warning MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2008 Owner's Manual

Driving safety sys
tems48 conditions. Maintain sufficient distance
from other road users and objects on the
road. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h
upwards, regardless of road surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently. G
Risk of accident
Do not depress the brake pedal several
times in quick succession (pumping).
Depress the brake firmly and evenly. Pump-
ing the brake pedal reduces the braking
effect.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over. X
To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force. G
Risk of accident
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. This limits the steerability of the
vehicle when braking and the braking dis-
tance may increase.
If ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction,
then BAS, ESP ®
and 4ETS are also deacti-
vated. There is an increased risk of your
vehicle skidding in certain situations.
You should always adapt your driving style
to suit prevailing road and weather condi-
tions. BAS (Brake Assist)
BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake pedal quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking force,
thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. G
Risk of accident
If BAS has malfunctioned, the braking sys-
tem remains available with full brake boost-
ing effect. However, braking force is not
automatically increased in emergency
braking situations and the stopping dis-
tance may increase. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between tyres and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilise the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified, if
necessary, to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or slip-
pery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilise the vehi-
cle during braking.
When ESP ®
intervenes, the vwarning
lamp flashes in the speedometer. G
Risk of accident
If the v warning lamp in the speedom-
eter flashes, proceed as follows: Safety
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 48 Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Driving safety sys
tems 49R
do not deactivate ESP ®
under any cir-
cumstances.
R only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
R adapt your driving style to suit the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
The vehicle could otherwise go into a skid.
ESP ®
cannot reduce the risk of an accident
if you drive too fast. ESP ®
cannot override
the laws of physics.
! If:
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
or rear axle raised,
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer,
the ignition must be switched off (key in
position 0or 1in the ignition lock). Other-
wise, application of the brakes by ESP ®
could destroy the brake system on the front
or rear axle.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a twin-axle dyna-
mometer. If you wish to operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre in advance. You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off auto-
matically.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tyre sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Activating/deactivating ESP ® ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel G
Risk of accident
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilise the vehi-
cle if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel
starts to spin. If you deactivate ESP
®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. Spinning of the
wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R and are driving at above 60 km/h, ESP ®
still intervenes when one wheel reaches its
grip limit even though it is switched off.
i If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more
wheels start to spin, the vwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehi-
cle. Safety
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 49 ZDateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Driving safety sys
tems501
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
X To deactivate: press button1until the
v warning lamp in the speedometer
lights up. G
Risk of accident
If the v warning lamp in the speedom-
eter is continuously lit when the engine is
running, ESP ®
is deactivated or not availa-
ble due to a malfunction. There is an
increased risk of your vehicle skidding in
certain situations.
You should always adapt your driving style
to suit prevailing road and weather condi-
tions. X
To activate: press button 1until the
v warning lamp in the speedometer
goes out. EBV (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
EBV monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability under braking. G
Risk of accident
If EBV is malfunctioning, the brake system
is still available with full brake boosting
effect. However, the rear wheels can still
lock, e.g. under full braking. This could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and cause an accident. You should there-
fore adapt your driving style to the different
handling characteristics. 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
4ETS makes it possible to pull away or accel-
erate on a slippery surface. It brakes the
wheels individually if they start to spin.
The v warning lamp in the speedometer
lights up briefly when the engine is started.
This indicates that the warning lamp is opera-
tional.
4ETS switches itself on if at least one tyre has
reached its grip limit. It brakes wheels indi-
vidually until enough traction has been
attained.
4ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP ®
.
4ETS is no longer active above a speed of
about 60 km/h.
The v warning lamp in the speedometer
flashes at any speed if at least one tyre has
exceeded its tyre grip limit. Safety
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 50 Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Anti-theft syste
ms 51G
Risk of accident
If the v warning lamp in the speedom-
eter flashes, proceed as follows:
R only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
R accelerate less when driving.
R adapt your driving style to suit the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Otherwise, the vehicle could go into a skid.
If you drive too fast, 4ETS cannot reduce
the risk of an accident. 4ETS cannot over-
ride the laws of physics.
! If:
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
or rear axle raised,
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer,
the ignition must be switched off (key in
position 0or 1in the ignition lock). Other-
wise, application of the brakes by 4ETS
could destroy the brake system on the front
or rear axle. Anti-theft systems
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
X To activate: remove the key from the igni-
tion lock.
X To deactivate: turn the key to position 2
in the ignition lock. ATA* (anti-theft alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered when
the alarm system is primed and you open:
R a door
R a door using the emergency key element
R the rear door or tailgate (convertible)
R the bonnet
The alarm is also triggered if:
R the position of the vehicle is changed.
R a window is smashed.
The alarm is not switched off even if you close
a door again. 1
Indicator lamp
X To prime: lock the vehicle using the key.
Indicator lamp 1flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is primed after approximately 15 sec-
onds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle using the
key.
i If you then do not open a side door or the
rear door, the alarm system switches itself
back on again after approximately 40 sec-
onds. Safety
* optional
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 51 ZDateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Opening and closing
58
X
Insert emergency key element into the rear
door lock.
X Turn the emergency key element clockwise
to position 1.
i If the vehicle is not unlocked centrally and
you unlock and open the rear door with the
emergency key element, the anti-theft
alarm system* is triggered. Tailgate (Cabriolet)
G
Risk of poisoning
Exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle inte-
rior if the engine is running and the tailgate
is open. This could poison you. Therefore,
you should make sure that the tailgate is
always closed when the engine is running. G
Risk of accident
While the external spare wheel bracket is
folded to the side, the tail lamps may be
blocked from view. Other road users may
then fail to see you and crash into your
vehicle. Additionally, secure your vehicle
using a warning lamp or a warning triangle.
Do not drive with the spare wheel bracket
folded out. Make sure that the spare wheel bracket is
closed correctly.
Otherwise, the freely moving spare wheel
bracket could injure people or cause an
accident.
Opening from the outside You can only open the tailgate after it has
been unlocked.
X
To unlock centrally: press thekbut-
ton on the key. 1
Spare wheel bracket
2 Lever
3 Safety catch X
Raise safety catch 3and pull lever 2in
the direction of the arrow.
X Swing spare wheel bracket 1to one side.
! Make sure that there is sufficient clear-
ance. 4
Quick-locking mechanism
5 Zippers
X Turn quick-locking mechanisms 4clock-
wise.
X Open zippers 5upwards approximately
10 cm.
i When the convertible soft top is open and
the tonneau cover* is attached, you need
only separate the quick-locking mecha-
nisms on the tonneau cover*. Controls
* optional
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 58Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Key positions
596
Handle
X Pull handle 6upwards and push down the
tailgate.
! Make sure that there is sufficient clear-
ance.
Closing from the outside G
Risk of injury
Make sure that nobody can become trap-
ped as you close the tailgate. Key positions
Key
Ignition lock
0
To remove the key
1 Power supply for some consumers, e.g.
the sliding/tilting sunroof*
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 To start the engine
i The indicator and warning lamps light up
on the instrument cluster when you switch
on the ignition. They go out when the
engine is running. This shows that the indi-
cator and warning lamps for each system
are operational. i
You can only remove the key if:
R the key is in position 0in the ignition lock
R the automatic transmission selector
lever is in P Controls
* optional
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh , Version: 2.10.6 2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 59 ZDateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Seat belts
74
X
To fasten the seat belt: remove belt
tongues 7from retainer 1.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt
reel.
X Engage fixed belt tongue 4in buckle 2.
X Pull removable belt tongue 7and route
the seat belt across your body.
X Engage removable belt tongue 7in
buckle 5.
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
X To release the seat belt: press release
button 6on belt buckle 5.
X Open belt buckle 2with a screwdriver
3 or similar.
X Let the seat belt roll up to the stop.
X Insert both belt tongues into retainer 1,
one on top of the other. Driver seat belt warning
The < seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster reminds you that all occupants
should fasten their seat belts. The belt warning lamp may light up continuously
or it may flash. Additionally, there may be a
warning tone.
The < seat belt warning lamp goes out and
the warning tone ceases when the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
i Further information about the belt warning lamp (Y page 212). Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the fol-
lowing seats:
R driver's seat
R front-passenger seat
R outer rear seats
Adjust the belt to a height that allows it to be
routed across the middle of your shoulder. 1
Release catch
X To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various posi-
tions.
X To lower: draw release button 1forwards
and hold it.
X Slide the belt sash guide downwards.
X Let go of release button 1and make sure
that the belt sash guide has engaged. Controls
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 74Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Lights
76M
Lights off/constant headlamp mode
U Automatic headlamp mode
C Side lamps, licence plate and instru-
ment lighting
B Dipped-beam headlamps or main-beam
headlamps
g Right-hand parking lamp
a Left-hand parking lamp
¥ Front foglamps indicator lamp
† Rear foglamp indicator lamp
i A warning tone sounds when you remove
the key from the ignition lock and open the
driver's door while the side lamps or
dipped-beam headlamps are switched on.
The Switch off lights message appears
in the multi-function display. Dipped-beam headlamps X
Make sure that the key is in position 2of
the ignition lock or that the engine is run-
ning.
X To switch on: turn the light switch to
B.
The dipped-beam headlamps, parking
lamps and licence plate lamps are switched
on. The green dipped-beam indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.
Constant headlamp mode In countries in which constant headlamp
mode is not a legal requirement, you can
make this a setting using the on-board com-
puter.
X
Make sure that constant headlamp mode
has been set in the on-board computer
(Y page 107).
i In countries in which constant headlamp
mode is a legal requirement, constant
headlamp mode cannot be deactivated.
X To switch on: turn the light switch to
M.
The dipped-beam headlamps, side lamps
and licence plate lamp are switched on
when the engine is running.
Automatic headlamp mode The side lamps, dipped-beam headlamps and
licence plate lamp are switched on or off
automatically, depending on the brightness of
the ambient light.
G
Risk of accident
When the light switch is set to U, the
lights are not switched on automatically in
foggy conditions. This could endanger you
and others. Therefore, turn the light switch
to B in darkness and fog.
Automatic headlamp mode is only a driving
aid. You are responsible for the vehicle
lighting at all times. Controls
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 76Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Lights
78
Main-beam headlamps/headlamp flas-
her Combination switch
1
Main-beam headlamps
2 Headlamp flasher
Main-beam headlamps
X Make sure that the key is in position 2of
the ignition lock or that the engine is run-
ning.
X Turn the light switch to the Bor position
U 7
position.
X To switch on: press the combination
switch in the direction of arrow 1.
The main-beam indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. X
To switch off: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The main-beam indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Headlamp flasher
X To switch on: briefly pull the combination
switch in the direction of arrow 2.
The main beam indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up briefly. Hazard warning lamps
Centre console
1
Hazard warning lamp button
The hazard warning lamps still operate if the
ignition is switched off. They switch on auto- matically if an airbag or the belt tensioners
are triggered and the key is in position
1in
the ignition lock.
X To activate: press hazard warning lamp
button 1.
All turn signals flash. If you now activate a
turn signal, only those turn signal lamps on
the corresponding side of the vehicle will
flash.
X To deactivate: press hazard warning lamp
button 1. Headlamp cleaning system
1
Button for headlamp cleaning system
7 In position U, the main beam will only switch on when it is dark. Controls
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 78Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Driving and pa
rking 88
R
the vehicle is secured with the parking
brake
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning Parking
G
Risk of accident
Only remove the key from the ignition lock
when the vehicle is stationary as you can-
not steer the vehicle with the key removed.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake. This could lead to a serious or fatal
accident. G
Risk of fire
Make sure that the exhaust system does
not under any circumstances come into
contact with easily ignitable material such
as dry grass or petrol. The material could
otherwise ignite and set the vehicle on fire. Parking brake 1
Parking brake
2 Release button
X To release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
X Pull the parking brake 1up firmly.
X Press release button 2on parking brake
1 and move the parking brake down to the
stop.
The 3 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. X
To apply: pull parking brake 1up firmly.
If the key is in position 1or 2in the ignition
lock, then the indicator lamp 3in the
instrument cluster is on.
i On steep slopes, turn the front wheels
towards the kerb. Switching off the engine
G
Risk of accident
If the engine is not running, there is no
power assistance for the steering and
brakes. Steering and braking then takes
much more effort.
As a result, you might lose control of the
vehicle, cause an accident and injure your-
self and others.
Do not switch off the engine while driving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Move the selector lever to P.
X Turn the key to position 0(Y page 59) in
the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated. Controls
463_AKB; 1; 8, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-07-17T15:19:41+02:00 - Seite 88 Dateiname: 6515_4091_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight