steering MERCEDES-BENZ G550 2011 W463 Owner's Guide

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. 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.
Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on
( Y page 77).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 78).
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.
R you can fasten the seat belt properly.
R you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 79).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on
( Y page 77).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 83).
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines on
( Y page 43).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 45).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 85) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with a memory function: save
the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 88).76Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

Seats
Important safety notes
GWarning
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWarning
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWarning
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
GWarning
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seat whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWarning
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Seats77Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
! To avoid damage to the seats and the seat
heating, observe the following information:
R do not spill any liquids on the seats. If
liquid is spilled on the seats, dry them as
soon as possible.
R if the seat covers are damp or wet, do not
switch on the seat heating. The seat
heating should also not to be used to dry
the seats.
R clean the seat covers as recommended;
see the "Interior care" section.
R do not transport heavy loads on the
seats. Do not place sharp objects on the
seat cushions, e.g. knives, nails or tools.
The seats should only be occupied by
passengers, if possible.
R when the seat heating is in operation, do
not cover the seats with insulating
materials, e.g. blankets, coats, bags,
seat covers, child seats or booster seats.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
! When the rear bench seat is folded
forwards, the front seats cannot be moved
to their rearmost position. You could
otherwise damage the seats and the rear
bench seat.
! Make sure that the sun visor is folded up
before adjusting the backrest and head
restraint height. The head restraint and sun
visor could otherwise collide when the head
restraint is fully extended.
i If the front door is open, the seats can be
adjusted for up 30 minutes after the
ignition has been switched off.
i The head restraints in the front and rear
seats can be removed ( Y page 80).Please contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for more information.
i You can find further information about
enlarging the cargo compartment (folding
the rear bench seat forwards) on
( Y page 194).
Adjusting the seat electrically
Front seat adjustment
The buttons are located on the door control
panel.
:Head restraint height;Backrest angle=Seat fore-and-aft adjustment?Seat cushion angleASeat heightXTurn the key to position 1 or 2 in the ignition
lock.
Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
! Before moving the front passenger seat
forward, make sure that the cup holder on
the center console is folded down and that
the cup holder on the armrest has been
removed. Otherwise, the front passenger
seat or the cup holders may be damaged.
XSlide the button forwards or back in the
direction of arrow =.78SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

Backrest angleXSlide the button forwards or back in the
direction of arrow ;.
Seat height
XSlide the button up or down in the direction
of arrow A.
Seat cushion angle
Adjust the seat cushion angle so that your
thighs are lightly supported.
XSlide the button up or down in the direction
of arrow ?.
Head restraint height
XSlide the button up or down in the direction
of arrow :.
i
For further information on head
restraints, see ( Y page 79).
i You can store the seat settings using the
memory function ( Y page 88).
Adjusting the head restraints
Important safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, always drive with the rear
head restraints in the upright position when
the rear seats are occupied.
Keep the area around head restraints clear of
articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.
GWarning
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
Adjusting the front seat head restraint
height
The button is located on the door control
panel.
XSlide head restraint adjustment button :
up or down in the direction of the arrow.
Adjusting the front seat head restraint
angle
GWarning!
Vehicles with Rear Seat Entertainment
System: When adjusting the head restraint,
make sure your fingers do not become caught
between the head restraint cushion and the
monitor. Failing to do so may lead to injury.
XPush or pull the lower edge of the head
restraint in the direction of the arrow.Seats79Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

Resetting the front seat head restraints
It is necessary to reset the front seat head
restraints after the voltage supply has been
interrupted, e.g. if the battery has been
completely discharged or disconnected.
XMake sure that the cup holder on the center
console is folded down ( Y page 197).XMove the seat as far forward as possible
and the head restraint in as far as possible.
Rear seat head restraints
Important safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, always drive with the rear
head restraints in the upright position when
the rear seats are occupied.
Keep the area around head restraints clear of
articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.
GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it
is as close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the back
of the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in the
event of an accident or similar situation.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to move
the respective head restraint up from the
lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints installed when the rear seats are
occupied. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
GWarning!
Make sure the rear seat head restraints
engage when placing them upright manually.
Otherwise their protective function cannot be
ensured.
The back of the head will not be supported in
the event of a collision. That could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. Rear seat
occupants can be seriously injured or killed.
Adjusting the head restraint heightXTo raise: pull the head restraint up until the
desired height has been reached.XTo lower: push the head restraint down
until the desired height has been reached.
Installing/removing the rear seat head
restraints
XTo remove: pull the head restraint up and
out.XTo re-install: insert the head restraint so
that the arched side points in the direction
of travel.XPush the head restraint down until you hear
it engage in position.
Adjusting the luxury head restraints
GWarning
When folding back the head restraint side
bolsters, do not put your hands between the
side bolster and the cushion holder. There is
a danger of becoming trapped.
80SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

XTo adjust the side bolsters of the head
restraint: push or pull right and/or left-
hand side bolster : into the desired
position.XTo adjust the angle of the head
restraint: push or pull the head restraint in
the direction of arrow ;.
Adjusting the multicontour seat
You can adjust the contour of the front seats
individually so as to provide optimum support
for your back and sides.
XMake sure that the key is in position 1 in
the ignition lock.:To adjust the thigh cushion;To adjust the backrest contour in the
lumbar region=To adjust the backrest contour in the
upper back region?To adjust the side bolsters of the seat
backrestAdjusting the 4-way lumbar support
You can adjust the contour of the front seat
backrests individually to provide optimum
support for your back.:To raise the backrest contour;To soften the backrest contour=To lower the backrest contour?To harden the backrest contour
Switching the seat heating on/off
General notes
The red indicator lamps in the button indicate
the heating level you have selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
heating may switch off.
One or more of the indicator lamps in the
seat heating button are flashing.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Front-seat heating
Seats81Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

iThe system automatically switches down
from level 3 to level 2 after approximately
five minutes.
The system automatically switches down
from level 2 to level 1 after approximately
ten minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 20 minutes after it is set to
level 1.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Rear-seat heating
:Level 1 (normal heating);Level 2 (rapid heating)
i
The system automatically switches down
from level 2 (rapid heating) to level 1
(normal heating) after approximately five
minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 30 minutes after it is set to
level 1.
XTo select level 1: press the upper section
of button :.
An indicator lamp lights up.XTo deactivate level 1: press the upper
section of button :.
The indicator lamp goes out.XTo select level 2: press the lower section
of button ;.
Both indicator lamps light up.XTo deactivate level 2: press the lower
section of button ;.
Both indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat heating
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
heating button are flashing, the seat heating
has switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
seat heating will switch back on
automatically.
Switching the seat ventilation on/off
Switching on/off
Seat ventilation is only available for the front
seats.
The three blue indicator lamps in the buttons
indicate the ventilation level you have
selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.
82SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
i If you open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the key ( Y page 71),
the driver's seat ventilation automatically
switches to the highest level.
XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat ventilation
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
ventilation button are flashing, the seat
ventilation has switched off automatically.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage is too
low because too many electrical consumers
are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
seat ventilation will switch back on
automatically.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
You can adjust the steering wheel electrically.
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
When you adjust the steering wheel, make
sure that:
R the steering wheel can be reached with
your arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
:To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment);To adjust the steering wheel heightXMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.
i
If the driver's door is open, the steering
wheel can be adjusted for up to 30 minutes
after the ignition has been switched off.
XPress the lever in the direction of
arrow : or ; until the steering wheel is
in the desired position.
You can find more information under:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature ( Y page 84)
R Storing settings ( Y page 88)
Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off
The steering-wheel heating heats the leather
areas of the steering wheel.
Steering wheel83Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

:To switch on the steering-wheel heating;Indicator lamp=To switch off the steering-wheel heatingXTo switch on/off: make sure that the key
is in position 1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XTurn the lever in the direction of arrow :
or = .
Indicator lamp ; lights up or goes out.
i
The steering wheel heating does not
switch off automatically.
i The steering wheel heating may switch off
temporarily if:
R the temperature of the vehicle interior is
above 86 ‡ (30 †).
R the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95 ‡ (35 †).
Indicator lamp ; remains on.
i The steering wheel heating is deactivated
if you remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
Problems with the steering wheel
heating
If steering wheel heating indicator lamp ; is
flashing, the steering wheel heating has
switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
steering wheel heating will switch back on
automatically.
Steering wheel EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature
General notes
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer ( Y page 165).
Important safety notes
GWarning
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is
activated.
To stop steering maneuver do one of the
following:
R press the steering column adjustment
switch.
R press one of the memory function position
buttons.
R press the memory button.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver's door and
unintentionally activate the EASY-ENTRY/
84Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

EXIT feature. This could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
! Do not activate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature, if the seat backrest is reclined too
far backwards. This can damage the front
or rear seats. You must first move the
backrest to a vertical position.
Position of the steering wheel when the
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is active
The steering wheel moves upwards and
towards the dashboard if:
R an easy-entry/exit steering wheel position
has been stored for the key and
R you remove the key from the ignition lock
or
R you open the driver's door with the key in
position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock.
If you insert the key into the ignition lock with
the driver's door closed, the steering wheel is
automatically moved to the previously set
position.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored when you switch off the ignition or
when you store the setting with the memory
function ( Y page 88).
i The steering wheel only moves upwards
and towards the dashboard if it has not
already reached the upper end stop.
Mirrors
Rear-view mirror
XAdjust the rear-view mirror by hand so you
have a good overview of the traffic
conditions.
Exterior mirrors
Important safety notes
GWarning
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
At low outside temperatures, the exterior
mirrors are heated automatically.
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
The switches are located on the dashboard
on the left-hand side.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XPress button ; for the right-hand exterior
mirror or button = for the left-hand
exterior mirror.XPress adjustment button : up, down, to
the right or to the left until the exteriorMirrors85Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ