roof MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Owner's Manual

Problems with the seat heating
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The seat heating has
switched off
prematurely or cannot
be switched on.
The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical
consumers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers that 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
Activating/deactivating
The three blue indicator lamps in the buttons
indicate the ventilation level you have
selected.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock.
XTo switch on:press buttonCrepeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
XTo switch off:press buttonCrepeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
iIf the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.
iYou can open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the "Convenience
opening" feature (Ypage 95). The seat
ventilation of the driver's seat
automatically switches to the highest level.
118Seats
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Useful information
iThis 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.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 28).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
Observe the settings recommended on the
following pages. The windows could
otherwise fog up.
To prevent the windows from fogging up:
Rswitch off climate control only briefly
Rswitch on air-recirculation mode only
briefly
Rswitch on the cooling with air
dehumidification function
Rswitch on the defrost windshield function
briefly, if required
Climate control regulates the temperature
and the humidity in the vehicle interior and
filters undesirable substances out of the air.
Climate control can only be operated when
the engine is running. Optimum operation is
only achieved with the side windows and roof
closed.
The residual heat function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off (Ypage 161).
iVentilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature (Ypage 95).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired interior temperature will be
reached more quickly.
iThe integrated filter filters out most
particles of dust and soot and completely
filters out pollen. It also reduces gaseous
pollutants and odors. A clogged filter
reduces the amount of air supplied to the
vehicle interior. For this reason, you should
always observe the interval for replacing
the filter, which is specified in the
Maintenance Booklet. As it depends on
environmental conditions, e.g. heavy air
pollution, the interval may be shorter than
stated in the Maintenance Booklet.
iIt is possible that the residual heat
function may be activated automatically an
hour after the SmartKey has been removed
in order to dry the automatic climate
control. The vehicle is then ventilated for
30 minutes.
146Overview of climate control systems
Climate control

a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident is greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
Example: ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are.
The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the
selected settings and prevailing conditions.
Your driving style can significantly influence
the vehicle's consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars:
RAccelerationAcceleration
RConstantConstant
RCoastingCoasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher
percentage indicates a more economical
driving style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
192Driving tips
Driving and parking

bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
!Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior
equipment.
REstablish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
RVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select the highest possible vehicle level.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
REnter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
RDo not stop.
RWater offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
REnsure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
RClean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
RApply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
(Ypage 454).
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:if driving in snow or with snow
chains, select the snow program
(Ypage 255) with the off-road program
selector wheel in the center console.
iVehicles with a diesel engine:do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective
cover. The measuring function of the
onboard diagnosis system may otherwise
provide inaccurate values. Some of these
values are required by law and must
therefore always be accurate.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
196Driving tips
Driving and parking

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR (Ypage 256).
RAlways keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
RCheck the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
RWhen fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission positionN.
iDo not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road
!If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
XEngine oil level:check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle.
XDEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles):check the
level and top up if necessary (Ypage 186).
XTire-changing tool kit:check that the jack
is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires:check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
XReplace dented or damaged wheels.
XRims:dented or bent rims can result in a
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Therefore, check your rims before
driving off-road and replace them as
required.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:activate the on-road program
(Ypage 258).
XDeactivate the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Ypage 259).
XDeactivate DSR (Ypage 256).
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable
for the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level.
XClean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
XClean the front and rear license plates.
XClean the wheels/tires with a water jet and
remove any foreign objects.
198Driving tips
Driving an d parking

Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engine is often left idling for long
periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
!For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning 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.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
!In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission
376Care
Maintenance and care

Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
RVigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
RFrequent use of car washes.
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
!Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a
clear matte finish. This will help you to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
iThe vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
378Care
Maintenance and care

Ryou adopt a very sporty driving style
(cornering at high speeds or driving with
high rates of acceleration).
Ryou are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
Ryou are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tire pressure loss
warning system
Restart the tire pressure loss warning system
if you have:
Rchanged the tire pressure
Rchanged the wheels or tires
Rmounted new wheels or tires
XBefore restarting, make sure that the tire
pressures are set properly on all four tires
for the respective operating conditions.
The recommended tire pressures can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
or the tire pressure table on the fuel filler
flap.
The tire pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set
the correct tire pressure. If an incorrect tire
pressure is set, these incorrect values will
be monitored.
XAlso observe the notes in the section on tire
pressures (Ypage 408).
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock (Ypage 167).
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theServiceService
menu.
XPress thecordbutton to select
Tire PressureTire Pressure.
XPress thevbutton.
TheRun Flat Indicator ActiveRun Flat Indicator Active
Press 'OK' to RestartPress 'OK' to Restartmessage
appears in the multifunction display.
If you wish to confirm the restart:
XPress thevbutton.
TheTire Pressure Now OK?Tire Pressure Now OK?message
appears in the multifunction display.
XPress thecordbutton to select
YesYes.
XPress thevbutton.
TheRun Flat Indicator RestartedRun Flat Indicator Restarted
message appears in the multifunction
display.
After a teach-in period, the tire pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tire pressures of all four tires.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
XPress the8button.
or
XIf theTire Pressure Now OK?Tire Pressure Now OK?message
appears, use thecordbutton to
selectCancelCancel.
XPress thevbutton.
The tire pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored.
Tire pressure monitor
General notes
If a tire pressure monitor is installed, the
vehicle's wheels have sensors that monitor
the tire pressures in all four tires. The tire
pressure monitor warns you if the pressure
drops in one or more of the tires. The tire
pressure monitor only functions if the correct
sensors are installed on all wheels.
Information on tire pressures is displayed in
the multifunction display. After a few minutes
of driving, the current tire pressure of each
tire is shown in theServiceServicemenu of the
multifunction display.
412Tire pressure
Whe els and tires

Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the load-bearing
capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
permissible weight in kilograms or lbs for
which a tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
Rif the vehicle has been driven for less than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as high-
performance brakes, level control, a roof rack
or a high-performance battery, are not
included in the curb weight and the weight of
the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
426All about wheels and tires
Wheels and tires

All models (except for
AMG vehicles)
Minimum ground
clearance
7.9 in
(201 mm)
Turning radius40.7 ft
(12.40 m)
Maximum roof load220 lb
(100 kg)
Model (except AMG
vehicles)
Vehicle
length
GL 450 4MATIC
GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
201.6 in
(5120 mm)
GL 550 4MATIC202.6 in
(5146 mm)
AMG vehicles
Vehicle length202.6 in
(5146 mm)
Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
84.3 in
(2141 mm)
Vehicle width without
exterior mirrors
78.0 in
(1982 mm)
Maximum vehicle height74.9 in
(1902 mm)
Minimum vehicle height72.4 in
(1839 mm)
Wheelbase121.1 in
(3075 mm)
Maximum ground
clearance
9.8 in
(249 mm)
Minimum ground
clearance
7.4 in
(188 mm)
Turning radius40.8 ft
(12.45 m)
Maximum roof load220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data for off-road driving
Fording depth
CFording depth
Fording
depth
Vehicles without the
ON&OFFROAD package
Raised level20 in
(50 cm)
Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
Off-road level 323.6 in
(60 cm)
Off-road level 220 in
(50 cm)
Off-road level 120 in
(50 cm)
AMG vehicles20 in
(50 cm)
For more information about off-road fording,
see (Ypage 195).
454Vehicle data for off-road driving
Technical data