tailgate MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2017 User Guide

X
To close: press closing button C in the tail-
gate.
or X
Press and hold the T button on the Smart-
Key until the tailgate closes.
You can release the button as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
or X
Pull the tailgate downwards slightly.
You can release the tailgate as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: you can simultane-
ously close and lock the tailgate. X
Press locking button D in the tailgate.
If a KEYLESS-GO 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.
i The 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.
i If a KEYLESS-GO key is detected in the cargo
compartment, the tailgate will not lock.
Opening/closing automatically from
inside
Important safety notes
G WARNING
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. G WARNING
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
( Y
page 384).
i Notes on the automatic reversing feature for
the tailgate ( Y
page 82).
Opening and closing
X
To open: pull remote operating switch C for
the tailgate until the tailgate opens. X
To close: turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2
in the ignition lock. X
Press remote operating switch for tailgate C
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.84
Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

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. X
To open the tailgate: pull the handle on the
tailgate. X
To 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. X
To 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 X
Press 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
( Y
page 384).
If the tailgate can no longer be unlocked: R
using the SmartKey, or R
using the remote operating switch in the door
control panel:
Use the emergency release. Opening X
Take mechanical key D out of the SmartKey
( Y
page 76). X
Insert mechanical key D or a suitable tool,
e.g. a thin screwdriver, into opening C in the
paneling and push it in.
The tailgate is released. X
Open the tailgate. X
Insert mechanical key D into the SmartKey
( Y
page 76).
Side windows
Important safety notes
G WARNING
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.
G WARNING
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. Side windows 85
Opening and closing Z

R
LOW RANGE offroad gear (vehicles with the
Offroad Engineering package) ( Y
page 219)R
Differential lock (vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package) ( Y
page 218)R
Off-road ABS ( Y
page 64)R
Off-road 4ETS ( Y
page 67)R
Off-road ESP ®
( Y
page 68)R
AIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
( Y
page 186) R
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y
page 216)
Observe the following notes: R
Stop the vehicle before starting to drive along
an off-road route. If necessary, select the off-
road program ( Y
page 218) or shift to the
LOW RANGE off-road gear ( Y
page 219).R
Select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance. R
Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
( Y
page 299). R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate
DSR ( Y
page 216).R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope. R
Adapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be. R
Do not jump with the vehicle as this will inter-
rupt the vehicle's propulsion. R
Drive 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. R
Look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows. R
Always keep the doors, the tailgate, the side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed while
the vehicle is in motion. R
Do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N .R
Observe the notes on off-road fording
( Y
page 167).
i Do 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. X
Engine 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. X
DEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
level and add if necessary ( Y
page 156).X
Tire-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. X
Wheels and tires: check the tire tread depth
and tire pressure. X
Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/
tires. X
Replace any missing valve caps. X
Replace dented or damaged wheels. X
Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss
of tire pressure and damage the tire bead.
Before driving off-road, check the wheels and
replace them if necessary.
Checklist after driving off-road
! If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on normal
roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle.
This allows you to detect damage promptly and
reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and
other road users. X
If the Offroad or Offroad Plus drive program
is selected: select the Individual , Sport ,Driving tips 169
Driving and parking Z

The flap closes again when: R
you have finished the maneuvering process R
you switch off the engine R
you open the cargo compartment
Observe the notes on cleaning ( Y
page 328).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the rear view camera has
been deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey is
in position 2 in the ignition lock.X
Make sure that the Activation by R gear
function is selected in the multimedia system;
see the Digital Operator's Manual. X
Engage 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.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to P or 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: R
very close to the rear bumper R
under the rear bumper R
in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.: R
the bumper of a parked vehicle R
the drawbar of a trailer R
the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch R
the rear section of an HGV R
a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bottom-
most guideline. C
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle D
White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)

360° camera
General notes The 360° camera is a system consisting of four
cameras.
The system processes images from the follow-
ing cameras: R
Rear view camera R
Front camera R
Two cameras in the exterior rear view mirrors
The cameras capture the immediate surround-
ings of the vehicle. The system supports you,
e.g. when parking or if vision is restricted at an
exit.
You can show pictures from the 360° camera in
full-screen mode or in seven different split-
screen views on the multimedia system display.
A split-screen view also includes a top view of
the vehicle. This view is calculated from the data
supplied by the installed cameras (virtual cam-
era).
The six split-screen views are: R
Top view and picture from the rear view cam-
era (130° viewing angle) R
Top view and image from the front camera
(130° viewing angle without displaying the
maximum steering wheel angle) R
Top view and enlarged rear view R
Top view and enlarged front view R
Top view and rear-view images from the exte-
rior mirror cameras (rear wheel view) R
Top view and forward-view images from the
exterior mirror cameras (front wheel view)
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from D or R to N , the dynamic
guidelines are hidden.
When you change between transmission posi-
tions D and R , you see the previously selected
front or rear view.
Distances measured by Parking Assist
PARKTRONIC will also be optically displayed: R
in split screen view as red or yellow brackets
around the vehicle icon in the top view, or R
at the bottom right as red or yellow brackets
around the vehicle symbol in full-screen mode
The line thickness and color of the brackets
show how far the vehicle is away from an object: R
yellow brackets with thin lines: Parking Assist
PARKTRONIC is active R
yellow brackets with normal lines: an object is
present in close range of the vehicle R
red line: an object is present in the immediate
close range of t he vehicle
i The camera in the rear area is protected
from raindrops and dust by means of a flap.
When the camera is activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when: R
you have finished the maneuvering process R
you switch off the engine R
you open the cargo compartment
Observe the notes on cleaning ( Y
page 328).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the camera has been deac-
tivated.
Important safety notes The 360°camera is only an aid and may show a
distorted view of obstacles, show them incor-
rectly or not at all. The 360°camera is not a
substitute for attentive driving.
You are always responsible for safe maneuver-
ing and parking. When maneuvering or parking,
make sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are maneuver-
ing.
You are always responsible for safety, and must
always pay attention to your surroundings when
parking and maneuvering. This applies to the
areas behind, in front of and beside the vehicle.
You could otherwise endanger yourself and oth-
ers.
The 360° camera will not function or will func-
tion in a limited manner: R
if the doors are open R
if the exterior mirrors are folded in R
if the tailgate is open R
in heavy rain, snow or fog R
at night or in very dark places R
if the cameras are exposed to very bright light R
if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker) R
if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in win-
terDriving systems 201
Driving and parking Z

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 P .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 387).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 387).
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. X
Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty. X
Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 294)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 294).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 329).
Trailer power supply
! Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.Towing a trailer 227
Driving an d parking Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Servic e Required Do
Not Shift Gears
Visit Dealer You canno t chang e th e transmission position due to a malfunction .
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position D is selected:X
Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting th e trans -
mission from position D .
If transmission position R , N or P is selected:X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 159).X
Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Reversing Not Possi‐
ble Servic e Required You canno t shift int o th e transmission position R due to a malfunction .
The transmission position s P , N or D continu e to be available.
A warning tone also sounds. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Transmission Mal ‐
function Sto p A malfunction has occurred in th e mechanical transmission compo -
nents.
A warning tone also sounds. The gearbox automatically shift s to posi-
tion N . X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 159).X
Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Auxiliary Batter y
Malfunction The auxiliary battery for th e automatic transmission is no longer bein g
charged. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .X
Unti l then , set th e automatic transmission to position P before you
switch off th e engine.X
Befor e leaving th e vehicle, apply th e electric parking brake.
e The tailgat e is open .
G WARNIN G
Whe n th e engin e is running, exhaust gase s can ente r th e vehicl e inte-
rio r if th e tailgat e is open .
There is a ris k of poisoning .X
Clos e th e tailgate. Display messages 27 1
On-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 WARNING
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.
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 injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing 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 gross
vehicle 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 356).
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 356).
Observe the notes on loading the vehicle
( Y
page 356).
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 forwards as pos-
sible 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.294
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Roof carrier
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! 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 384).
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 C . 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 294).
! Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The drinks
could otherwise spill.
! Do not expose drinks bottles in the cup
holder in the center console to continuous,
strong and direct sunlight. The passenger
compartment in the area of the center con-
sole can otherwise be damaged by the con-
centrated and reflected sunlight.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the tem-
perature-controlled cup hol der ( Y
page 303).
Otherwise, the KEYLESS-GO key will not be rec-
ognized.302
Features
Stowage and features

X
Place chocks or other suitable items under
the front and rear of the wheel that is diago-
nally opposite the wheel you wish to change.
Raising the vehicle
G WARNING
If you do not position the jack correctly at the
appropriate jacking point of the vehicle, the
jack could tip over with the vehicle raised.
There is a risk of injury.
Only position the jack at the appropriate jack-
ing point of the vehicle. The base of the jack
must be positioned vertically, directly under
the jacking point of the vehicle.
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles with
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel: only
use the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
on the rear axle . If you mount the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel on the
front axle, this could result in damage to the
brake system.
If a tire on the front axle is defective, an intact
wheel from the rear axle must first be
replaced with the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel. The damaged wheel on the front
axle can then be replaced by the undamaged
wheel from the rear axle.
Make sure to note the placard on the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel.
! The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jacking points. Other-
wise, your vehicle could be damaged.
Observe the following when raising the vehi-
cle: R
To raise the vehicle, only use the vehicle-spe-
cific jack that has been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. If used incorrectly, the
jack could tip over with the vehicle raised. R
The jack is designed only to raise and hold the
vehicle for a short time while a wheel is being
changed. It must not be used for performing
maintenance work under the vehicle. R
Avoid changing the wheel on uphill and down-
hill slopes. R
Before raising the vehicle, secure it from roll-
ing away by applying the parking brake and
inserting wheel chocks. Do not disengage the
parking brake while the vehicle is raised. R
The jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a large,
flat, load-bearing underlay must be used. On a
slippery surface, a non-slip underlay must be
used, e.g. rubber mats. 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 C , loosen the bolts on the
wheel you wish to change by about one full
turn. Do not unscrew the bolts completely.368
Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires