MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2016 Owners Manual

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: you can activate
manual drive program M in automatic drive
programs C and S .
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package:
if manual drive program M is deactivated
using the program selector button, you can
activate manual drive program M using the
steering wheel paddle shifters.
As well as temporary drive program M , you
can also activate permanent drive program M
( Y
page 177).
Further information about permanent drive
program M ( Y
page 180).
Activating X
Shift the transmission to position D .X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 178).
Manual drive program M is temporarily acti-
vated. The selected gear and M appear in
the multifunction display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive program M for a
limited amount of time. Depending on which
paddle shifter is pulled, the automatic trans-
mission immediately shifts into the next gear
down or up, if permitted. X
To shift up: pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter ( Y
page 178).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
i If the maximum engine speed on the cur-
rently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic
transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage. X
To shift down: pull on the left-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter ( Y
page 178).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the auto- matic transmission protects against engine
damage by not shifting down.
i Automatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display. X
Shift to recommended gear D according
to gearshift recommendation C when
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster.
Deactivating
If you have activated manual drive program
M , it will remain active for a certain amount of
time. Under certain conditions the minimum
amount of time is extended, e.g. in the case of
lateral acceleration, during an overrun phase
or when driving on steep terrain.
If manual drive program M has been deacti-
vated, the automatic transmission shifts into
the automatic drive program that was last
selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive pro-
gram M yourself: X
Pull on the right-hand steering wheel pad-
dle shifter and hold it in place ( Y
page 178).
or X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
orAutomatic transmission 179
Driving and parking Z

X
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the pro-
gram selector button to change the drive
program ( Y
page 177).
Manual drive program M is deactivated.
The automatic transmission switches into
the automatic drive program that was last
selected, i.e. E or S .
or X
Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package: use the selector
wheel to switch to the on-road program
( Y
page 254) or the off-road program
( Y
page 258).
Manual drive program
General information In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must
be in position D .
i As well as this permanent drive program
M , you can also activate temporary drive
program M ( Y
page 178).
Switching on the manual drive program
In manual drive program M , you can change
gear using the steering wheel paddle shifters
if the transmission is in position D . You can
see the currently selected drive program and
which gear is engaged in the multifunction
display. X
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: press the program selector button
( Y
page 177).
The letter M appears in the multifunction
display. X
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: press the pro-
gram selector button ( Y
page 177) repeat-
edly until M appears in the multifunction
display. Upshifting (all vehicles except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) X
If corresponding gearshift recommenda-
tion C appears in the multifunction display
on the instrument cluster, pull on the right-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter
( Y
page 178).
The automatic transmission shifts to rec-
ommended gear D .
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! In manual drive program M , the automatic
transmission does not shift up automati-
cally even when the engine limiting speed
for the current gear is reached. When the
engine limiting speed is reached, the fuel
supply is cut to prevent the engine from
overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage.
C
Gear indicator D
Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the mul-
tifunction display. X
When the UP message appears in the mul-
tifunction display, pull on the right-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.180
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Downshifting X
Pull th e left-han d steerin g whee l paddle
shifter ( Y
page 178).
The automatic transmissio n shift s down to
th e next gear .
Maximum acceleration X
Pull th e left-han d steerin g whee l paddle
shifter until th e transmissio n selects th e
optimum gear fo r th e curren t speed.
i If you slo w down or stop without shiftin g
down , th e automatic transmissio n auto-
matically shift s down .
Kickdown You can also use kickdown fo r maximum
acceleration in manual drive program M .X
Depress th e accelerator peda l beyond th e
pressure point.
The automatic transmissio n shift s to a
lowe r gear dependin g on th e engin e speed.X
Shift bac k up once th e desire d speed is
reached.
i All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles): if you apply full throttle, th e
automatic transmissio n shift s up to th e
next gear when th e maximum engin e speed
is reached. Thi s prevents th e engin e from
overrevving.
i Mercedes-AMG vehicles : it is no t possi-
ble to use kickdown in manual drive pro -
gram M .
Switchin g off th e manual drive programX
Vehicles wit h th e ON&OFFROAD pack-
age : press th e program selecto r butto n
( Y
page 177).
The M message in th e multifunction display
goe s out .X
Mercedes-AMG vehicles : press th e pro -
gram selecto r butto n ( Y
page 177) repeat -
edly until C or S appears in th e multifunc-
tion display. Automatic transmission 181
Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
Transfer case
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system,
the engine and ignition must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 or Start/
Stop button in position 0 or 1 ) when the
electric parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer (maximum
10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.182
Refueling
Driving and parking

If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following: R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water. R
If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay. R
If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing. R
Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
G WARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
G WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline
with diesel fuel.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not switch on the igni-
tion if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. The repair
costs are high. Notify a qualified specialist
workshop and have the fuel tank and fuel
lines drained completely.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the igni- tion if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. Notify a quali-
fied specialist workshop and have the fuel
tank and fuel lines drained completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the
refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic
charge could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray
out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
( Y
page 447).
Refueling
General information
Pay attention to the important safety notes
( Y
page 182).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you unlock or lock the vehicle
with the SmartKey or using KEYLESS-GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed

Opening the fuel filler flap
C
To open the fuel filler flapD
To insert the fuel filler cap

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire. X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the engine. X
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS ‑ GO:X
Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0 . This is the same as
the SmartKey having been removed. X
Do not restart the engine under any circumstances. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run com-
pletely dry. X
Refuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel. X
Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds
( Y
page 165). X
Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start: X
Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
( Y
page 165). X
Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap can-
not be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked. X
Unlock the vehicle ( Y
page 82).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y
page 84).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jam-
med. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Refueling 185
Driving and parking Z

DEF (BlueTE C vehicles only )
Important notes on us eTo function properly, BlueTE C exhaus t gas
aftertreatmen t mus t be operated wit h th e
reducing agen t DEF. Addin g DE F is on e of th e
task s performed durin g maintenance . Under
normal operatin g conditions, a tank of DE F
last s until th e next servic e due date.
Whe n th e supply of DE F is almost used up, th e
Check
Additive See Operator' s Manual
message is shown in th e multifunction dis -
play.
If you drive th e vehicle faste r than 10 mph
(16 km/h), th e Check
Additive See Oper‐
ator's Manual message goe s out after
approximately on e minute.
Whe n th e supply of DE F is down to a reserv e
of approximately 1 gal (3. 8 l) th e Refill
DEF See Operator' s Manual message is
shown in th e multifunction display.
Whe n th e DE F supply drops to a minimum , th e
Remaining Starts : 16
message is shown
in th e multifunction display.
If th e Refill DEF No Start in XXX X km
message is shown in th e multifunction dis -
play, you can still drive th e vehicle over th e
distanc e shown . If DE F is no t refilled , you will
subsequently be unable to star t th e engine .
If th e Refill DEF Eng . Start Not Poss.
message appears in th e multifunction display
and th e engin e doe s no t start , you mus t add
DEF. X
Ad d at leas t 1 gal (3.8 l) of DEF.X
Switch on the ignition for at least 60 sec-
onds. X
Start the engine.
i Have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when adding
DEF between maintenance intervals. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with
any questions or, if necessary, contact Road-
side Assistance ( Y
page 26). If the outside temperature is below 12 ‡
(

water. Seek medical assistance without
delay. R
Change out of clothing contaminated with
DEF immediately.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment system.
! The vehicle must be parked on level
ground to fill the DEF tank. The DEF tank
can only be filled as intended with the vehi-
cle parked on a level surface. This avoids
false level readings. Filling the tank is not
permitted if the vehicle is not parked on a
level surface. There is a danger of overfill-
ing, which could result in damage to com-
ponents of the BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into con-
tact with DEF immediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF
residues crystallize after time and contam-
inate the affected surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to
the fuel tank, this can lead to engine dam-
age.
For further information on DEF, see
( Y
page 450).
Opening the DEF filler cap The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you open or close the vehicle
with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO. X
Switch the ignition off. X
Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow C .
The fuel filler flap swings up. X
Turn blue DEF fuel filler cap D counter-
clockwise and remove it.
DEF filler cap D is secured with a plastic
strip.
DEF refill canisters
! Do not tighten the disposable hose with
too much force. The disposable hose may
otherwise be destroyed.
X
Unscrew the cap from the opening on top of
DEF refill canister D . X
Place disposable hose C on the opening of
DEF refill canister D and screw it on clock-
wise until hand-tight. Refueling 187
Driving and parking Z

i Disposable hose C remains closed until
you fasten disposable hose C to the DEF
filler neck of the vehicle. X
Place disposable hose C on the filler neck
on the vehicle and screw it on clockwise
until hand-tight. When you feel resistance,
disposable hose C is sufficiently secured.X
Lift up and tip DEF refill canister D .
i Filling stops when the DEF tank is com-
pletely filled. Do not fill the DEF tank any
further. DEF refill canister D can be
removed when it has been only partially
emptied. X
Turn disposable hose C on the filler neck
of the vehicle counter-clockwise and
remove it. X
Turn disposable hose C on the opening of
DEF refill canister D counter-clockwise
and remove it. X
Reseal DEF refill canister D with the cap.
DEF refill canisters can be obtained at many
gas stations or at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. DEF refill canisters are often
sold with a filler hose. A filler hose that does
not exactly fit the vehicle's DEF tank offers no
protection against overfilling. DEF may leak if
overfilled. Mercedes-Benz offers a special
disposable hose with overfill protection. You
can obtain this from any authorized
Merced es-Benz Center. DEF is available in a
variety of containers and receptacles. Only
use the disposable hose with the Mercedes-
Benz DEF refill canisters.
DEF refill bottle
! Only screw on the DEF refill bottle hand-
tight. It could otherwise be damaged. X
Unscrew the protective cap from DEF refill
bottle C . X
Place DEF refill bottle C on the filler neck
as shown and screw it on clockwise until
hand-tight. X
Press DEF refill bottle C towards the filler
neck.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
i When DEF refill bottle C is no longer
pressed, filling stops and the bottle may be
taken off again after being only partially
emptied. X
Release DEF refill bottle C .X
Turn DEF refill bottle C counter-clockwise
and remove it. X
Screw the protective cap onto DEF refill
bottle C again.
DEF refill bottles can be obtained at many gas
stations or at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Refill bottles without a threaded cap
do not provide overfill protection. DEF may
leak if overfilled. Mercedes Benz offers spe-
cial refill bottles with a threaded seal. These
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.188
Refueling
Driving an d parking