2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS Owners Manual

Mounting dimensions .................... 395
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ......... .1 92
Power supply ................................. 230
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 143
Removing the ball coupling ............ 229
Trailer loads ................................... 395
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 349
Installing the towing eye ................ 350
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 351
Removing the towing eye .............. .3 50
Transporting the vehicle ................ 351
With both axles on the ground ....... 350
Towing eye ......................................... 339
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 92
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-
ing function ................................... .2 41
Display message ............................ 268
Function/notes ............................ .2 08
Important safety notes .................. 209
Instrument cluster display ............. 209
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 229
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 215
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 218
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 211
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 229
Transfer case ..................................... 155
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 149
Transporting the vehicle .................. 351
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 174
Driving downhill ............................ .1 74
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 173
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ................................................. .3 36 Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 36
Trip odometer
Calling up ................................... .... 236
R es
etting (on-board computer) ...... 237
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 260
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 122
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 384
Installation ..................................... 384
Transmission output (maximum) .... 384
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 374
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 83
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 245
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ............................................... 299
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 310
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 31
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 275
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings .......................... 243
Limited Warranty ............................. 32
Loading .......................................... 364
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 84
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 378
Maintenance .................................... 29
Operating safety .............................. 30 Index 23

Parking .......................................... 161
Parking for a long period ............... .1 64
Pulling away ................................... 143
Raising .......................................... .3 76
Reporting problems ......................... 31
Securing from rolling away ............ 375
Towing away .................................. 349
Transporting .................................. 351
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 84
Unlocking (SmartKey) ..................... .7 7
Vehicle data ................................... 392
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 392
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 394
Fording depth ................................ 393
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 394
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 392
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 84
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 385
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 190
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 265
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 339
Video
Operating the DVD ........................ .2 39
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 92
VIN ...................................................... 385
Seat ............................................... 386
Type plate ...................................... 385
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 282
Brakes .......................................... .2 81
Coolant .......................................... 288
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 290
Distance warning ........................... 290
Engine diagnostics ......................... 288
ESP ®
.............................................. 284
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 285
Fuel tank ........................................ 288 Overview .......................................... 37
Parking brake ................................ 287
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 45
Reserve fuel ................................... 288
Restraint system ............................ 287
Seat belt ........................................ 280
Tire pressure monitor .................... 291
Warranty .............................................. 28
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 278
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 379
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 378
Wheel chock ...................................... 375
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 374
Checking ........................................ 354
Cleaning ......................................... 333
Emergency spare wheel ................. 380
Important safety notes .................. 354
Information on driving .................... 354
Interchanging/changing ................ 374
Mounting a new wheel ................... 377
Mounting a wheel .......................... 375
Overview ........................................ 354
Removing a wheel .......................... 377
Snow chains .................................. 356
Storing ........................................... 375
Tightening torque ........................... 378
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 379
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 257
Operation ......................................... 51
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 133
Infrared reflective .......................... 324
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 329
Important safety notes .................. 391
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 12424
Index

Rear window wiper ........................ 12 3
Replacin g th e wiper blade s ............ 123
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 169
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 356
Radiator cover ............................... 326
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 356
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 333
Replacing ....................................... 123
Replacing (rear window) ................ 124
Replacing (windshield) ................... 123
Wooden trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 336
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
Z ZONE function
Switching on/off ........................... 133 Index 25

Introduction The printe d Operator's Manual provide s infor-
mation about th e saf e operation of your vehicle.
The Digital Operator's Manual provide s compre-
hensiv e and specifically adapted information on
your vehicle's equipmen t and multimedia sys-
tem. You can call up th e Digital Operator's Man -
ual via th e multimedia system.
i You will no t incur any cost s when calling up
th e Digital Operator's Manual. The Digital
Operator's Manual works without connecting
to th e Internet .
Ther e are three ways to access th e topic s of th e
Digital Operator's Manual: R
Visua l search
The visual search allows you to explor e your
vehicl e "virtually". Starting from either th e
vehicl e exterio r vie w or interio r view, you can
access man y of th e differen t topic s covered
by th e Digital Operator's Manual. To access
th e vehicl e interio r section , select th e "Vehi-
cle interior" view. R
Keywor d search
The keyword search allows you to search for a
keyword by enterin g characters. Further
information can be foun d in th e Digital Oper -
ator's Manual in th e "Audio 20 " or "COMAND "
section under th e "Character entr y (teleph -
ony)" keyword .R
Content s
You can select individual section s in th e con-
tents.
i The Digital Operator's Manual is deactiva-
te d fo r safet y re ason s while driving .
Operation
Calling up the Digital Operator's Man-
ual X
Press th e

Protecting the environment
General notes
H Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors: R
operating conditions of your vehicle R
your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions: R
avoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption. R
always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct. R
do not carry any unnecessary weight. R
remove roof racks once you no longer need
them. R
a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals. R
always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style: R
do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine. R
do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. R
drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. R
avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to

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 ( Y
page 385).
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: R
New Vehicle Limited Warranty R
Emission System Warranty R
Emission Performance Warranty R
California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
and Vermont Emission Control System War-
ranty R
State 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.
i Should 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 cause28
Service and vehicle operation
Introduction

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 USA only:
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.
Canada only:
Have every service in a qualified specialist work-
shop confirmed in the service report.
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: R
Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available. R
Lead-free fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
can cause damage to the catalytic converter. R
The 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 4C9Service and vehicle operation 29
Introduction Z

Sports Utility Vehicle
G WARNING
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
G WARNING
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.
G WARNING
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. G WARNING
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: R
the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road R
you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb, a speed bump or a pothole in the road R
a 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 loads 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 exhaust
system, 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)30
Operating safety
Introduction