service MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2011 Owners Manual

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may differ according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
Therefore, you cannot base any claims on the
illustrations or text content in this Operator's
Manual.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.4635847082
É4635847082ÆËÍ
ProCarManuals.com

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 201
12 V socket ........................................ 200
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 58
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 149
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) Display message ............................ 171
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Function/notes ................................ 56
Warning lamp ................................. 185
Accident (notes) ................................ 229
Active service system see Service interval display
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 279
Adjusting the seat ............................... 78
Air bag PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 39
Air bags
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Window curtain air bag ....................39
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air pressure
see Tire pressure ........................... 249
Air vents ............................................. 113
Important safety notes ..................112
Rear ............................................... 113
Setting the center air vents ...........113
Setting the side air vents ...............113
see Air outlets
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........59
Tow-away alarm ............................... 60
Ashtray ............................................... 198
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................59
Function ........................................... 59
Switching off the alarm ....................59
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 172
Automatic car wash .......................... 221
Automatic transmission Driving tips .................................... 123
Emergency running mode ..............126
Important safety notes ..................121
Kickdown ....................................... 123
Malfunction .................................... 126
Pulling away ................................... 118
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 126
Selector lever ................................ 122
B
backup lamp Display message ............................ 174
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Battery Charging ........................................ 236
Checking (SmartKey) .......................64
Display message ............................ 176
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 64
Jump-starting ................................. 238
Maintenance (vehicle) .................... 235
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................64
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes ..................235
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 171
Notes ............................................. 280
Brake fluid level ................................ 219
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 172
Brakes ABS .................................................. 56
BAS .................................................. 56
4IndexProCarManuals.com

Demisting the windows .................. 110
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 107
Important safety notes ..................106
Indicator lamp ................................ 109
Problems with "cooling with air
dehumidification" ........................... 109
Problems with the rear window
heating .......................................... 111
Refrigerant ..................................... 279
Setting the air distribution .............109
Setting the airflow .........................110
Setting the air vents ......................113
Setting the temperature ................109
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 111
Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 112
Windshield defroster ......................110
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 25
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 166
Convenience closing feature .............. 71
Convenience opening feature ............ 71
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................217
Display message ............................ 174
Notes ............................................. 280
Temperature gauge ........................ 156
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering lamps .................................. 94
Correct use .......................................... 20
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................147
Display message ............................ 178
Function/notes ............................. 147
Cup holders ........................................ 197
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ............................................... 20
Customer Relations Department ....... 20D
Daytime running lamps Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 164
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 164
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
Demisting the windshield ................. 110
Differential locks ............................... 129
Digital speedometer ......................... 160
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 224
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....169
Clearing (on-board computer) ........169
Driving systems ............................. 178
Safety systems .............................. 170
Service interval display ..................219
Distance recorder ............................. 160
Door Automatic locking ............................ 68
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
Display message ............................ 181
Emergency locking ........................... 68
Emergency unlocking .......................68
Opening (from inside) ......................67
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 31
Doors
Important safety notes ....................67
Drinking and driving ......................... 136
Drinks holder see Cup holders ............................. 197
Driving abroad ..................................... 90
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............145
Driving downhill ............................. 146
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 146
Driving on flooded roads .................. 1406IndexProCarManuals.com

Driving safety systemEBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 59
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 57
Important safety information ...........55
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...58
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......56
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............56
Overview .......................................... 55
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 147
Rear view camera .......................... 152
Driving tips ........................................ 123
Braking .......................................... 139
Downhill gradients .........................137
Driving on flooded roads ................140
Driving on sand .............................. 144
Driving on wet roads ......................140
Driving over obstacles ...................145
Off-road driving .............................. 142
Off-road fording ............................. 140
Tire ruts ......................................... 144
Wet road surface ........................... 138
Winter ............................................ 141
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 161
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ............................ 84
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 165
EASY-EXIT feature ............................... 84
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Function/notes ................................ 59
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 133
Vehicle ............................................. 68
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................126
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....17
Engine
Display message ............................ 174
Irregular running ............................ 120
Starting problems ..........................120
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 117
Switching off .................................. 135
Warning lamp Check Engine ..........188
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 120
Engine number .................................. 276
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 216
Additives ........................................ 279
Checking the oil level ..................... 215
Display message ............................ 176
Notes about oil grades ................... 279
Viscosity ........................................ 279
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................58
Display message ............................ 170
Important safety information ...........57
Exhaust check ................................... 137
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 224
Exterior lighting Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 164
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 85
Dipping (automatic) .........................87
Malfunction ...................................... 87
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....86
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 88
Storing the parking position ............. 87Index7ProCarManuals.com

Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................49
Child restraint systems ....................50
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 34
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat
Important safety notes ....................77
Seat backrest
Folding back .................................. 195
Folding forwards ............................ 195
Seat belt
Fastening, front ............................... 46
Fastening in the rear, center ............46
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 47
Belt force limiters ............................ 49
Cleaning ......................................... 226
Correct usage .................................. 44
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 49
Fastening ................................... 45, 46
Important safety guidelines .............43
Releasing ......................................... 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Special seat belt retractor ...............51
Warning lamp ................................. 184
Warning lamp (function) ................... 48
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............82
Seats
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 81
Adjusting the head restraint ............79
Cleaning the cover .........................225
Correct driver's seat position ........... 76
Multicontour seat ............................ 81
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 88
Switching seat heating on/off .........81
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................... 82
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............83
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 224
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 219
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 220
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 280
Capacities ...................................... 277
Coolant (engine) ............................ 280
Engine oil ....................................... 279
Fuel ................................................ 277
Important safety notes ..................276
Notes ............................................. 276
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 279
Washer fluid ................................... 281
Settings
Calling up a stored setting ...............88
Factory (on-board computer) .........162
On-board computer .......................162
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) Speedometer ................................. 163
Shift ranges ....................................... 123
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 173
Side window Important safety information ...........70
Side windows
Convenience closing feature ............71
Convenience opening feature ..........71
Opening and closing ........................71
Troubleshooting ............................... 72
Ski rack .............................................. 197
Sliding sunroof Important safety notes ....................72
Opening/closing .............................. 73
Operating manually ..........................73
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................64
Changing the programming .............63
Checking the battery .......................64
Convenience closing feature ............71
Convenience opening feature ..........71
Important safety notes ....................6212IndexProCarManuals.com

System .......................................... 202
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............206
Telephone
Menu (on-board computer) ............167
Telephone compartment .................. 193
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 156
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 160
Outside temperature ...................... 157
Setting (climate control) ................109
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 59
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....253
Checking ........................................ 252
Checking manually ........................253
Display message ............................ 179
Maximum ....................................... 252
Notes ............................................. 250
Recommended ............................... 249
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 253
Restarting ...................................... 255
Warning lamp ................................. 189
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................268
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................267
Bar (definition) ............................... 266
Characteristics .............................. 266
Checking ........................................ 246
Definition of terms .........................266
Direction of rotation ......................270
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................269
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 265
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............266
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 267
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 267
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 267GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................267
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......267
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........268
Labeling (overview) ........................262
Load bearing index (definition) ......269
Load index ..................................... 265
Load index (definition) ...................268
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 267
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 268
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 268
Maximum tire load .........................260
Maximum tire load (definition) .......268
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 268
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 268
Replacing ....................................... 269
Service life ..................................... 248
Sidewall (definition) .......................268
Speed index (definition) .................267
Storing ........................................... 270
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 266
Technical data ............................... 272
Temperature .................................. 262
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 269
Tire bead (definition) ......................268
Tire pressure (definition) ................268
Tire pressures (recommended) ......267
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................263
Tire tread ....................................... 247
Tire tread (definition) .....................268
Total load limit (definition) .............269
Traction ......................................... 261
Traction (definition) .......................269
Tread wear ..................................... 261
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................269
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 26114IndexProCarManuals.com

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
Before you first drive off, read this Operator's
Manual carefully and familiarize yourself with
your vehicle.
For your own safety and a longer vehicle life,
follow the instructions and warning notices in
this manual. Disregarding them may lead to
damage to the vehicle or personal injury.
Vehicle damage resulting from the disregard
of the instructions is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features described.
This also applies to safety-relevant systems
and functions. The equipment in your vehicle
may therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and the Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and should
be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
The Limited Warranty for your vehicle applies
in accordance with the warranty terms and
conditions in the Service and Guarantee
Booklet. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will replace and repair all factory-
installed parts in accordance with the
following warranty terms and conditions:
R new vehicle limited warranty
R warranty on the exhaust system
R warranty on the emission values
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont warranty on the
emission control system
R extended consumer protection laws which
vary by state ("Lemon Laws")
Introduction17ProCarManuals.com

Information for customers in
California
In California, you have the right to exchange
a vehicle or receive a refund of the purchase
or leasing price if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
and/or an authorized workshop or
maintenance facility cannot, after several
authorized repairs, rectify considerable
damage to or malfunctions of the vehicle that
are covered by the contractual warranty.
Customers who purchase or lease a vehicle
may have their vehicles repaired within 18
months from delivery or up until an odometer
reading of 29,000 km (i.e. 18,000 miles),
whichever comes first, if:(1)the serious defect or damage can result
in deadly or serious injury to the vehicle
occupants while driving AND this defect
has already been repaired at least twice
AND Mercedes-Benz, LLC has been
informed in writing of the necessity of a
repair.(2)the defect or damage, though less
serious than (1) above, has already been
repaired at least four times AND
Mercedes-Benz has been informed in
writing of the necessity of a repair.(3)the vehicle cannot be used for longer
than 30 calendar days because of repair
work resulting from this or other serious
defects or damage.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Guarantee Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always bring the Service and Guarantee
Booklet with you when bringing the vehicle to
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
customer service advisor will record every
service for you in the Service and Guarantee
Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the case of a
breakdown. Your calls to the toll-free
Roadside Assistance Hotline are answered by
our agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
You can find further information in the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in the vehicle document wallet.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance is prepared
to provide vehicle service up until a
reasonable distance from the next paved
roadway. We will make every effort to assist
in a breakdown situation. However, the
accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Service technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Notification of Address Change"
in the Service and Guarantee Booklet or
simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center (USA) at the hotline
number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (Canada) at
18IntroductionProCarManuals.com

1-800-387-0100. Thus, if necessary, we can
reach you in a timely fashion.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
If you have purchased a used car, please send
us the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" in
the Service and Guarantee Booklet or simply
call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
When you are abroad with your vehicle,
observe the following points:
R service points or replacement parts may
not be available immediately.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
Anti-Knock Index. Unsuitable fuel can
cause engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available in
Europe through our European Delivery
Program. Please consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information, or write to one of the following
addresses.
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Sport Utility VehicleGWarning!
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and
perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel
drive passenger cars are not intended. This
vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this
type, if you make sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Operator’s Manual. Take time to become
familiar with the driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all
vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Do not
attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or
abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that can cause loss of vehicle control.
When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Operating Safety
Important safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
Introduction19ZProCarManuals.com

injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can find more information on vehicle
safety under:
http://www.safercar.gov
Limited Warranty
! Follow the instructions in this manual
about the proper operation of your vehicle
as well as about possible vehicle damage.
Damage to your vehicle that arises from
culpable contraventions against these
instructions are not covered either by
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the
New or Used-Vehicle Warranty of
Daimler AG.
Data stored in the vehicle
Information about electronic data
acquisition in the vehicle
(Including California Code Supplement
§ 9951)
Your vehicle records electronic data. If your
vehicle is equipped with mbrace 2
data is
transmitted in the event of an accident.
This information serves, for example, to test
vehicle systems after an accident and to
continually improve vehicle safety.
Daimler AG can access these data and submit
them:
R for safety investigations or vehicle
diagnoses
R with the agreement of the vehicle owner
R on the instruction of prosecuting
authorities
R for use in arbitration of disputes that
involve Daimler AG, its subsidiaries or its
sales and service organizations
R on the basis of other legislation.
Please observe the mbrace 2
order agreement
regarding further details on data that this
system records and transmits.2 The system is called TELEAID in Canada.Introduction21ZProCarManuals.com