2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS warning

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: R
Model R
Order R
Country specification R
Availability
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right to
introduce changes in the following areas: R
Design R
Equipment R
Technical 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: R
Digital Operator's Manual R
Printed Operator's Manual R
Maintenance Booklet R
Equipment-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
1665845108
É1665845108yËÍ

Index ....................................................... 4
Digital Operator's Manual .................. 26
Introduction .......................................... .2 6
Operation ............................................... 26
Introduction ......................................... 27
Protecting the environment .................. .2 7
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .2 7
Operator's Manual ................................. 28
Service and vehicle operation ............... .2 8
Operating safety .................................... 30
QR codes for the rescue card ............... .3 2
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 32
Information on copyright ....................... 35
At a glance ........................................... 36
Cockpit .................................................. 36
Instrument cluster ................................. 37
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 38
Center console ...................................... 39
Overhead control panel ........................ .4 2
Door control panel ................................. 43
Safety ................................................... 44
Panic alarm ............................................ 44
Occupant safety .................................... 44
Children in the vehicle ........................... 59
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 65
Driving safety systems ........................... 66
Protection against theft ........................ .7 5
Opening and closing ........................... 77
SmartKey ............................................... 77
Doors ..................................................... 83
Cargo compartment .............................. .8 4
Side windows ......................................... 88
Sliding sunroof ....................................... 92
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors .... 97
Correct driver's seat position ................ 97
Seats ..................................................... 97
Steering wheel ..................................... 108
Mirrors ................................................. 110 Memory function ................................. 113
Lights and windshield wipers .......... 115
Exterior lighting ................................... 115
Interior lighting .................................... 119
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with LED
headlamps) .......................................... 120
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halo-
gen headlamps) ................................... 120
Windshield wipers ................................ 122
Climate control ................................. 125
Overview of climate control systems ... 125
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 131
Setting the air vents ............................ 136
Driving and parking .......................... 139
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 139
Driving ................................................. 139
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............... 147
Automatic transmission ....................... 148
Refueling ............................................. 155
Parking ................................................ 161
Driving tips .......................................... 164
Driving systems ................................... 174
Towing a trailer .................................... 224
Bicycle rack ......................................... 230
On-board computer and displays .... 233
Important safety notes ........................ 233
Displays and operation ........................ 233
Menus and submenus ......................... 236
Display messages ............................... 248
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 279
Multimedia system ........................... 292
General notes ...................................... 292
Important safety notes ........................ 292
Function restrictions ............................ 292
Operating system ................................ 293
Stowage and features ...................... 300
Stowage areas ..................................... 3002
Contents

1, 2, 3 ...4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 218
12 V socket
see Sockets
115 V socket ...................................... 313
360° camera
Cleaning ........................................ .3 34
Display in the multimedia system .. 205
Function/notes ............................ .2 03
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety notes .................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 282
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 59
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 298
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 131
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 269
Function/information .................... 213
Trailer towing ................................. 215
Active Brake Assist
Activating or deactivating .............. 242
Display message ............................ 254
Function/notes ................................ 67
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function
Activating or deactivating .............. 242
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ................................ 72
Important safety notes .................... 73
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 266 Function/notes ............................. 189
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 268
Function/information .................... 215
Trailer towing ................................. 218
Active light function ......................... 117
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 72
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 390
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Adjusting the volume
Multimedia system ........................ 293
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Function/notes ............................. 188
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 56
Display message ............................ 258
Front air bag (driver, front
p assenger) ....................................... 50
Important safety notes .................... 49
Introduction ..................................... 49
Knee bag .......................................... 50
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 51
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 45
Side impact air bag .......................... 51
Window curtain air bag .................... 51
Air filter (display message) .............. 264
AIR FLOW ........................................... 132
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 136
Important safety notes .................. 136
Rear ............................................... 137
Setting ........................................... 136
Setting the center air vents ........... 136
Setting the side air vents ............... 136
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control4
Index

Bag hook ............................................ 305
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 226
Removing ....................................... 229
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 67
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 80
Important safety notes .................... 80
Replacing ......................................... 80
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 346
Display message ............................ 262
Important safety notes .................. 344
Jump starting ................................. 346
Overview ........................................ 344
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 48
Bicycle rack ....................................... 230
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 269
Notes/function .............................. 209
Trailer towing ................................. 211
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 158
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 389
Bluetooth ®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 296
Searching for a mobile phone
(device manager) ........................... 297
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Telephony ...................................... 296
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 254
Notes ............................................. 390
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Brake linings
Display message ............................ 254 Brakes
ABS .................................................. 66
BAS .................................................. 67
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 390
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 69
Display message ............................ 249
High-performance brake system .... 168
Hill start assist ............................... 143
Important safety notes .................. 166
Maintenance .................................. 167
Parking brake ................................ 162
Riding tips ...................................... 166
Warning lamp ................................. 281
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation
Function/notes ................................ 69
Breakdo wn
W
here will I find...? ........................ 338
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 37
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 28
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 334
Car wash ........................................ 330
Carpets .......................................... 337
Display ........................................... 335
Exhaust pipe .................................. 334
Exterior lights ................................ 333
Gear or selector lever .................... 336
Interior ........................................... 335
Matte finish ................................... 332
Notes ............................................. 330
Paint .............................................. 332
Plastic trim .................................... 3356
Index

Switching the ZONE function
on/off ............................................ 133
Coat hooks ......................................... 306
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 36
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ......................................... 382
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
Driving dynamics display ............... 223
COMAND display
Cleaning ......................................... 335
Combination switch .......................... 116
Connecting a USB device
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 236
Controller ........................................... 293
Convenience closing feature .............. 90
Convenience opening feature ............ 90
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 328
Display message ............................ 261
Filling capacity ............................... 391
Important safety notes .................. 390
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 245
Temperature gauge ........................ 234
Warning lamp ................................. 288
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 35
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 260
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 120
Crosswind Assist ................................. 71
Crosswind driving assistance ............ 71
Cruise control
Activating ....................................... 175
Activation conditions ..................... 175
Cruise control lever ....................... 175
Deactivating ................................... 176
Display message ............................ 271
Driving system ............................... 174 Function/notes ............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 174
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 175
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 309
Important safety notes .................. 308
Rear compartment ......................... 309
Temperature controlled ................. 309
Third row of seats .......................... 310
Customer Ass istance Center
(
CAC) ..................................................... 31
Customer Relations Department ....... 31
D Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
Selecting ........................................ 239
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Function/notes ............................. 115
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 243
Declarations of conformity ................. 30
DEF
Adding ........................................... 158
Display message ............................ 264
Filling capacity ............................... 389
Important safety notes .................. 389
Diagnostics connection ...................... 31
Differential lock (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 267
Digital Operator's Manual
Help ................................................. 26
Introduction ..................................... 26
Digital speedometer ......................... 237
DIRECT SELECT lever
Automatic transmission ................. 148
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 329
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 248
Driving systems ............................. 265
Engine ............................................ 261
General notes ................................ 248
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 248
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 2788
Index

Lights ............................................ .2 60
Safety systems .............................. 249
SmartKey ....................................... 278
Tires ............................................... 273
Vehicle .......................................... .2 75
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
Activating ....................................... 178
Activation conditions ..................... 178
Cruise control lever ....................... 178
Display Message ............................ 270
Displays in the instrument cluster .. 181
Driving tips ................................... .1 82
Function/notes ............................ .1 76
Important safety notes .................. 176
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 180
Stopping ........................................ 179
Switching off .................................. 180
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Distance recorder
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 290
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 68
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .8 4
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .7 7
Control panel .................................. .4 3
Display message ............................ 277
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
Important safety notes .................... 83
Opening (from inside) ...................... 83
Overview .......................................... 83
Power closing .................................. 84
Drinking and driving ......................... 165
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 151
Off-Road program (vehicles with-
out Off-Road Engineering pack-
a g e) ............................................... 219
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 220 SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 246
Drive programs
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 149
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving
Important safety notes .................. 139
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 330
Driving Assistance PLUS package ... 213
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 173
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 67
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 69
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 66
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 72
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 72
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 67
Distance warning function ............... 68
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 72
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 69
Important safety information ........... 66
Overview .......................................... 66
STEER CONTROL ............................. 75
Driving system
AIRMATIC package ........................ 188
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 176
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with
Steering Pilot ................................. 182
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 192
Parking Pilot .................................. 195
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 203
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 213
Active Curve System ...................... 189
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 215
ADS ............................................... 188 Index 9

AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 191
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 207
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 209
Cruise control ................................ 174
Display message ............................ 265
Driving Assistance Plus package ... 213
HOLD function ............................... 187
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 211
Level control (vehicle with the Off-
Road Engineering package) ........... 184
Rear view camera .......................... 199
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 208
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 150
Brakes ........................................... 166
Break-in period .............................. 139
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 182
Downhill gradient ........................... 166
Drinking and driving ....................... 165
Driving in winter ............................. 169
Driving on flooded roads ................ 168
Driving on sand .............................. 172
Driving on wet roads ...................... 168
Driving over obstacles ................... 173
Exhaust check ............................... 165
Fuel ................................................ 164
General .......................................... 164
Hydroplaning ................................. 168
Icy road surfaces ........................... 169
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 167
Off-road driving .............................. 170
Off-road fording ............................. 169
Snow chains .................................. 356
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 139
Tire ruts ......................................... 172
Towing a trailer .............................. 225
Traveling uphill ............................... 173
Wet road surface ........................... 167
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 267
Function/notes ............................. 218
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 239
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292 DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Automatic transmission ................. 147
E EASY-ENTRY feature
Activating/deactivating ................. 244
Function/notes ............................. 109
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 110
Function/notes ............................. 109
Switching on/off ........................... 244
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 251
Function/notes ................................ 72
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 165
On-board computer ....................... 237
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 145
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 144
Deactivating/activating ................. 145
General information ....................... 144
Important safety notes .................. 144
Introduction ................................... 144
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 59
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 84
Vehicle ............................................. 84
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 380
Important safety notes .................. 380
Removing ....................................... 381
Storage location ............................ 381
Stowing .......................................... 381
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 56
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 88
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 28
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 28810
Index

Display message ............................ 261
ECO start/stop function ................ 144
Engine number ............................... 386
Irregular running ............................ 146
Jump-starting ................................. 346
Starting (important safety notes) ... 141
Starting problems .......................... 146
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 142
Starting via smartphone ................ 142
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 142
Switching off .................................. 162
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 352
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ................... 146
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 327
Additives ........................................ 390
Checking the oil level ..................... 326
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 327
Display message ............................ 263
Filling capacity ............................... 390
Notes about oil grades ................... 389
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 326
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 245
Engine switch-off
see ECO start/stop function
Entering an address
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 246
Characteristics ................................. 70
Deactivating/activating ................... 71
Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ................................ 69
General notes .................................. 69
Important safety information ........... 70
Warning lamp ................................. 284
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ...................................................... 70
Exhaust check ................................... 165 Exhaust pipe (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 334
Exterior lighting
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 110
Dipping (automatic) ....................... 112
Folding in whe n locking (on-board
co mputer) ...................................... 245
Folding in/out (automatically) ....... 111
Folding in/out (electrically) ........... 111
Out of position (troubleshooting) ... 112
Setting ........................................... 111
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 113
Storing the parking position .......... 112
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 302
F Favorites
Overview ........................................ 294
Filler cap
see Refueling
Flat tire
MOExtended tires .......................... 340
Preparing the vehicle ..................... 339
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 341
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormats ........................................... 324
Fog lamps (extended range) ............. 118
Folding the rear bench seat for-
wards/back ....................................... 303
Fording
Off-road ......................................... 169
On flooded roads ........................... 168
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 384
Two-way radio ................................ 384
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 388
Consumption statistics .................. 236
Displaying the current consump-
tion ................................................ 237
Displaying the range ...................... 237
Driving tips .................................... 164
Fuel gauge ....................................... 37
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 387 Index 11