2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV tailgate

GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 392).
You should preferably place luggage or loads in
the cargo compartment. Observe the loading
guidelines (
Ypage 300).
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo com-
partment. You could otherwise lock yourself
out.
You can:
Rclose the tailgate manually from outside
Ropen and close the tailgate automatically
from outside
Ropen and close the tailgate automatically
from inside
Rlimit the opening angle of the tailgate
Runlock the tailgate from inside with the emer- gency release
Tailgate reversing feature
On vehicles with the tailgate remote closing fea-
ture, the tailgate is equipped with automatic
obstacle recognition with a reversing feature. If
a solid object blocks or restricts the tailgate
when automatically opening or closing, this pro-
cedure is stopped. If the tailgate is stopped dur-
ing the closing procedure, it will open again
automatically. The automatic obstacle recogni-
tion with reversing feature is only an aid. It is not
a substitute for your attentiveness when open-
ing and closing the tailgate.
GWARNING
The reversing feature does not respond:
Rto soft, light and thin objects, e.g. fingers
Rover the last Óin (8 mm) of the closing
movement
The reversing feature cannot prevent some-
one from becoming trapped in these situa-
tions in particular. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure.
If somebody becomes trapped:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey, or
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door or
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate or
Rpull the handle on the tailgate
Opening and closing manually from
outside
Opening
XPress the %button on the SmartKey.
XPull handle :and release it.
The tailgate opens automatically.
Cargo compartment85
Opening and closing
Z

Closing
XPull the tailgate down using recess:.
XAllow the tailgate to drop into the lock.
XLock the vehicle if necessary with the &
button on the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
iIf a KEYLESS-GO key is detected in the cargo
compartment, the tailgate will not lock.
Opening/closing automatically from
the outside
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closing of the tailgate. More-
over, people, e.g. children, may be standing in the closing area or may enter the closing area
during the closing process. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey.
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door.
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate.
Rpull the handle on the tailgate
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
Two warning tones sound while the tailgate is
opening or closing.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 392).
iNotes on the automatic reversing feature for
the tailgate (Ypage 85).
Opening the tailgate automatically
You can open the tailgate automatically with the
SmartKey or the handle in the tailgate.
XPress and hold the Fbutton on the Smart-
Key until the tailgate opens.
or
XWhen the tailgate is unlocked, pull the tailgate
handle and let it go again immediately.
or
XWith the tailgate stopped in an intermediate
position, pull the tailgate upwards.
You can release the tailgate as soon as the
tailgate starts to open.
Closing the tailgate automatically
86Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

XTo close:press closing button :in the tail-
gate.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO
starting function: press and hold the F
button on the SmartKey until the tailgate
closes.
You can release the button as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
or
XPull the tailgate down slightly.
You can release the tailgate as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO
starting function: you can close and lock the
tailgate simultaneously.
XPress locking button ;in the tailgate.
If a KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO starting
function key is detected outside the vehicle,
the tailgate closes and locks. All the doors
must be shut and the SmartKey located in the vicinity of the tailgate.
iThe tailgate cannot be opened and closed
with the SmartKey if there is a SmartKey in the
ignition.
If the tailgate touches an object while closing,
the closing procedure is interrupted and the
tailgate reopens.
If a KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO starting
function key is detected in the cargo com-
partment, the tailgate will not lock.
Opening/closing automatically from
inside
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closing of the tailgate. In addi-
tion, people may be standing in the closing
area or may enter the closing area, e.g. chil-
dren, during the closing procedure. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Release the remote operating switch imme-
diately if somebody becomes trapped. To re-
open the tailgate pull on the remote operating switch.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
Two warning tones sound while the tailgate is
opening or closing.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 392).
iNotes on the automatic reversing feature for
the tailgate (Ypage 85).
Opening and closing
XTo open: pull remote operating switch :for
the tailgate until the tailgate opens.
XTo close: turn the SmartKey to position 1or
2 in the ignition lock.
XPress remote operating switch for tailgate :
until the tailgate is completely closed.
You can open and close the tailgate from the
driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary and
unlocked.
Cargo compartment87
Opening and closing
Z

Limiting the opening angle of the tail-
gate
General notes
!Make sure there is sufficient clearance to
open the tailgate fully when setting the open-
ing angle. The tailgate could otherwise be
damaged. Ideally, set the opening angle out-
side.
Activating
You can limit the opening angle of the tailgate.
This is possible in the top half of its opening
range, up to approximately 4 in (10 cm) before
the stop.
XTo open the tailgate: pull the handle on the
tailgate.
XTo stop the opening procedure at the
desired position: press the closing button in
the tailgate or pull the handle on the outside
of the tailgate again.
XTo save the position: press and hold the
closing button in the tailgate until two short
tones sound.
The opening angle limiter is activated. The
tailgate will now stop in the stored position
when opening.
Deactivating
XPress and hold the closing button in the tail-
gate until you hear a short tone.
Tailgate emergency release
General notes
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 392).
If the tailgate can no longer be unlocked:
Rusing the SmartKey, or
Rusing the remote operating switch in the door
control panel:
Use the emergency release.
Opening
XTake mechanical key ;out of the SmartKey
(Ypage 79).
XInsert mechanical key ;or a suitable tool,
e.g. a thin screwdriver, into opening :in the
paneling and push it in.
The tailgate is released.
XOpen the tailgate.
XInsert mechanical key ;into the SmartKey
(Ypage 79).
Side windows
Important safety notes
GWARNING
While opening the side windows, body parts
could become trapped between the side win-
dow and the door frame as the side window
moves. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody touches the side win-
dow during the opening procedure. If some-
body becomes trapped, release the switch or
pull the switch to close the side window again.
GWARNING
While closing the side windows, body parts in
the closing area could become trapped. There is a risk of injury.
When closing make sure that no parts of the
body are in the closing area. If somebody
becomes trapped, release the switch or press
the switch to open the side window again.
88Side windows
Opening and closing

Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:
èRear window wiper switch
2bWipes with washer fluid
3ISwitches on intermittent wiping
40 Switches off intermittent wiping
5b Wipes with washer fluid
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1or2
(Ypage 140).
XTurn switch :on the combination switch to
the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
the icon appears in the instrument cluster.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you could be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
!To avoid damaging the wiper blades, make
sure that you touch only the wiper arm of the
wiper.
!Never open the hood/tailgate if a wiper arm
has been folded away from the windshield/
rear window.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without a
wiper blade back onto the windshield/rear
window. Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release the
wiper arm without a wiper blade and it falls
onto the windshield/rear window, the wind-
shield/rear window may be damaged by the
force of the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Changing the windshield wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XFold the wiper arm away from the windshield.
XFirmly press release knob
:and pull wiper
blade ;upwards from the wiper arm in the
direction of the arrow.
Installing the wiper blades
XPosition new wiper blade :in the retainer on
the wiper arm and slide it into place in the
direction of the arrow.
The wiper blade audibly engages.
XMake sure that the wiper blade is seated cor- rectly.
XFold the wiper arm back onto the windshield.
Windshield wipers123
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

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:
RtheOff-road drive program (vehicles without
Off-Road Engineering package)
(
Ypage 219)
ROff-road andOff-road Plus drive programs
(vehicles with Off-Road Engineering package)
(
Ypage 220)
RLOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with the
Off-Road Engineering package)
(
Ypage 221)
RDifferential lock (vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package) (Ypage 221)
ROff-road ABS (Ypage 67)
ROff-road 4ETS (Ypage 70)
ROff-road ESP®(Ypage 71)
RAIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
(Ypage 188)
RDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(Ypage 218)
Observe the following notes:
RStop the vehicle before starting to drive along
an off-road route. If necessary, select the off- road program (
Ypage 220) or shift to the
LOW RANGE off-road gear (Ypage 221).
RSelect a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance.
RCheck that items of cargo and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(
Ypage 305).
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate
DSR (
Ypage 218).
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving down an incline.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will inter- rupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RDrive 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.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
RTake care when turning on an uphill or down-hill slope or when driving across a slope. The
vehicle could otherwise tip over.
RAlways keep the doors, the tailgate, the side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed whilethe vehicle is in motion.
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
position i.
RObserve the notes on off-road fording
(Ypage 169).
iInformation about retrofitting special all-ter-
rain tires is available from any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
iDo 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.
XEngine 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.
XDEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
level and add if necessary (Ypage 158).
XTire-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.
XWheels and tires: check the tread depth and
pressure of the tires.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/
tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
XReplace dented or damaged wheels.
XRims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss
of tire pressure and damage the tire bead.
Driving tips171
Driving and parking
Z

The flap closes again when:
Ryou have finished the maneuvering process
Ryou switch off the engine
Ryou open the cargo compartment
Observe the notes on cleaning (
Ypage 334).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the rear view camera has
been deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
XTo activate: make sure that the SmartKey is
in position 2in the ignition lock.
XMake sure that the Activation by R gearfunction is selected in the multimedia system
(see the Digital Operator's Manual).
XEngage reverse gear.
The rear view camera flap opens. The multi-
media system shows the area behind the vehi-
cle with guide lines.
The image from the rear view camera is avail-
able throughout the maneuvering process.
XTo switch the function mode for vehicles
with trailer tow hitch: using the controller,
select symbol :for the "Reverse parking"
function or symbol ;for "Coupling up a
trailer".
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to jor after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the multimedia system
The rear view camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera does not show objects in
the following positions:
Rvery close to the rear bumper
Runder the rear bumper
Rin the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
!Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
Rthe bumper of a parked vehicle
Rthe drawbar of a trailer
Rthe ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
Rthe rear section of an HGV
Ra slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bottom-
most guideline.
:Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
;White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking the course the tires will
take at the current steering wheel angle
(dynamic)
AYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the vehi-
cle
BVehicle center axle (marker assistance)
CBumper
DRed guide line at a distance of approximately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the vehicle
The guide lines are shown when the transmis-
sion is in position k.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
200Driving systems
Driving and parking

XSlide boltAinto the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop.
XSecure the bolt using spring cotter B.
XCheck the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly mounted,
remove the ball coupling. Under these circum-
stances, the ball coupling must not be used for
trailer towing.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the
towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with AIRMATIC package: select
normal level and the Comfortdrive program.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RParking Assist PARKTRONIC
RParking Pilot
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive Lane Keeping Assist
iVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the foll
owing:
RIf the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
RThe
Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Towing a trailer227
Driving and parking
Z