tow MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2011 Owners Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 19At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening and closing ...........................71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....93Lights and windshield wipers ..........113Climate control ................................. 129Driving and parking ..........................145On-board computer and displays ....213Loading, stowing and features ........263Maintenance and care ......................293Roadside assistance .........................307Tires and wheels ............................... 333Technical data ................................... 361
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1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 282
12 V socket ........................................ 281
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 67
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 202
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 235
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 256
Accident (notes) ................................ 309
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 240
Active service system see Service interval display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 194
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 163
Display message ............................ 243
Additional functions (on-board
computer) .......................................... 226
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 194
Air bags Display message ............................ 232
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety information ...........38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 137
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 140
Air filter (display message) .............. 243
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 140
Air nozzles
see Air vents .................................. 143
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................141
Air vents ............................................. 143
Important safety information .........142
Rear ............................................... 143
Setting the center air vents ...........143
Setting the side air vents ...............143
Alarm system
see ATA
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 223
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Approach/departure angle .............. 177
Ashtray ............................................... 279
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 219
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 300
Automatic transmission DIRECT SELECT lever .....................152
Display message ............................ 250
Driving tips .................................... 155
Emergency running mode ..............157
Kickdown ....................................... 155
Malfunction .................................... 157
Pulling away ................................... 149
Starting .......................................... 148
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B
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 66
Battery Charging ........................................ 323
Checking (SmartKey) .......................76
Display message ............................ 242
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 75
Jump-starting ................................. 325
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................76
Safety notes .................................. 322
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 226
Display message ............................ 246
Function/notes ............................. 200
Trailer towing ................................. 202
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
......................................... 367
Adding AdBlue ®
............................. 163
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 369
Brake fluid level ................................ 298
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 238
Brakes ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 66
Brake fluid (notes) .........................369
Display message ............................ 236
Maintenance .................................. 169
Parking brake ........................ 166, 170
Warning lamp ................................. 254
Braking
Important safety instructions ......... 168
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 123
High-beam headlamps ...................122
License plate lamp .........................124
Low-beam headlamps ....................121
Overview ........................................ 120
Parking lamps ................................ 122
Rear fog lamp ................................ 123Replacing ....................................... 123
Standing lamps (front) ...................122
Turn signals (front) ......................... 122
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........22
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................20
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Carpets .......................................... 305
Car wash ........................................ 300
Display ........................................... 303
Gear or selector lever ....................304
Headlamps ..................................... 302
Notes ............................................. 299
Paint .............................................. 301
Plastic trim .................................... 304
Power washer ................................ 301
Rear view camera .......................... 303
Roof lining ...................................... 305
Seat belt ........................................ 305
Seat covers .................................... 304
Sensors ......................................... 303
Steering wheel ............................... 304
Tail pipes ....................................... 303
Trim strips ..................................... 304
Washing by hand ........................... 301
Wheels ........................................... 301
Windows ........................................ 302
Wiper blades .................................. 302
Wooden trim .................................. 304
Cargo compartment cover ............... 269
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 266
Cargo compartment floor ................. 310
Cargo net Attaching ....................................... 270
Important safety information .........270
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 268
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Center console ..................................... 31
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Driving over obstacles ...................176
Off-road driving .............................. 174
Off-road fording ............................. 171
Tire ruts ......................................... 176
Towing a trailer .............................. 209
Wet road surface ........................... 169
Winter ............................................ 173
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) ......................................... 203
Display message ............................ 246
Setting (on-board computer) .......... 226
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 219
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 107
3rd row of seats ............................. 101
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 225
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 107
3rd row of seats ............................. 101
Crash-responsive ........................... 107
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 271
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 271
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 236
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 161
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................157
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 311
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 151
Starting problems ..........................151
Starting the engine with the key ....148
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............149
Switching off .................................. 165
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 259
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 151
Engine emergency stop .................... 331
Engine number .................................. 364
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 296
Checking the oil level ..................... 295
Display message ............................ 242
Lubricant additives ........................369
Notes about oil grades ................... 368
Viscosity ........................................ 369
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Display message ............................ 230
Important safety information ...........66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Exhaust check ................................... 168
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 303
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 108
Dipping (automatic) .......................109
Folding in/out (automatically) .......109
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........108
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 226
Out of position ............................... 109
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OCSFaults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 46
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 366
Odometer ........................................... 218
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 202
Differential locks ............................ 207
DSR ............................................... 203
LOW RANGE off-road gear .....158, 205
Off-road 4ETS .................................. 67
Off-road ABS .................................... 66
Off-road drive program ..................204
Off-road drive program ..................... 204
Off-road driving ................................. 174
Important safety instructions ......... 173
Off-road fording ................................. 171
Off-road terrain Off-road ESP .................................... 68
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
Additional functions menu .............226
Audio menu ................................... 219
Convenience submenu ..................225
Displaying a service message ........299
Displaying the coolant
temperature ................................... 218
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 218
Display messages ..........................229
DISTRONIC menu .......................... 186
Factory settings ............................. 221
Important safety notes ..................214
Instrument cluster submenu ..........221
Lighting submenu .......................... 223
Message memory menu ................. 229
Navigation menu ............................ 220
Off-road menu ............................... 220
Operating video DVD .....................220
Operation ....................................... 215
Overview of menus ........................217
Selecting the language ..................222
Settings menu ............................... 221
Standard display menu ..................218
Telephone menu ............................ 227
Time/Date submenu .....................222Trip computer menu ......................227
Vehicle submenu ........................... 224
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 123
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) .....218
Display ........................................... 214
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Override feature
Rear side windows ...........................64
P
Paint code number ............................ 363
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 301
Panel Removing (third row of seats) ........101
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Parking ............................................... 165
Parking aid PARKTRONIC ................................. 195
Rear view camera .......................... 198
Parking brake .................................... 166
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 239
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 109
PARKTRONIC ...................................... 195
Activating/deactivating .................197
Malfunction .................................... 198
Problem ......................................... 198
Range of the sensors .....................195
Trailer towing ................................. 197
Warning display ............................. 196
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 42
Pedals ................................................. 167
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 304
Power supply (trailer) ....................... 212
Power washers .................................. 301
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Warning lamp ................................. 258
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 218
Starting the engine Important safety instructions ......... 148
Station
see Radio
Status line (on-board computer)
Multifunction display .....................216
Selecting the display ...................... 222
Steering (display message) .............. 251
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................106
Adjusting (manually) ......................106
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 215
Cleaning ......................................... 304
Important safety instructions ......... 105
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 106
Steering wheel heating ..................106
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 110
Steering wheel heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........107
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 155
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 265
Glove box ....................................... 265
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 265
Center console (rear) .....................266
Cup holders ................................... 277
Important safety information .........264
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 225
Instrument cluster .........................221
Lighting .......................................... 223
Time/Date ..................................... 222
Vehicle ........................................... 224
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 278
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 223SUV
(Sport Utility Vehicle) .......................21
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 214
Tailgate Display message ............................ 251
Important safety guidelines .............80
Limiting the opening angle ...............84
Taillight
see Tail lamps
Tank contents
Gauge .............................................. 28
Technical data ................................... 362
GL 350 BlueTEC ............................. 370
GL 450 ........................................... 371
GL 550 ........................................... 371
Tires/wheels ................................. 357
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 287
Display message ............................ 231
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 287
Emergency call .............................. 284
Important safety notes ..................283
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............288
MB info call button ........................286
Roadside Assistance button ..........285
Self-test ......................................... 283
System .......................................... 283
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............287
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 228
Display message ............................ 252
Menu (on-board computer) ............227
Number from the phone book ........ 228
Redialing ........................................ 228
Rejecting/ending a call .................228
Telephone compartment .................. 265
Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 272
Temperature Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 218
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 218
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Unladen weight (definition) ............355
Wear indicator (definition) .............356
Wheel rim (definition) ....................355
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 334
Top Tether ............................................ 62
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........327
Towing a trailer
Driving tips .................................... 209
Towing away
Installing the towing eye ................327
Removing the towing eye ...............328
Trailer
Coupling up ................................... 209
Decoupling ..................................... 211
Display message ............................ 237
Power supply ................................. 212
Towing ........................................... 210
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 211
Trailer towing .................................... 155
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 202
ESP ®
................................................ 68
PARKTRONIC ................................. 197
Transfer case ..................................... 157
Shift ranges ................................... 158
Transmission position display ......... 153
Transmission positions .................... 154
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 178
Driving downhill ............................. 178
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 178
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 218
Resetting (on-board computer) ......227
Trunk
Automatic opening ..................... 82, 83
Turn signal (display message) ......... 237
Turn signals ....................................... 117
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 356
Type plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 278
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Emergency release ..........................80
Equipment ....................................... 19
Exterior view .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 221
Loading .......................................... 344
Lowering ........................................ 320
Maintenance .................................... 20
Parking up ..................................... 166
Raising ........................................... 318
Reporting problems .........................22
Towing away .................................. 327
Tow-starting ................................... 327
Transporting .................................. 329
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 363
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 310
Video (DVD) ........................................ 220
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 220
VIN ...................................................... 363
W
Warning and indicator lamps Overview .......................................... 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Warranty ............................................ 362
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 320
Wheel chock ...................................... 317
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Service technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, be sure
to send in the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will assist
us in contacting you in a timely manner
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Sport Utility Vehicle
GWarning!
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and
perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel
drive passenger cars are not intended. This
vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this
type, if you make sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Operator’s Manual. Take time to become
familiar with the driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all
vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Do not
attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or
abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that can cause loss of vehicle control.
When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
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Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
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Exterior viewFunctionPage:Tailgate80Vehicle tool kit310;Rear window heating141=Lights120?Fuel filler flap159AExterior mirrors108BRoof carrier273Sliding sunroof88CDefrosting the windshield140Cleaning the windows302FunctionPageDWindshield wipers125EOpening the hood294Engine oil295Coolant297FTowing away327GTires and wheels334Flat tire31126Exterior viewAt a glance
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