2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV towing

Index....................................................... 4
Digital Operator's Manual..................26
Introduction .......................................... .26
Operation ............................................... 26
Introduction ......................................... 27
Protecting the environment ...................2 7
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .27
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 .............................. .84
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 ..................................... 300
2Contents

Features .............................................. 308
Maintenance and care......................325
Engine compartment ........................... 325
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 329
Care ..................................................... 330
Breakdown assistance .....................338
Where will I find...? .............................. 338
Flat tire ................................................ 339
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 344
Jump-starting ....................................... 346
Towing and tow-starting ...................... 349
Fuses ................................................... 352
Wheels and tires ............................... 354
Important safety notes ........................ 354
Operation ............................................ 354
Winter operation .................................. 356
Tire pressure ....................................... 357
Loading the vehicle .............................. 364
All about wheels and tires ................... 367
Changing a wheel ................................ 374
Wheel and tire combinations ............... 379
Emergency spare wheel ....................... 380
Technical data ................................... 384
Information regarding technical data ... 384
Vehicle electronics .............................. 384
Identification plates ............................. 385
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 386
Vehicle data ......................................... 392
Vehicle data for off-road driving .......... 393
Trailer tow hitch ................................... 395
Contents3

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 ........................................ .334
Display in the multimedia system .. 205
Function/notes .............................2 03
A
ABS (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
passenger) ....................................... 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 control
4Index

AIRMATICpackage
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) .. .188
Function/notes .............................1 88
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 75
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 75
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem ................................................ 191
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 245
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 173
Ashtray ............................................... 311
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 41
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 41
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........3 29
Hiding a service message .............. 329
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 329
Service message ............................ 329
Special service requirements ......... 330
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function ...........................................7 5
Switching off the alarm .................... 75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 265
Function/notes ............................. 207
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 239
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 260
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 330
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 145
Automatic engine switch-off (EC
O
start/stop function) .......................... 144
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 115
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 150
Changing gear ............................... 150
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 148
Display message ............................ 275
Drive program ................................ 151
Drive program display .................... 149
Driving tips .................................... 150
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ......... 147
Emergency running mode .............. 155
Engaging drive position .................. 149
Engaging neutral ............................ 149
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 148
Engaging reverse gear ................... 148
Engaging the park position ............ 148
Important safety notes .................. 148
Kickdown ....................................... 151
Manual shifting .............................. 152
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 245
Overview ........................................ 148
Problem (malfunction) ................... 155
Pulling away ................................... 143
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 152
Trailer towing ................................. 151
Transmission position display ........ 149
Transmission positions .................. 150
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 155
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 299
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 395
B
Back button ....................................... 293
Index5

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
Where will I find...? ........................ 338
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 37
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant 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 .................................... 335
6Index

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 featureActivating/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 ........... 288
10Index

Sensor range ................................. 193
Towing a trailer .............................. 192
Warning display ............................. 194
Parking assistance
see Driving system
Parking brake
Applying automatically ................... 163
Applying or releasing manually ...... 163
Display message ............................ 251
Electric parking brake .................... 162
Emergency braking ........................ 164
General notes ................................ 162
Releasing automatically ................. 163
Warning lamp ................................. 287
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Parking Pilot
Canceling ....................................... 199
Detecting parking spaces .............. 196
Display Message ............................ 269
Exiting a parking space .................. 198
Function/notes ............................. 195
Important safety notes .................. 195
Parking .......................................... 197
PASSENGER AIR BAG
Display message ............................ 258
Indicator lamps ................................ 45
Problem (malfunction) ................... 258
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 65
Phone book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 335
Power locks ......................................... 84
Power washers .................................. 331
Power windows
see Side windows
PRE-SAFE
®(anticipatory occupant
protection)
Display message ............................ 255
Operation ......................................... 58
PRE-SAFE
®PLUS (anticipatory
occupant protection PLUS)
Display message ............................ 255
Operation ......................................... 59 Protection against theft
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Immobilizer ...................................... 75
Protection of the environment
General notes .................................. 27
Pulling away
Automatic transmission ................. 143
General notes ................................ 143
Hill start assist ............................... 143
Trailer ............................................ 143
Q
QR codeMercedes-Benz Guide App ................. 1
Rescue card ..................................... 32
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 31
R
RACE TIMER (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles).................. 246
Radiator cover ................................... 326
Radio
Selecting a station ......................... 239
Radio mode
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Radio-controlled devices (instal-
ling) ..................................................... 324
Radio-wave reception/transmis-
sion in the vehicle
Declaration of conformity ................ 30
Reading lamp ..................................... 119
Rear bench seat
Folding forwards/back .................. 304
Rear compartment
Exit/entry position (3rd row of
seats) ............................................. 103
Setting the air vents ...................... 137
Setting the temperature ................ 132
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 260
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Rear Seat Entertainment System
AUX jacks ...................................... 299
AUX jacks CD/DVD drive .............. 299
Index17

Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 372
Bar (definition) ............................... 372
Changing a wheel .......................... 374
Characteristics .............................. 372
Checking ........................................ 354
Curb weight (definition) ................. 373
Definition of terms ......................... 372
Direction of rotation ...................... 375
Display message ............................ 273
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 374
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 372
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 371
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 372
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 373
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 373
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 373
Important safety notes .................. 354
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 372
Information on driving .................... 354
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 373
Labeling (overview) ........................ 369
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 374
Load index ..................................... 371
Load index (definition) ................... 373
M+S tires ....................................... 356
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 373
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 373
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 373
Maximum tire load ......................... 371
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 373
MOExtended tires .......................... 356
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 374
PSI (pounds per square inch)(de
f-
inition) ........................................... 373
Replacing ....................................... 374 Service life ..................................... 355
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 374
Snow chains .................................. 356
Speed rating (definition) ................ 373
Storing ........................................... 375
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 372
Summer tires in winter .................. 356
Temperature .................................. 368
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 374
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 373
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 373
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 372
Tire size (data) ............................... 379
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 369
Tire tread ....................................... 355
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 373
Total load limit (definition) ............. 374
Traction ......................................... 368
Traction (definition) ....................... 374
Tread wear ..................................... 368
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 374
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 367
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 372
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 374
Wheel and tire combination ........... 379
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 372
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 352
Important safety notes .................. 349
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 395
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 335
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 227
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 229
Driving tips .................................... 225
Important safety notes .................. 224
Installing the ball coupling ............. 226
Lights displ ay me
ssage .................. 260
22Index