towing MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2012 Owner's Manual

Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions°
Level Selection
Not PermittedYou cannot change the vehicle level, because:
R you are exceeding the permissible speed for the selected
vehicle level.
R you are towing a trailer.
R the trailer-coupling socket is being used, e.g. for a bicycle rack.XDrive more slowly and then select the desired vehicle level again
( Y page 189).XObserve the notes on towing a trailer ( Y page 210).°
Compressor Cooling
DownYou have selected a higher vehicle level. The compressor first
needs to cool down because of frequent level changes.XDrive in a manner appropriate for the current vehicle level.XMake sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.XAllow the compressor to cool down.
When the compressor has cooled down, the display message
disappears. The vehicle then continues rising to the selected
level.°
MalfunctionLevel control is defective.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XMake sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.Æ
Reduce speed to
under 12 MPHGRisk of accident
You are exceeding the speed permissible for the selected off-road
level.
XAdjust your driving style to the altered handling characteristics.XOnly make slight steering movements and avoid fast steering
movements.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).°
Rising Max. 12 MPHThe vehicle is being adjusted to off-road level 3. The display
message informs you of the maximum speed permissible for off-
road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).°
Max. 12 MPHYou are driving in off-road level 3. The display message informs
you of the maximum speed permissible for off-road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).248Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Useful information ............................268
Loading guidelines ............................268
Stowage areas .................................. 268
Features ............................................. 282267Stowing 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 24).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use 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.
The cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects. Always use cargo tie-down
rings, and if so equipped, always use the cargo
net when transporting cargo.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
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 349).
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 349).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 349).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should 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.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R hook in the cargo net when loading.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
268Stowage areasStowing and features

Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
If so equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo. The cargo net cannot
secure hard or heavy objects.
Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy
objects.
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
XTo open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Stowage compartment in the center
console
XTo open: briefly press marking ;.XTo close: push stowage compartment :
in the direction of the arrow until it
engages.
Stowage compartment under the armrest
i The º (Y page 290) Roadside
Assistance call button and
E (Y page 290) MB Info call button are
located in the stowage compartment under
the armrest.
Stowage areas269Stowing and featuresZ

XTo open: pull handle : and fold the
armrest upwards.
Coin holders = are located in front of
stowage compartment ;.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage compartment in the rear center
console
XTo open: briefly press the stowage
compartment marking.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be open stowage spaces above
and below the stowage compartment.
Stowage pockets
GWARNING
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.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Parcel nets
GWARNING
Vehicles with Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Do not place objects with a combined weight
of more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg) into the parcel net
on the back of the front passenger seat.
Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to
properly approximate the occupant weight
category.
GWARNING
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.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the back of the driver's and
the front-passenger seat.
Enlarging the cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fully fold the corresponding seats and, if so
270Stowage areasStowing and features

equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
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.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.GWARNING
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! Release and fold the seat cushion
upwards before folding the rear bench seat
forward. Otherwise, the backrests may be
damaged.
When the backrest is folded forwards, the
front seats cannot be moved to their
rearmost position. Otherwise, the front
seats and the rear bench seat could be
damaged.
The left-hand and right-hand backrests in the
second row of seats can be folded forwards
separately to increase the cargo
compartment capacity. On vehicles with a
third row of seats, you must fold down the
third row of seats beforehand (Y page 104) to
obtain maximum cargo compartment
enlargement.
Folding the rear bench seat forwards
i If the driver's or front-passenger seat is
set for a larger person, it may not be
possible to fold the rear bench seat
forwards. In this case, move the front seats
as far forward as possible.
XMove the head restraints to the lowest
position ( Y page 102).XPull release loop : of seat cushion ;.XFold seat cushion ; upwards.XPull release catch = in the direction of the
arrow.
The backrest is released.
! The backrest is heavy. Therefore, take
care when folding it down. Make sure that
the head restraints are pushed all the way
in so that the backrests and seat cushions
are not damaged.
XFold the backrest forwards until it engages
in the cargo compartment position.Stowage areas271Stowing and featuresZ

XGuide seat belts ; under respective
clips :.
Folding the rear bench seat back
XPull release catch = upwards.XFold backrest ; backwards until it
engages, making sure not to trap the seat
belts while doing so.XFold seat cushion : backwards and push
until you hear it engage.XPull up and adjust the head restraints if
necessary ( Y page 102).Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings
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.
Footwell of the second row of seats
There is one cargo tie-down ring : in the
footwell behind the driver’s seat and one in
the footwell behind the front-passenger seat.
Cargo compartment
There are four cargo tie down rings : in the
cargo compartment.
272Stowage areasStowing and features

Securing hooks
Only use the mounting hooks to secure items
of luggage up to maximum of 9 lbs (4 kg) in
weight.
There are two securing hooks : on each side
of the cargo compartment.
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 can be
attached behind the second or third row of
seats.
Extending and retracting the cargo
compartment cover
XTo extend: pull the cargo compartment
cover back by grab handle : and clip it
into retainers ; on the left and right.XTo retract: unhook the cargo compartment
cover from retainers ; on the left and right
and guide it forwards by grab handle :
until it is fully retracted.
Installing/removing the cargo
compartment cover
XTo remove: make sure that cargo
compartment cover ; is rolled up.XPress button :.XMove cargo compartment cover ; to the
left.XRemove cargo compartment cover ;.XTo install: if installed, remove the
protective caps from the side trim in the
third row of seats when you wish to installStowage areas273Stowing and featuresZ

cargo compartment cover ; behind the
second row of seats.
Protective cap in the right-hand side trim on the
third row of seats
XPush in the top of the protective cap as
indicated by the arrow.
The protective cap folds out at the bottom.XRemove the lower cover from the side trim.
i Stow the protective caps in a safe place.
XWith the handle of the cargo compartment
pointing to the rear and button : facing
upwards, insert cargo compartment
cover ; into the recess of the side trim on
the left-hand side.XGuide cargo compartment cover ; in front
of the recess on the right.XPress button : and insert the right-hand
side section into the recess of the side trim.
Cargo net
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure the cargo net is properly engaged
at top and bottom position and the tightening
belts are securely fastened.
Never use a damaged cargo net.
Always use cargo net when transporting
cargo. This helps to avoid personal injury from
smaller objects being thrown around in the
occupant compartment during a collision or
sudden maneuver.
The cargo net cannot prevent the movement
of large, heavier objects into the passenger
compartment in an accident. Such items must
be properly secured using the cargo tie-down
rings in the cargo compartment floor.
Passenger use of seats behind installed cargo
net is restricted because of the footwell being
taken up by the net.
It is particularly important to use a safety net
if the vehicle is loaded with small objects
above the level of the backrests. For safety
reasons, always use a cargo net when
transporting loads.
Preparing the cargo net
The cargo net can be used in two different
positions (behind the B-pillar or the C-pillar).
R The brackets behind B-pillar : are
required for the cargo compartment
enlargement ( Y page 270).
The corresponding cargo tie down rings to
tighten the net are located in the footwell
of the rear bench seat ( Y page 272).
R The brackets behind C-pillar ; are
required for the cargo compartment behind
the 2nd row of seats.
The corresponding cargo tie down rings for
tensioning the net are in the cargo
compartment or on the backrests of the
folded-down 3rd row of seats
( Y page 272).
274Stowage areasStowing and features

XUndo the two Velcro fasteners of the
safety-net stowage.XUnroll and unfold the cargo net.
The upper and lower guide rods must
engage audibly.
Attaching the cargo net
Cargo net attached behind the C-pillar
XInsert guide rod ; into retainer : in the
direction of the arrow.XSlide guide rod ; forwards into
retainer : in the direction of the arrow.
Tightening the cargo net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
XInsert belt hook : into cargo tie-down
ring ; in the direction of the arrow.XPull tensioning strap = by the loose end in
the direction of the arrow until the cargo
net is tight.XAfter driving a short distance, check the
tension of the cargo net and retighten it if
necessary.Releasing the cargo net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
XPull belt adjuster : upwards in the
direction of the arrow to reduce the tension
on the tensioning strap.XUnhook belt hook ; from cargo tie-down
ring =.
Detaching and storing the cargo net
XDetach guide rod ; from bracket :
( Y page 275).XPress the red button on the upper and lower
guide rods.XFold the cargo net and roll it up.XClose the two Velcro fasteners on the cargo
net holder.
EASY-PACK load-securing kit
Components and storage
The EASY-PACK load-securing kit allows you
to use your cargo compartment for a variety
of purposes. You can keep the EASY-PACK
load-securing kit in the bag supplied and store
it together with the telescopic rod under the
cargo compartment floor.
Stowage areas275Stowing and featuresZ