towing MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2012 W463 Owner's Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction .........................................
17 At a glance
........................................... 23 Safety ...................................................
31 Opening/closing
................................. 59 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....
73 Lights and windshield wipers
............87 Climate control
................................. 103 Driving and parking ..........................
113 On-board computer and displays
....151 Stowing and features .......................
187 Maintenance and care
......................209 Breakdown assistance
.....................223 Wheels and tires ...............................
241 Technical data ...................................
269 Contents
3

Unladen weight (definition) ............
263
Wear indicator (definition) .............265
Wheel rim (definition)
....................263
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 51
Tow-away alarm .................................. 58
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........235
In the event of malfunctions ..........237
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 235
Rear ............................................... 235
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 256
Transfer case Display message ............................ 178
Shift ranges ................................... 145
Transmission position display .........120
Transmission positions ....................120
Transporting the vehicle .................. 236
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 156
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 168
Turn signals ......................................... 91
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 265
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes

............................. 142
Malfunction .................................... 144
Range of the sensors ..................... 142
Warning display ............................. 143
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................66
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 65 V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 194
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................66
Equipment

....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 158
Loading .......................................... 252
Lowering ........................................ 229
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking for a long period ................ 128
Raising ........................................... 227
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 235
Tow-starting ................................... 235
Transporting .................................. 236
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 277
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............271
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 224
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 277
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow ......................... 108
Video (DVD) ........................................ 157
VIN ...................................................... 271 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 181
Brakes ........................................... 180
Check Engine ................................. 184
ESP ®
.............................................. 182
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 182
Fuel tank ........................................ 184
Overview .......................................... 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 37
Reserve fuel ................................... 184
Seat belt ........................................ 178 Index
15

of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed

or down ; for a lower speed.
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until
the desired speed is reached.
X Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to
overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Making adjustments in 1 mph

(Canada:
1 km/h) increments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
up :
for a higher speed or down
; for a
lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards = .
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you apply the parking brake.
R you are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h

).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine. 4MATIC
(permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS, it

improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip. G
WARNING
If
a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This

may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the SmartKey to
position 0 or 1 in the ignition. Failure to do
this can cause damage to the drive train or
the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center Driving systems
141
Driving and parking Z

Shift ranges
H HIGH
Position for all normal on-road
driving conditions.
L LOW
Low-range position for driving off-
road.
Also for use on steep uphill or
downhill gradients, especially
when towing a trailer.
!
When the
transfer case is in the
off-road driving position LOW
range, the automatic
transmission does not shift up,
even when the engine has
reached the overrevving limit.
There is then a risk of engine
damage. Make sure that you do
not exceed the maximum
permissible engine speed.
The vehicle travels around half the
speed of on-road driving range
HIGH. The tractive power is
correspondingly higher. N Neutral
Neutral position.
No power is transmitted to the
drive wheels.
Shifting the transfer case
General information
G
WARNING
If you do not wait for the gear change process
to complete, it may not be correctly
implemented. The transfer case may then be
in neutral and the power transmission
between the engine and the drive axles may
be disengaged. The vehicle can then move
freely, even if a gear is engaged, and may
inadvertently start moving, particularly if it is
on a slope. There is therefore a risk of an
accident. Always wait for the gear change process from
HIGH to LOW and from LOW to HIGH to
complete. Do not turn off the engine while
changing
gear

and do not shift the automatic
transmission to another gear.
Observe the relevant messages in the
multifunction display. :
Current shift range
; Current transfer case position
Current shift range : and transfer case
position ; are shown in the instrument
cluster multifunction display.
The switch for the transfer case is on the
lower section of the center console. Transfer case switch
From HIGH to LOW
!
Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.146
Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking

Useful information ............................
188
Loading guidelines ............................188
Stowage areas .................................. 189
Features ............................................. 193 187Stowing and features

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). Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always
fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials

appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. You should
therefore load your vehicle as shown in the
illustrations. The
gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. 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 271).
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 271).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 252).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests.188
Loading guidelines
Stowing and features

R
if the
rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the belt tongue on the outer seat belts into
the buckle of opposite seat belt :.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection. Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front Glove box
i
Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find an AUX-IN jack or a Media
Interface installed

in the glove box. A Media
Interface is a universal interface for
portable audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod
®
or USB device (see the separate
Audio or

COMAND operating instructions). X
To open: pull handle :
and open glove box
flap ;.
X To close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key. 1
Glove box unlocked
2 Glove box locked
X To lock: insert the mechanical key
(Y page 61) into the lock and turn it 90°
clockwise to position 2.
X To unlock: insert the mechanical key
(Y page 61) into the lock and turn it 90°
counter-clockwise to position 1.
Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest/in the
center console.
Under the armrest is a shallow stowage tray
(telephone compartment), under which is a
deeper stowage compartment. Stowage areas
189
Stowing and features Z

X
To open the stowage tray (telephone
compartment): press
button : and raise
the armrest.
X To open the stowage compartment:
press button ; and raise the armrest.
The stowage

tray is raised together with the
armrest.
X To open the stowage compartment in
the center console: slide cover = back
using the handle.
i The º(Y page 200) Roadside
Assistance call button and
E(Y page 201) MB Info call button are
located in

the stowage compartment under
the armrest.
Stowage compartments in the rear Stowage pockets
G
WARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or

sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are located on the rear
side of the front seats. Parcel nets
G
WARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or

sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
The parcel nets are located in the front-
passenger footwell. Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or

the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. G
WARNING
Failure to assure that the seat bench and seat
backrests are locked into place could result
in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.
Never place hands under seat or near any
moving parts while a seat is being adjusted. 190
Stowage areas
Stowing and features

For safety reasons, the rear seat bench must
only be adjusted when the vehicle is
stationary.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! 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.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seats can
be folded down to increase the cargo
compartment capacity. The following
changes are possible:
R fold the seat backrests forward
R fold the rear bench seat back fully.
Folding the seat backrest forward :
Seat backrest release lever
; Rear bench seat release lever
i Open the rear doors. This allows you
better access to release lever :.
X Remove the center head restraint
(Y page 78).
X Pull release lever :.
The corresponding seat backrest is
released.
X Fold the seat backrest forward until it
engages. Folding the seat backrest back X
Pull release lever : and fold the seat
backrest backwards.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped

when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
X Fold the seat backrest back until it engages
audibly in the seat catch.
X Install the head restraints (Y page 78).
Folding the rear bench seat forward X
Fold the backrest forwards (
Y page 191).
X Pull release lever ;.
The corresponding rear bench seat is
released.
X Fold the rear bench seat forward until it
engages.
Folding the rear bench seat into an
upright position X
Fold back the rear bench seat backrest
until it engages audibly in the seat catch.
X Fold the backrest backwards
( Y page 191).
X Install the head restraints (Y page 78). G
WARNING
Make sure that the rear bench seat and front
seat backrest are correctly engaged in
position.
If the seat backrests or rear bench seat are
not fully engaged and the following occurs:
R sharp braking
R a sudden change of direction
R an accident
the seat

backrests or rear bench seat may fold
forwards and instead of being restrained by
the seats as intended you could be injured by
them. Occupants could then also be injured
in the event of an accident, e.g. by objects Stowage areas
191
Stowing and features
Z

being thrown forwards from the cargo
compartment.
Securing cargo
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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.
R only use tie downs that have been checked
in accordance with applicable standards,
e.g. lashing nets or lashing straps.
R fill the spaces between the load and the
cargo compartment walls and the wheel
mountings in a form-locking way. Only use
dimensionally stable transportation aids
for this, such as chocks, wooden fixings or
padding.
Cargo tie down rings in the cargo
compartment 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 X
To open:
pull cargo compartment
cover : back

and clip it into the retainers
on the left and right of the rear door.
X To close: unclip cargo compartment
cover : and guide it forwards until it is
completely rolled up. 192
Stowage areas
Stowing and features