engine MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2012 W463 Owner's Guide

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all 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-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 20). Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on

even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. In these countries, the daytime
running lamps are automatically switched on
when the engine is started. Information about driving abroad
To convert to symmetrical low beam
when driving

abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road from the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
To convert to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border and
returning to the original country. Light switch
Operation 1
W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3$ Lights off/daytime running lamps
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps
5T Parking lamps, side marker lamps,
license plate and instrument cluster
lighting
6L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
7N Front fog lamps
8R Rear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam

flasher are operated using the
combination switch (Y page 91).
! Switch off the standing lamps, parking
lamps and low-beam headlamps when you
leave the vehicle. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking
lamps) switches off automatically if you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
The Switch off lights message appears
in the multifunction display.
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
X If you see the Switch off lights or
remove key message in the multifunction 88
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

display, remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
or
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
Low-beam headlamps X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
X To switch off: turn the light switch to
$.
Daytime running lamps Daytime running lamps in Canada
The "daytime running lamps" function is
required
by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
When the engine is running: depending on
the ambient

light, the low-beam headlamps
or the parking lamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If the light switch is set to $
or Ã
, you
cannot activate the high-beam headlamps.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used. Turn the light switch to L when
driving at night. You can switch on the high-
beam headlamps in this position.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a driving position to N or P, the low-beam
headlamps go out after three minutes.
When the engine is running: if you turn the
light switch to T, you turn on the parking
lamps and low-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running: if you turn the
light switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps. Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
X
To switch on: activate the daytime
running lamps function in the on-board
computer (Y page 160).
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
When the engine is on: the low-beam
headlamps are switched on. The L
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
If the light switch is set to $
or Ã
, you
cannot switch on the high-beam headlamps
in bright conditions. Turn the light switch to
L. You can switch on the high-beam
headlamps in this position.
If the light switch is set to $, Ã or
L, you can switch on the high-beam
headlamps in less bright conditions.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used.
Turn the light switch to L when driving at
night.
When the engine is running: if you turn the
light switch to T or L, the manual
settings take precedence over the daytime
running lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
If the exterior lamp switch is set to Ã, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize

risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when traffic and/or ambient lighting
conditions require you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position à to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from à to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident. Exterior lighting
89
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the

driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
The parking lamps, low-beam headlamps and
license plate lamp are switched on or off
automatically, depending on the brightness of
the ambient light.
X To switch on: turn the light switch to
Ã.
SmartKey in

position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
When the engine is running: depending on
the ambient light, the parking lamps, the
low-beam headlamps and the license plate
lamp are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
Canada only:
if
the light switch is in position
$ or Ã, you cannot switch on the high-
beam headlamps. However, the high-beam
flasher can always be used. Turn the light
switch to L when driving at night. You can
switch on the high-beam headlamps in this
position.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp Front fog lamps
G
WARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn

the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Your vehicle may
otherwise not be visible and you could
endanger yourself and others. G
WARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position
à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or T
. If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.
X Pull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N

indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.
X To switch off: press the light switch in as
far as it will go.
The green N

indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamp
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L
or T
. If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.
X Pull the light switch out to the second
detent.
The yellow R

indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.
X To switch off: press the light switch in as
far as it will go.
The yellow R

indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out. 90
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Combination switch
Turn signals X
To indicate briefly:
press the
combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the
combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding ! or # indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster flashes.
High-beam headlamps X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position
2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or Ã.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the à position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark.
X To deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up briefly. Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps switch on
automatically if an air bag or the Emergency
Tensioning Devices are triggered and the
SmartKey is

in position 1 in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn

signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off: press button :.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated fifteen

times while the lights are on
and the engine is running (Y page 100). When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Exterior lighting
91
Lights and windshield wipers Z

X
To switch on manually: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
or start the engine.
X Briefly press button : of the headlamp
cleaning system.
The headlamps are cleaned with a high-
pressure water jet. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction
you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated if the low-beam headlamps
are switched on and the fog lamp is switched
off.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph(40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals and turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph(40 km/h) or switch off the turn signal
and turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position.
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time. Headlamps and indicator lamps
fogged up on the inside
The headlamps

and the indicator lamps in the
exterior mirrors may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity. X
Drive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on

the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:
t To switch the cargo compartment
lamp/rear interior lighting on/off
; p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
= Rocker switch (to control the interior
lighting)
? p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off 92
Interior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:
p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
; p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off Interior lighting control
Important notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging,
the
interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
unless the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control X
To switch on: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
The interior lighting switches on
automatically when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y page 161).
When a front door is opened, the front interior
lighting comes on. When a rear door is
opened, the rear interior lighting comes on.
In addition, the courtesy lights come on. i
If a

door remains open and the SmartKey
is not in the ignition lock, the interior
lighting switches off after a short while.
X To switch off: press the z symbol on
rocker switch =.
The interior lighting remains switched off
even when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
Manual control Front interior lighting
!
If the interior lighting has been switched
on manually, it will not be switched off
automatically.
This can cause the starter battery to
discharge.
Make sure that the interior lighting does
not remain switched on too long after the
engine has been switched off.
X To switch on: press the c symbol on
rocker switch =.
X To switch off: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
Reading lamps
X To switch on/off: press the p
button.
Cargo compartment lamp G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. G
WARNING
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Interior lighting
93
Lights and windshield wipers Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all 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-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 20). Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled

replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible. G
WARNING
Follow
the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
Automatic climate control controls the
temperature and the humidity in the vehicle
interior and filters undesirable substances
from the air.
The automatic climate control is only
operational when the engine is running 4
.
Optimum operation is only achieved if you
drive with the side windows and sliding
sunroof closed. i
Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 69).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of

dust, and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Maintenance
Booklet.
4 The residual heat function can only be switched on/off if the ignition is switched off.104
Overview of climate control systems
Climate control

otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode,
no
fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
R At very low temperatures, the rear window
defroster is only switched on once the
vehicle interior has warmed up. Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information G
WARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could

fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 107).
Activating/deactivating X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on:
turn
control : clockwise to
the desired position (except position 0)
(Y page 105).
X The previously selected settings come into
effect again.
X To switch off: turn control : counter-
clockwise to position 0(Y page 105). Activating/deactivating the cooling
with air dehumidification function
Important information The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are

warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Activating/deactivating !
If the cooling with air dehumidification
does not switch on, it is possible that the
climate control system has lost coolant.
Have the cooling with air dehumidification
checked at

a qualified specialist workshop.
X To activate: press the Á button.
The indicator

lamp in the Á button lights
up.
X To switch off: press the Á button.
The indicator

lamp in the Á button goes
out. The cooling with air dehumidification
function has a delayed switch-off feature. 106
Operating the climate control system
Climate control

Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated. G
WARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press button
z or ¥.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on: press the g button.
The indicator

lamp in the g button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When

air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
X To switch off: press the g button.
The indicator

lamp in the g button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode switches off
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures

are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †) Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is

possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the coolant temperature and
on the interior temperature that has been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock or remove it.
X To activate: press the Á button.
The indicator

lamp in the Á button lights
up.
X To switch off: press the Á button.
The indicator

lamp in the Á button goes
out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending

on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution 110
Setting the air vents
Climate control

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all 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-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 20). Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more

you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed. Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R
do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) in the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4500 rpm briefly.
R change gear in good time.
R avoid off-road

use before the differential oil
change at 2000 miles (3000 km).
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in

the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury. G
WARNING
On
slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in

drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control. G
WARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position
P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than

idle speed. If your foot is not firmly114
Driving
Driving and parking