MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Owners Manual

Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible,
connect the towbar to the trailer tow hitch
(Ypage 264).
The brackets for the screw-in towing eyes are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front
and at the rear, behind the covers.
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (Ypage 386).
XTo open the cover at the front:press the
mark on coverCinwards in the direction
of the arrow.
XTo open the cover at the rear:insert a
flat, blunt object into the cutout and lever
coverDout of the bumper.
XTake coverCorDoff the opening.
XScrew in and tighten the towing eye
clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XAttach coverCorDto the bumper and
press until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Ypage 397).
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to positionPwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in positionNwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position0.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(Ypage 167).
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XLeave the SmartKey in position2in the
ignition lock.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 132).
iIn order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
!You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionP.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
Towing and tow-starting399
Breakdown assistance
Z

Information on 4MATIC vehicles
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it
transported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system
If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in positionP. To
shift the automatic transmission to position
N, you must provide power to the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jump-starting (Ypage 395).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer.
Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
!When recovering a vehicle that has
become stuck, pull it as smoothly and
evenly as possible. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels have become stuck in
loose or muddy ground, pull the vehicle out
with extreme caution, especially so if the
vehicle is loaded.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
iYou can find information on "Jump-
starting" under (Ypage 395).
Fuses
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher
amperage, the electric cables could be
overloaded. This could result in a fire. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
!For the fuse boxes in the engine
compartment and under the rear bench
seat, only use fuses with the suffix "S".
Otherwise, components or systems could
be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Before changing a fuse
Observe the important safety notes
(Ypage 400)
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 188).
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Ypage 167).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (Ypage 167).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
400Fuses
Breakdown assistance

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
RFuse box on the front-passenger side of the
dashboard
RFuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
RFuse box under the rear bench seat
The fuse allocation chart is located in the fuse
box under the rear bench seat (Ypage 402).
Dashboard fuse box
Observe the important safety notes
(Ypage 400)
!Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
!Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
!When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
XTo open:pull coverCoutwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.
XTo close:clip in coverCon the front of
the dashboard.
XFold coverCinwards until it engages.
Fuse box in the engine compartment
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Ypage 400).
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured
by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
!Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
!When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
XOpen the hood.
XUse a dry cloth to remove any moisture
from the fuse box.
XTo open:open clampsD.
XFold up coverCin the direction of the
arrow and remove it.
XTo close:check whether the seal is seated
correctly in coverC.
XInsert coverCat the side of the fuse box
into the retainers.
XFold down coverCand close clampsD.
XClose the hood.
Fuses401
Breakdown assistance
Z

Fuse box under the rear bench seat
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Ypage 400).
!Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
!When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses or the cover
could be damaged by the rear bench seat.
XFold the left-hand rear bench seat forward
(Ypage 344).
XTo open:reach into recessesDon each
side of fuse box coverC.
XFold coverCup in the direction of the
arrow and remove it from the fuse box.
iThe fuse allocation chart is located in a
recess at the side of the fuse box.
XTo close:place coverCon the fuse box.
XPress coverCdown until you feel the
clamps engage.
XFold back the left-hand rear bench seat
(Ypage 344).
402Fuses
Breakdown assistance

Useful information............................404
Important safety notes....................404
Operation...........................................404
Winter operation...............................406
Tire pressure.....................................408
Loading the vehicle..........................415
All about wheels and tires...............419
Changing a wheel.............................427
Wheel and tire combinations...........432
Emergency spare wheel...................439
403
Wheels and tires

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).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmodel
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmanufacturer
Rmodel
GWARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
Rdo not drive with a flat tire.
Rimmediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
Rpay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or that are not
being used correctly can impair operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
Rsuitability
Rlegal stipulations
Rfactory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Ypage 432).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
Ron the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
(Ypage 415)
Ron the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Ypage 184)
Rin the "Tire pressure" section
Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
404Operation
Wheels and tires

and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb or
other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly check the wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Ypage 405). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Ypage 408).
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Ypage 439).
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
RDriving style
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Important safety notes on the tire
tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires:

Bar indicatorCfor tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately

Only winter tires bearing theMsnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP®to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developed specifically for driving in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once the winter tires are mounted:
XCheck the tire pressures (Ypage 411).
XRestart the tire pressure monitor
(Ypage 412).
XVehicles for Canada:restart the tire
pressure loss warning system
(Ypage 412).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see (Ypage 439).
Snow chains
GWARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
Rnever install snow chains to the front
wheels
Ralways install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
!You must drive at raised vehicle level
(height 1) if snow chains have been
installed. The vehicle may otherwise be
damaged.
!Vehicles with Adaptive Damping
System (ADS):do not use the sports mode
if you have installed snow chains. The
vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
!On some tire sizes there is not enough
space for snow chains. To avoid damage to
the vehicle or tires, observe the "Wheel and
tire combinations" section under "Tires and
wheels".
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
ROnly use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow.
Remove the snow chains as soon as
possible when you come to a road that is
not snow-covered.
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
RLocal regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate
regulations if you wish to mount snow
chains.
RSnow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel-tire combinations (Ypage 432).
iYou may wish to deactivate ESP®
(Ypage 73) when pulling away with snow
chains installed. You can thereby allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner,
achieving an increased driving force
(cutting action).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see (Ypage 439).
Winter operation407
Wheels and tires
Z

Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tires pose the
following risks:
Rthe tires may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase.
Rthe tires may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impair tire
traction.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, may be greatly
impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and check the pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel:
Rmonthly, at least
Rif the load changes
Rbefore beginning a long journey
Runder different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
iThe specifications on the sample Tire and
Loading Information placard and tire
pressure tables are examples. Tire
pressure specifications are vehicle-specific
and may deviate from the data shown here.
The tire pressure specifications that are
valid for your vehicle can be found on the
Tire and Loading Information placard and
tire pressure table on the vehicle.
General notes
The recommended tire pressures for the tires
mounted at the factory can be found on the
labels described here.
Operation with the emergency spare
wheel(Ypage 439).
Operation with a trailer:the applicable
value for the rear tires is the maximum tire
pressure value stated in the table inside the
fuel filler flap.
Further information on tire pressures can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.
Tire and Loading Information placard
CRecommended tire pressures
The Tire and Loading Information placard is
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Ypage 415).
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires. The recommended tire pressures
are valid for the maximum permissible load
and up to the maximum permissible vehicle
speed.
Tire pressure table
The tire pressure table is on the inside of the
fuel filler flap.
Example: tire pressure table for all tires permittedfor this vehicle by the factory
408Tire pressure
Wheels and tires