applies in
accordance with the warranty terms and condi-
tions in the Service and Warranty Information
booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair all factory-installed parts in
accordance with the following warranty terms
and conditions:
RNew Vehicle Limited Warranty
REmission System Warranty
REmission Performance Warranty
RCalifornia, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
and Vermont Emission Control System War-
ranty
RState warranty enforcement laws (lemon
laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories
warranties. These are available at any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iShould you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a replace-
ment. The new Service and Warranty Infor-
mation booklet will be posted to you.
Information for customers in Califor-
nia
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a reason-
able number of repair attempts Mercedes-Benz
USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service
facilities fail to fix one or more substantial
defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are
covered by its express warranty.
During the period of 18 months from original
delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of
18,000 miles (approximately 29,000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first,
a reasonable number of repair attempts is pre-
sumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more
of the following occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a condition that is likely to cause
26Introduction

death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is
driven, that defect or malfunction has been
subject to repair two or more times, and you
have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC in writing of the need for its repair.
(2) the same substantial defect or malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1)
has been subject to repair four or more
times and you have directly notified
Mercedes-Benz in writing of the need for its
repair.
(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes all
the necessary maintenance work which should
be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty Booklet
with you when you bring the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The service
advisor will record every service for you in the
Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram offers technical help in the event of a
breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assis-
tance Hotline are answered by our agents 24
hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100(Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program
brochure (USA) or the "Roadside Assistance"
section in the Service and Warranty Booklet
(Canada). You will find both in the vehicle docu-
ment wallet.
Change of address or change of own-
ership
In the event of a change of address, please send us the "Notification of Address Change" in the
Service and Warranty Booklet or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in contact-
ing you in a timely manner should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all liter-
ature in the vehicle so that it is available to the
next owner.
If you have purchased a used car, please send us
the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" in the
Service and Warranty Booklet or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
When you are abroad with your vehicle, observe
the following points:
RService facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
RLead-free fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
can cause damage to the catalytic converter.
RThe fuel may have a considerably lower
octane number. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available for
delivery in Europe through our European Deliv-
ery Program. For details, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or write to one of the
following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Introduction27
Z

Sports Utility Vehicle
GWARNING
Due to the high center of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and roll over in the event of
an abrupt steering maneuver and/or when
the vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road
conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll-
over rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe
or fatal injury.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is signif-
icantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should always
wear your seat belts.
Operating safety
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other net-
worked components. In particular, systems
relevant to safety could also be affected. As a
result, these may no longer function as inten-
ded and/or jeopardize the operating safety of
the vehicle. There is an increased risk of an
accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as elec-
tronic components or their software. You
should have all work to electrical and elec-
tronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
!There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road
Ryou drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb, speed bumps or a pothole in the road
Ra heavy object strikes the underbody or
parts of the chassis
In situations like this, the body, the under-
body, chassis parts, wheels or tires could be
damaged without the damage being visible.
Components damaged in this way can unex-
pectedly fail or, in the case of an accident, no longer withstand the strain they are designed
to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged, com-
bustible materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs can gather between the underbody and
the underbody paneling. If these materials
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaustsystem, they can catch fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle checked
and repaired immediately at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. If on continuing your jour-
ney you notice that driving safety is impaired,
pull over and stop the vehicle immediately,
paying attention to road and traffic condi-
tions. In such cases, consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Declarations of conformity
USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle com-
ply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the two following two conditions: 1)
28Introduction

These devices may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and 2) These devices must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation. Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment."
Canada:"The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) These devices may
not cause interference, and (2) These devices
must accept any interference, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation of
the device."
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended for
the connection of diagnostic equipment at a
qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of vehicle systems. As a result, the
operating safety of the vehicle could be affec-
ted. There is a risk of an accident.
Only connect equipment to a diagnostics con-
nection in the vehicle, which is approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
GWARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
!If the engine is switched off and equipment
on the diagnostics connection is used, the
starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics con-
nection can lead to emissions monitoring infor- mation being reset, for example. This may lead
to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements of
the next emissions test during the main inspec-
tion.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a quali-
fied specialist workshop. It has the necessary
specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to
correctly carry out the work required on your
vehicle. This is especially the case for work rel-
evant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance Booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
Rwork relevant to safety
Rservice and maintenance work
Rrepair work
Ralterations, installation work and modifica-
tions
Rwork on electronic components
Correct use
If you remove any warning stickers, you or oth-
ers could fail to recognize certain dangers.
Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when driving
your vehicle:
Rthe safety notes in this manual
Rthe vehicle technical data
Rtraffic rules and regulations
Rlaws and safety standards pertaining to motor
vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immedi-
ately to have the problem diagnosed and recti-
fied. If the problem is not resolved to your sat-
isfaction, please discuss the problem again with
the Mercedes-Benz Center or, if necessary, con-
tact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Introduction29
Z