2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS sunroof

If somebody becomes trapped: R
release the switch immediately, or R
during automatic operation, push the
switch briefly in any direction
The opening or closing procedure will be stop-
ped.
G WARNING
If children operate the sliding sunroof they
could become trapped, particularly if they are
left unsupervised. There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! Only open the sliding sunroof if it is free of
snow and ice. Otherwise, malfunctions may
occur.
Do not allow anything to protrude from the
sliding sunroof. Otherwise, the seals could be
damaged.
! The weather can change abruptly. It could
start to rain or snow. Make sure that the slid-
ing sunroof is closed when you leave the vehi-
cle. The vehicle electronics can be damaged if
water enters the vehicle interior.
Resonance noises can occur in addition to the
usual airflow noises when the sliding sunroof is
open. They are caused by minor pressure fluc-
tuations in the vehicle interior. Change the posi-
tion of the sliding sunroof or open a side win-
dow. The noise will be reduced or eliminated.
Sliding sunroof reversing feature Your vehicle may be equipped with a sliding
sunroof or a panorama roof with power tilt/slid-
ing panel. In the following section, the term
"sliding sunroof" refers to both sliding sunroof
variants.
The sliding sunroof is equipped with an auto-
matic reversing feature. If a solid object blocks
or restricts the sliding sunroof during the closing
process, the sliding sunroof opens again auto-
matically. However, the automatic reversing
feature is only an aid and does not relieve you of
the responsibility of paying attention when clos-
ing the sliding sunroof. G WARNING
The reversing feature does not react: R
to soft, light and thin objects, e.g. small fin-
gers R
over the last 1/6 in (4 mm) of the closing
movement R
during resetting R
when closing the sliding sunroof again man-
ually immediately after automatic reversing
This means that the reversing feature cannot
prevent someone being trapped in these sit-
uations. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure.
If somebody becomes trapped: R
release the switch immediately, or R
press the switch in any direction during the
automatic closing process
The closing process is stopped.
Operating the sliding sunroof
Opening and closing
C
To raise
D
To open

You can stop automatic operation by pressing/
pulling the switch again.
When opening and raising the roof, automatic
operation is only available if the sliding sunroof
is in the closed position.
The sun protection cover automatically opens
along with the sliding sunroof. You can open or
close the sun protection cover manually when
the sliding sunroof is raised or closed.
You can continue to operate the sliding sunroof
after switching off the engine or removing the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. This function is
available for up to five minutes or until the driv-
er's or front-passenger door is opened.
Resetting
! If the sliding sunroof still cannot be opened
or closed fully after resetting, contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Reset the sliding sunroof if it does not move
smoothly. X
Turn the SmartKey to position G or H in the
ignition lock. X
Raise the sliding sunroof fully at the rear
( Y
page 93).X
Keep the V switch pressed for another
second. X
Make sure that the sliding sunroof can be fully
opened and closed again ( Y
page 93).X
If this is not the case, repeat the steps above. Operating the panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel
Opening and closing
C
To raise D
To open

X
Keep the V switch pulled for an additional
second. X
Make sure that the panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel and the roller sunblinds can
be fully opened again. X
If this is not the case, repeat the steps above.
Problems with the sliding sunroof Your vehicle may be equipped with a sliding sunroof or a panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel. In the following section, the term "sliding sunroof" refers to both sliding sunroof variants.
G WARNING
If you close the sliding sunroof again immediately after it has been blocked or reset, the sliding
sunroof closes with increased or maximum force. The reversing feature is then not active. Parts
of the body could be trapped in the closing area in the process. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Make sure that no parts of the body are in the closing area.
If somebody becomes trapped: R
release the switch immediately, or R
press the switch in any direction during the automatic closing process
The closing process is stopped.
! If the sliding sunroof still cannot be opened or closed as a result of a malfunction, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The sliding sunroof can-
not be closed and you
cannot see the cause. If the sliding sunroof is obstructed during closing and reopens again
slightly: X
Immediately after the sliding sunroof blocks, pull the V switch in
the overhead control panel down to the point of resistance and hold
it until the sliding sunroof is closed.
The sliding sunroof is closed with increased force.
If the sliding sunroof is obstructed again during closing and then
reopens slightly: X
Immediately after the sliding sunroof blocks, pull the V switch in
the overhead control panel down to the point of resistance and hold
it until the sliding sunroof is closed.
The sliding sunroof is closed without the automatic reversing fea-
ture.96
Sliding sunroof
Opening and closing

ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
General notes Vehicles with a gasoline engine: the catalytic
converter is preheated for up to 30 seconds
after a cold start. The sound of the engine may
change during this time.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position ]
( Y
page 148).
The transmission position indicator on the
multifunction display shows ]
( Y
page 149).
i You can start the engine in transmission
position ] and \\ .
Starting procedure with the SmartKey X
To start a diesel engine: turn the SmartKey
to position H in the ignition lock
( Y
page 140).
The \( preglow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. X
Turn the SmartKey to position I in the igni-
tion lock ( Y
page 140) and release it as soon
as the engine is running.
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: you can
start the engine without preglow if the engine
is warm.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine The Start/Stop button can be used to start the
vehicle without inserting the SmartKey into the
ignition lock. The Start/Stop button must be
inserted in the ignition lock and the SmartKey
must be in the vehicle. This mode for starting the
engine operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine start function. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Press the Start/Stop button once
( Y
page 140).
Vehicles with a gasoline engine: the engine
starts.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: preglow is
activated and the engine starts.
Starting procedure via smartphone Observe the important safety notes on starting
the engine ( Y
page 141).
You can also start your engine via your smart-
phone from outside the vehicle. In this case, the
previously selected climate control setting is
activated. In this way you can cool or heat the
interior of the vehicle before starting the jour-
ney.
Only start the engine via your smartphone if it is
safe to start and run the engine where your vehi-
cle is parked.
Observe the legal stipulations in the area where
your vehicle is parked. Engine start via smart-
phone may be limited to certain countries or
regions.
You can execute a maximum of two consecutive
starting attempts via your smartphone. If you
insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock, you
can carry out two more starting attempts.
Once you have started the engine, you can
switch the engine off via your smartphone at any
time.
You can only start the engine via your smart-
phone if: R
the SmartKey is in the ignition lock R
park position ] is selectedR
the accelerator pedal is not depressed R
the anti-theft alarm system is not activated R
the panic alarm is not activated R
the hazard warning lamps are switched off R
the hood is closed R
the doors are closed and locked R
the windows and sliding sunroof are closed
Also make sure that: R
the fuel tank is sufficiently filled R
the starter battery is sufficiently charged142
Driving
Driving and parking

Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of
your vehicle and the gear shift operation before
driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving: R
the Off-road drive program (vehicles without
Off-Road Engineering package)
( Y
page 219) R
Off-road and Off-road Plus drive programs
(vehicles with Off-Road Engineering package)
( Y
page 220) R
LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with the
Off-Road Engineering package)
( Y
page 221) R
Differential lock (vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package) ( Y
page 221)R
Off-road ABS ( Y
page 67)R
Off-road 4ETS ( Y
page 70)R
Off-road ESP ®
( Y
page 71)R
AIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
( Y
page 188) R
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y
page 218)
Observe the following notes: R
Stop the vehicle before starting to drive along
an off-road route. If necessary, select the off-
road program ( Y
page 220) or shift to the
LOW RANGE off-road gear ( Y
page 221).R
Select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance. R
Check that items of cargo and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
( Y
page 305). R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate
DSR ( Y
page 218).R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving down an incline. R
Adapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be. R
Do not jump with the vehicle as this will inter-
rupt the vehicle's propulsion. R
Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road
routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea-
sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey
the off-road route. R
Look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows. R
Take care when turning on an uphill or down-
hill slope or when driving across a slope. The
vehicle could otherwise tip over. R
Always keep the doors, the tailgate, the side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed while
the vehicle is in motion. R
Do not shift the automatic transmission to
position \\ . R
Observe the notes on off-road fording
( Y
page 169).
i Information about retrofitting special all-ter-
rain tires is available from any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i Do not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-
faces.
Checklist before driving off-road
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a
safe place as soon as possible. Check the
engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp
warning must not be ignored. Continuing the
journey while the symbol is displayed could
lead to engine damage. X
Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the engine
oil level must be sufficiently high to ensure a
correct oil supply in the vehicle. X
DEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
level and add if necessary ( Y
page 158).X
Tire-changing tool kit: check that the jack is
working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle. X
Wheels and tires: check the tread depth and
pressure of the tires. X
Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/
tires. X
Replace any missing valve caps. X
Replace dented or damaged wheels. X
Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss
of tire pressure and damage the tire bead. Driving tips 171
Driving and parking Z

Roof carrier
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use roof carriers that have been tested and
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain damage
even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ensure
that when the roof carrier is installed you can: R
raise the sliding sunroof fully R
open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully R
open the tailgate fully
You will find information on the maximum roof
load in the "Technical data" section
( Y
page 392).
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof load
may become detached from the vehicle. You
must therefore ensure that you observe the roof
carrier manufacturer's installation instructions.
Attaching the roof carrier X
Secure the roof carrier to roof rails C . In
doing so, observe the manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior
and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of
an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction. R
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations. R
Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets. R
Ensure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey. R
Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300).
! Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The drinks
could otherwise spill.
! Do not expose drinks bottles in the cup
holder in the center console to continuous,
strong and direct sunlight. The passenger
compartment in the area of the center con-
sole can otherwise be damaged by the con-
centrated and reflected sunlight.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the tem-
perature-controlled cup hol der ( Y
page 309).
Otherwise, the KEYLESS-GO key will not be rec-
ognized.308
Features
Stowage and features

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD
function in the following or similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that: R
the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed. R
that the blower of the ventilation/heating
system is switched off (OFF button has
been pressed). R
the windshield wiper switch is at position
Z .
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission is
in transmission position \\ ; otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged. R
Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door or
front-passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position ] auto-
matically and locks the wheels. You can
prevent this by shifting the automatic trans-
mission to \\ beforehand.R
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position ] auto-
matically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position \\ :X
Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off. X
Turn the SmartKey to position in the ignition
lock H ( Y
page 140).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
\\ . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on t he windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all countries
concerned. X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight. X
Use a soft sponge to clean. X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz. X
Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water. X
Do not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets. X
Use plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently. X
Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois. X
Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
G WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately. Care 331
Maintenance and care Z