maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2012 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 20 At
ag lance ........................................... 25 Safety
................................................... 37 Opening and closing
...........................67 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
....89 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........103 Climate control
................................. 123 Driving and parking
..........................141 On-board computer and displays
....209 Stowing and features
.......................265 Maintenance and care
......................289 Breakdown assistance
.....................303 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 321 Technical data
................................... 337 Contents
3

Declarations of conformity
Wireless vehicle components The following information applies to all com-
ponents of the vehicle and the COMAN
Dsys-
tem which receive and/or transmit radio
waves:
The components of this vehicle which receive
and/o rtransmit radio waves are compliant
with the basic requirements and other rele-
vant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. You
can obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Electromagnetic compatibility The electromagnetic compatibility of the vehi-
cle components has been tested and certified
in accordance with the current version of
Directive 72/245/EE Cor the equivalent
ECE-R 10 regulation. Diagnostics connection
G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection, it can affect the operation of the
vehicle systems. This could compromise the
operating safety of your vehicle while driving.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a diagnos-
tics connection. G
WARNING
Loose equipment or cables hanging from a
device which are connected to a diagnostic
connection could impede pedal clearance.
The equipment or cables could get caught
between the pedals when driving and braking
suddenly. This could impair the function of the
pedals. There is a risk of accident.
Do not attach any equipment or cables in the
driver's footwell. !
If the engine is switched off and equip-
ment on the diagnostics connection is
used, the starter battery may discharge.
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for the connection of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics
connection can lead to emissions monitoring
information being reset, for example. This
may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the
requirements of the next emissions test dur-
ing the main inspection. Qualified specialist workshop
Aq ualified specialist workshop has the nec-
essary special skills, tools and qualifications
to correctly carry out any necessary work on
your vehicle. This particularly applies to work
relevan tto safety.
Observe the notes in the Service Booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R modifications, installations and conver-
sions
R work on electronic components
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Vehicle registration
Mercedes-Benz may ask its Service Centres
to carry out technical inspections on certain
vehicles. The quality or safety of the vehicle
is improved as a result of the inspection.
Mercedes-Benz can only inform you about
vehicle checks if it has your registration data. 22
Introduction

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. Country-specific differen-
ces are possible. Note that your vehicle
may not be fitted with all features descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 22). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use the on-board computer when road
and traffic conditions permit .You would oth-
erwise be distracted and unable to concen-
trate properly on driving, and could cause an
accident. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see infor-
mation about your driving conditions, such as
speed, outside temperature, warning and indi-
cator lamps, display messages or system fail-
ures. Driving characteristics may be impaired.
Adjust your driving style and vehicle speed
accordingly.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. G
WARNING
The on-board computer only records and dis-
plays malfunctions and warnings from certain
systems. For this reason, you should always
make sure that your vehicle is safe to use. You
could otherwise cause an accident by driving
an unsafe vehicle. G
WARNING
The operating safety of your vehicle could be
impaired if maintenance work is carried out
incorrectly. This could cause you to lose con-
trol of your vehicle and cause an accident.
Moreover, the safety systems may no longer
be able to protect you or others as they are
designed to do.
Always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
For an illustration of the instrument cluster,
see (Y page 211). 210
Important safety notesOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
............................290
Engine compartment ........................290
Service ............................................... 294
Care .................................................... 295 289Maintenance and care

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. Country-specific differen-
ces are possible. Note that your vehicle
may not be fitted with all features descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 22). Engine compartment
Bonnet
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. If you do so, the bonnet may open
up and block your view. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the bonnet is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Owner's Manual
and observe the relevan tsafety notes. G
WARNING
The radiator fan between the radiator and the
engine can start automatically, even if the key
has been removed from th eignition lock. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. You could otherwise be injured. Vehicles with
apetrol engine: The elec-
tronic ignitio nsystem uses high voltage. For
this reason, you mus tnever touch ignition
system components (ignition coil, ignition
cables, spark plug connectors or test socket)
while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on and the engine
is being cranked by hand
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
Vehicles with adiesel engine: The elec-
tronic injection control uses high voltage. For
this reason, you must never touch injection
system components while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured. G
WARNING
The windscreen wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the bonnet is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off and that the key has been pulled
out of the ignition lock before opening the
bonnet.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
not folded away from the windscreen .Oth-
erwise, you could damage the windscreen
wipers or the bonnet. 290
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Opens the bonnet
The release lever on the bonnet is in the foot-
well on the left-hand side of the vehicle when
viewed in the direction of travel.
X Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the bonnet.
The bonnet is released. Vehicles with a petrol engine
Vehicles with a diesel engine X
Lift the bonnet slightly.
X Petrol engine: push the handle of bonnet
catch ;in the direction of the arrow and
lift the bonnet.
X Diesel engine: pull the handle of bonnet
catch ;in the direction of the arrow and
lift the bonnet.
Closing the bonnet G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the bonnet.
X Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Radiator
i Vehicles with adiesel engine: do not
cover the radiator. Do not use thermal
mats, insect protection covers or anything
similar. Doing so can cause the Onboard
Diagnostics System to display inaccurate
values. Some of these values are legally
required and must always be correct. Engine oil
Notes on oil level Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.
8lof oil per 1,000 km. The
oil consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds. Engine compartment
291Maintenance and care Z

Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
Example
:oil dipstick
On the G 65 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer only.
On all other models, the dipstick must be
used to chec kthe engine oil level.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature (i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly).
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark =and MAX mark ;.
X Top up the oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer !
Do not add too much oil. Topping up with
too much engine oil can result in damage
to the engine or to the catalytic converter.
Have excess engine oil siphoned off.
G6 5 AMG: the oil level can be checked using
the on-board computer only. On all other models, the dipstic
kmust be
used to chec kthe engine oil level.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X Press the &or* button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the following message: The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:
R Engine oil level OK R
Add 1.0 l to reach maximum oil level
R
Add 1.5 litres to reach maximum oil level
R
Add 2.0 l to reach maximum oil level
X
Top up the oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating tempera-
ture and the Engine oil Reduce oil level message appears, the engine oil level
is too high.
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check engine oil level message appears:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 143).
If the Observe waiting time message
appears: 292
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
If the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: repeat the measuremen tafter
about five minutes.
X If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: (e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly) repeat the measurement
after about 30 minutes.
If the Engine oil level Not when engine on message appears:
X Switch off the engine.
X If the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: wait about five minutes before
carrying out the measurement.
X If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the meas-
urement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the *or& button on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel.
Adding engine oil H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Do not add too much oil .Ifthe oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Engine oil cap (example:
G 65 AMG) X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up with the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer when doing so or fill carefully to the
maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 345).
i The difference between the minimum
mark and the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick is approximately 2litres.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into
place. Other service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised. Therefore,
only unscrew the cap once the engine has
cooled down. The coolan ttemperature dis-
play must be less than 70 †. Otherwise, you
could be scalded if hot coolant escapes. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only chec kthe coolant level if the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the key to position 2(Ypage 143) in
the ignition lock. Engine compartment
293Maintenance and care Z

X
Chec kthe coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately
1.5 cm above marker bar =in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 347).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem/headlampc leaning systemG
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid is highly flammable.
Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibi-
ted when handling washer fluid concentrate. Example: washer fluid reservoir X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer syste mand the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further informatio nonwindscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 347). Service
ASSYST service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The ASSYST service interval display informs
you of the nex tservice due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 km Service A due now
Service A 99999 km overdue
Maintaining the time-dependen
tservice
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
before disconnecting the battery.
Or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A ±
Major service B294
ServiceMaintenance and care

The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding aservice message X
To hide the service message, press the
% back button on the multifunction
steering wheel ( Ypage 31)( Ypage 214).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X Switch the ignitio non.
X Press VorU to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(Y page 215).
X Press &or* to select the ASSYST
service interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed.
Information about Service Arduous operating conditions or increased
loads on the vehicle will require some service
work to be performed more often than for a
vehicle in normal use. Such arduous condi-
tions include regular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops and use in mountainous
terrai noronp oor road surfaces.
For example, if the vehicle is used under ardu-
ous operating conditions, have air filters,
engine oil and oil filters changed frequently
and check the wheels often.F urther informa-
tion can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Ben zService
Centre. Fuel/water separator
H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner. !
If you continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the multi-
function display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible. Care
General notes
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly Care
295Maintenance and care Z