towing MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2011 User Guide

being thrown forwards from the cargo
compartment.
Securing a load
Lashing eyelets
GWarning
Distribute the load on the cargo tie down rings
evenly.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Please observe the loading guidelines.
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie down rings in the
cargo compartment mounted at the sides.
Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment 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 is located
behind the rear bench seat backrest.
Opening and closing the cargo
compartment cover
XTo open: pull cargo compartment
cover : back and clip it into the retainers
on the left and right of the rear door.XTo close: unclip cargo compartment
cover : and guide it forwards until it is
completely rolled up.
Installing/removing the cargo
compartment cover
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X To remove: make sure that cargo
compartment cover ; is rolled up.
XSlide catches : on the left-hand and right-
hand sides of cargo compartment
cover ; towards the center of the vehicle.
XSwing cargo compartment cover ; up and
out.
XTo install: slide catches : towards the
center of the vehicle.
XInsert cargo compartment cover ; into
the recesses in the side trim.
XPress the right and left sides of cargo
compartment cover ; downwards until
cargo compartment cover ; engages.
XSlide catches : in the direction of the side
trim.
Roof carrier
The roof is not suited for transporting loads.
Never use roof rails or other accessories
mounted on the roof.
GWarning!
Do not load items on the roof. It may cause
instability during some maneuvers which
could result in an accident.
Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes
GWarning
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder on the center console
XFold cup holder : all the way up.
! Make sure that the cup holder on the
center console is folded down before you
move the front-passenger seat forwards.
Cup holder on the armrest
XInsert cup holder : as shown with the
arrow into the fixture of carrier bar ;.
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If you do not require the cup holder, it can be
stored in the glove box or in the stowage
compartment in the center console, for
example.
Cup holders in the rear compartment
! Ensure that you remove all containers
from the cup holder in the rear before
folding the seat backrest and the seat
cushion of the rear bench seat forwards.
Sun visors
Overview of sun visors
GWarning
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
:Sun visor;Bracket=Mirror cover?Mirror light
Glare from the side
XFold down sun visor :.XPull sun visor : from bracket ;.XSwing sun visor : to the side.
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror lights ? will only function if the sun
visor is clipped into bracket ;.
XFold down sun visor :.XFold up mirror cover =.
Mirror lights ? are switched on
automatically.
Ashtray
Ashtray in the cockpit
XTo open: press cover ? and then release
it.
Ashtray : folds out.XTo remove insert: make sure that the
vehicle is secured against rolling away by
applying the parking brake.XMove the selector lever to N.XMove slide knob = to the right, so that
insert ; is released.XPull insert ; upwards and remove it.198FeaturesLoading, stowing and features
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XTo re-install the insert: press insert ;
into the holder until it engages.XTo close: press cover ? until it engages.
Ashtray in the rear compartment
An ashtray is located in each of the rear
doors.
XTo open: fold cover ; out in the direction
of the arrow.XTo remove the insert: press retaining
lug : and pull insert = upwards and out.XTo re-install the insert: replace insert =
from above.XTo close: close cover ; fully.Cigarette lighterGWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
GWarning
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
! The 12 V socket in the cigarette lighter
can be used for accessories (up to a
maximum of 180 W), as long as they have
the standard socket type for cigarette
lighters. Note that the socket in the
cigarette lighter can be damaged when
connecting accessories, for example by
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frequent insertion and removal or by
sockets that do not fit correctly. A damaged
socket can cause the cigarette lighter to
stop working.XPress cover ; and then release it.
The ashtray and cigarette lighter : fold
out.XPress in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter : will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.
12 V sockets
Points to observe before use
! If you are using all sockets in the vehicle,
make sure that you do not exceed the
maximum current draw of 45 A. Otherwise,
you will overload the fuses.
The sockets can be used for accessories with
a maximum power consumption of 180 W (15
A), e.g. lamps or for mobile phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.Socket in the front-passenger footwellXLift up the cover of the socket.
The cigarette lighter socket can be also used
( Y page 199). It can also be used if the key
has been removed from the ignition lock.
Socket in the rear compartment
The socket is located on the center console
in the rear compartment.
XLift up the cover of the socket.
Socket in the cargo compartment
The socket is located in the cargo
compartment on the left-hand-side, next to
the rear door.
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XLift up the cover of the socket.
115 V power socket
GWarning!
The 115V AC socket operates at high voltage.
Use the 115V AC socket in the vehicle with
the same caution and prudence that you
exercise when using power outlets at home.
Keep any fluids away from the 115V AC
socket. Do not clean the socket with fluids or
tapered objects. Keep the 115V AC socket
cover in the closed position, when not in use.
Otherwise, you could suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
GWarning!
A device that you connect must have a
suitable plug that complies with U.S.
standards. Never pull on the cable to unplug
a plug from the 115V AC socket. Do not use
a damaged connection cable. The 115V AC
socket may not be connected to another
115V AC power source. Do not use converters
to a grounding plug with the 115V AC socket.
This could cause serious personal injury to
you and/or others.
GWarning!
If the 115V AC socket is damaged or torn out
of the trim, do not use or touch the 115V AC
socket. Using a 115V AC socket that is
damaged or torn out of the trim could cause
serious personal injury to you and/or others.
115 V power socket : provides an
alternating voltage of 115 V, so that small
electronic devices can be connected. These
devices, such as games consoles, chargers
and laptops, should not consume more than
a maximum of 150 W altogether.
Requirements for operation of these devices:
R the 12 V sockets in the rear compartment
and the cargo compartment are
operational ( Y page 200).
R the plug of the electronic device is plugged
into 115 V power socket :.
R the on-board voltage is within a permissible
voltage range.
R the electronic device's maximum power
output does not exceed 150 W.
XOpen flap =.XSwitch the ignition on.XInsert the plug of the electronic device into
115 V power socket :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.
If indicator lamp ; does not light up, please
read the chapter on malfunctions.
XTo turn off: disconnect the plug from
115 V power socket :.
Ensure that you do not pull on the cord.XClose flap =.Features201Loading, stowing and featuresZProCarManuals.com

Possible causes of malfunction:
R the on-board voltage is not within a
permissible voltage range.
R the temperature of the DC/AC converter is
temporarily too high.
R some small electronic devices have a
constant nominal power of less than
150 W, but a very high switch-on current.
In that case, there is a possibility that these
devices will not function properly as 115 V
socket : is not able to provide a high
enough current.
If indicator lamp ; still does not light up,
consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g.
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
mbrace 15
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Make sure
that your system is activated and ready for
use, and press the E MB info call button
to register. If you cannot carry out any of
the steps mentioned, the system may not
be activated.
If you have any questions concerning
activation, please contact one of the
following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by post. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 16
.
The mbrace system is available if:
R it has been activated and is operational.
Activation requires an available mobile
phone network, a valid SIM card and a
service subscription to a surveillance
service provider.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the corresponding mobile phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
Customer Center.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides three different
services:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB Info call
To adjust the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the COMAND volume controller.
You can find information and a description of
all available features under "Owners Online"
at http://www.mbusa.com 17
.
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
15 The system is called TELE AID in Canada.
16 USA only.
17 USA only.202FeaturesLoading, stowing and features
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GWarning
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if any or all of the following
conditions occur:
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not come on during the system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button º does not come on during the
system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Information button
E does not come on during the system
self-test.
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button,
Roadside Assistance button º, or
Information button E remains
illuminated constantly in red after the
system self-test.
R The message Tele Aid Inoperative or
Tele Aid Not Activated appears in the
multifunction display after the system self-
test.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
case of an emergency, help will have to be
summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under the number
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Make sure
that your system is activated and ready for
use, and press the E MB info call button
to register. If you cannot carry out any of
the steps mentioned, the system may not
be activated.
If you have any questions concerning
activation, please contact one of the
following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
An emergency call is dialed automatically if
an air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device is
triggered.
i An automatically dialed mbrace
emergency call cannot be canceled.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually.
As soon as the emergency call has been
initiated, the indicator lamp in the SOS button
flashes. The Connecting Call message
appears on the multifunction display.
COMAND is muted.
Once a connection has been established, the
Call Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
All important information on the emergency
is provided, for example:
R current location of the vehicle (as
determined by the GPS system)
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
R vehicle identification number
A short time after the emergency call is
initiated, a voice connection is automatically
established between the Response Center
and the vehicle occupants. If the vehicle
occupants are able to respond, the Response
Center will attempt to obtain more detailed
information on the emergency.
i If no vehicle occupant answers, an
ambulance is immediately sent to the
vehicle.GWarning
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center
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established, then the mbrace system could
not initiate an emergency call (e.g. the
relevant cellular phone network is not
available).
The message Call Failed appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
10 seconds.
Should this occur, assistance must be
summoned by other means.
Making an emergency callXTo initiate an emergency call
manually: press cover : briefly to open
it.XPress SOS button ; briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;
flashes until the emergency call is
concluded.XWait for the voice connection with the
Response Center.XAfter the emergency call is ended, close
cover :.GWarning
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle,
vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the SOS button. Carefully leave the
vehicle and move to a safe location. The
Response Center will automatically contact
local emergency officials with the vehicle's
approximate location if they receive an
automatic SOS signal and cannot make voice
contact with the vehicle occupants.
Roadside Assistance buttonXOpen the stowage space under the armrest
( Y page 193).XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for more than two seconds.
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance Representative is initiated. The
indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button : flashes while the call is active.
The Connecting call message appears in
the multifunction display and the COMAND
system is muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on COMAND during the call. The
voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative and the vehicle occupants.
XDescribe the type of assistance needed.204FeaturesLoading, stowing and features
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The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative either sends a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or organizes for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You may
be charged for services such as repair work
and/or towing. Further details are available
in your mbrace manual.
i If the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button : flashes continuously
and no voice connection to the Response
Center has been established, then the
mbrace system has failed to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call (e.g. the
corresponding mobile phone network is not
available). The Call Failed message
appears in the multifunction display.XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on COMAND.
i Sign and Drive services 18
: you are not
charged for services such as jump-starting,
providing a few gallons of fuel for a fuel tank
that has been run dry or changing a flat tire
with the vehicle's own spare wheel.
MB Info call button
XOpen the stowage space under the armrest
( Y page 193).XPress and hold MB Info call button : for
more than two seconds.
A call to the Response Center is initiated.
MB Info call button : indicator lamp
flashes while the connection is being
established. The Connecting call
message appears in the multifunction
display and the COMAND system is muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on COMAND during the call. The
voice output is not available.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the vehicle occupants is
established. You can obtain information on
how to operate your vehicle's systems, on the
location of the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center, and on further products and
services offered by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Further details on the mbrace system can be
found at http://www.mbusa.com 19
. Log in
under "Owners Online".
i If the indicator lamp in MB Info call
button : flashes continuously and no
voice connection to the Response Center
has been established, then the mbrace
system has failed to initiate an MB Info call
(e.g. because the corresponding mobile
phone network is not available). The Call
18
USA only.
19 USA only.Features205Loading, stowing and featuresZProCarManuals.com