2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS tailgate

X
Slide bolt 0083into the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop. X
Secure the bolt using spring cotter 0084.X
Check 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.
X Shift the transmission to position 005D.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with AIRMATIC Package: select
normal level and the Comfortdrive program.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
X Push 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:
R ESP ®
R Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
R Active Parking Assist
R Parking Package with rear view camera
R Active Blind Spot Assist
R Active Lane Keeping Assist
i Vehicles 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 following:
R If 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.
R The 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). 224
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Decoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake.
X Shift the transmission to position 005D.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum allowable gross mass
The gross vehicle weight of the trailer is calcu-
lated by adding the weight of the trailer to the
weight of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 392).Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 392).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross weight of the trailer
nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight
the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to the respective lowest values.
R The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle weight.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8 % to 15 % of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissible
trailer load and drawbar load for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing vehi-
cle and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values, have the vehicle/trailer
combination (including the driver, passen-
gers, and cargo with a fully laden trailer)
weighed on a calibrated weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and the trailer drawbar noseweight. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess. 226
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Service
Service
Required
Required Do
Do
Not Shift Gears
Not Shift Gears
Visit Dealer Visit Dealer You cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position
005Bis selected:
X Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the trans-
mission from position 005B.
If position 005E,005Cor005D is selected:
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 158).
X Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service. Reversing Reversing
Not
NotPossi‐
Possi‐
ble
ble Service
Service Required
Required You can no longer shift to transmission position
005Edue to a malfunc-
tion.
Transmission positions 005D,005Cor005B continue to be available.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Transmission Mal‐ Transmission Mal‐
function Stop function Stop A malfunction has occurred in the mechanical transmission compo-
nents.
A warning tone also sounds. The transmission shifts automatically to position 005C.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Shift the transmission to position 005D.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 158).
X Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service. Auxiliary Battery Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction Malfunction The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer being
charged.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
X Until then, always set the automatic transmission to position 005D
before switching off the engine.
X Before leaving the vehicle, apply the electric parking brake. 0065 The tailgate is open
G WARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle inte- rior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the tailgate. Display
messages
271On-board computer and displays Z

Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
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. G
DANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the tail- gate is open while the engine is running, espe-cially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate
open. G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of burns.
Always be particularly careful and supervise
children closely around the exhaust pipe and
the exhaust pipe trims. Allow these compo-
nents to cool down before touching them.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle occupants and luggage/cargo.
Do not exceed the load limit or permitted grossvehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle.
The gross load limit and the GVWR are specified
on the vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar
of the driver's door (Y page 362).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and GAWR
are on the vehicle identification plate on the B-
pillar of the driver's door (Y
page 362).
Observe the notes on loading the vehicle
(Y page 362).
The handling characteristics of a laden vehicle
are dependent on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle. For this reason, you should
observe the following notes when transporting a
load:
R Never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle mass or the gross axle weight
rating for the vehicle (including occupants).
R The cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects.
R Position heavy loads as far forward as possi-
ble and as low down in the cargo compart-
ment as possible.
R The load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R Always place the load against the rear or front
seat backrests. Make sure that the seat
backrests are securely locked into place.
R Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R Use the cargo tie-down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening mate-
rials appropriate for the weight and size of the load.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges for
protection. Stowage spaces
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction. Stowage areas
295Stowage and features
Z

Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On its own, the cargo compartment cover
cannot secure or restrain heavy objects,
items of luggage and heavy loads. You could
be hit by an unsecured load during sudden
changes in direction, braking or in the event of an accident. There is an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping over, e.g. by
using tie downs, even if you are using the
cargo compartment cover.
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo com-
partment higher than the lower edge of the
side windows. Do not place heavy objects on top of the cargo compartment cover.
The cargo compartment cover may be installed
behind the 2nd or 3rd row of seats.
Extending/retracting the cargo com-
partment cover X
To extend: pull the cargo compartment cover
back by grab handle 0043and clip it into retain-
ers 0044on the left and right.
X To retract: unhook the cargo compartment
cover from left-hand and right-hand retain-
ers 0044.
X Guide cargo compartment cover forwards by
grab handle 0043until it is completely rolled up. Installing/removing the cargo compart-
ment cover X
To remove: make sure that cargo compart-
ment cover 0043is rolled up.
X Push end cap 0087of cargo compartment
cover 0043in the direction of the arrow on the
right or left-hand side.
X Push cargo compartment cover 0043into oppo-
site anchorage 0044.
X Remove cargo compartment cover 0043.
X To install: if installed, remove the protective
caps from the side panels of the seat row in
which the cargo compartment cover is to be
installed. Use a suitable object here, e.g. a
coin.
X Install the protective caps to the side panels
of the other seat row.
X Place cargo compartment cover 0043into
anchorage 0044on the right or left-hand side.
X Push in opposite end cap 0087of cargo com-
partment cover 0043in the direction of the
arrow and insert cargo compartment
cover 0043into opposite anchorage 0044. Coat hooks on the tailgate
0043
Coat hook Stowage areas
301Stowage and features Z

Roof carrier
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the usual driving char- acteristics, as well as steering and braking,
change. The vehicle tilts more severely when
cornering and may react more sluggishly to
steering input.
If you exceed the maximum roof load, the
driving characteristics, as well as the steering
and braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust your driving style and never exceed the
maximum roof load.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use roof carriers that have been tested and
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such a way that the vehicle will not sustain damage
even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ensure
that when the roof carrier is installed you can:
R raise the sliding sunroof fully
R open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
R open the tailgate fully
You will find information on the maximum roof
load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 389).
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof load
may become detached from the vehicle. You
must therefore ensure that you observe the roof
carrier manufacturer's installation instructions. Attaching the roof carrier X
Secure the roof carrier to roof rails 0043. In
doing so, observe the manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Features
Cup holder
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction.
R Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets.
R Ensure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey.
R Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 295). Features
303Stowage and features Z

Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stowage
well under the cargo compartment floor.
Apart from certain country-specific variations,
the vehicles are not equipped with a tire-change
tool kit. Some tools for changing a wheel are
specific to the vehicle. For more information on
which tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Necessary tire-changing tools can include, for
example:
R jack
R wheel chock
R lug wrench
R ratchet wrench
R alignment bolt
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit 0043
Lug wrench
0044 Towing eye
0087 Ratchet wrench
0085 Alignment bolt
0083 Tire sealant filler bottle
0084 Tire inflation compressor
006B Folding wheel chock
006C Jack
006D Wheel bolts
X Open the tailgate.
X Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 302).
X Use the TIREFIT kit (Y page 337). Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel 0043
Alignment bolt
0044 Velcro fastener
0087 Folding wheel chock
0085 Ratchet wrench
0083 Lug wrench
0084 Jack
006B Wheel bolts
006C Towing eye
X Open the tailgate.
X Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 302).
X Remove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel (Y page 379). Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with: R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat proper-
ties)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tires.
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 335)
R an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries)
Vehicles with an mbrace system (USA only)
which are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit: in the event of a flat tire, contact the Customer Assis-tance Center for the mbrace emergency call
system (Y page 310).
Information on changing and mounting wheels
(Y page 372). Flat tire
335Breakdown assis tance

R
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack will not be able to achieve its load-bearing capacity
due to the restricted height.
R Make sure that the distance between the
underside of the tires and the ground does not
exceed 1.2 in (3 cm).
R Do not place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
R Do not lie under the vehicle.
R Do not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R Never open or close a door or the tailgate
when the vehicle is raised.
R Make sure that no persons are present in the
vehicle when the vehicle is raised. X
Using lug wrench 0043, loosen the bolts on the
wheel you wish to change by about one full
turn. Do not unscrew the bolts completely. The jacking points are located just behind the
front wheel housings and just in front of the rear wheel housings (arrows).
X Take the ratchet wrench out of the vehicle
tool kit and place it on the hexagon nut of the
jack so that the letters AUFare visible. X
Position jack 0087at jacking point 0044.
The alignment bolt on the jack must be inser- ted into the intended opening on the jacking
point. X
Make sure the foot of the jack is directly
beneath the jacking point.
X Turn ratchet wrench 0085until jack 0087sits
completely on jacking point 0044and the base
of the jack lies evenly on the ground.
X Turn ratchet wrench 0085until the tire is raised
a maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.
Removing a wheel !
Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a dirty
surface. The bolt and wheel hub threads could
otherwise be damaged when you screw them
in.
When mounting/removing wheels, and for as
long as the wheels are removed, avoid applying any external force on the brake disks. This could impair the level of comfort when braking. Changing a
wheel
375Wheels an d tires Z