wheel MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2016 Workshop Manual

Transmission positions E Park position
Only shift the transmission into
position P when the vehicle is sta-
tionary ( Y
page 189). The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. Always apply the
electronic parking brake in addi-
tion to the parking lock in order to
secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are mal-
functioning, the transmission may
be locked in position P . Have the
vehicle electronics checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Park position P is automatically
engaged if: R
you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey and remove the
SmartKey R
you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or using the Start/
Stop button and open the driv-
er's door or front-passenger
door R
the driver's door is opened when
the vehicle is stationary or driv-
ing at very low speed and the
transmission is in position D or R
F Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission into
position R when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
shift the transmission to position N
if the vehicle is in danger of skid-
ding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position R or D , the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D . This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program ( Y
page 177)R
the position of the accelerator pedal
( Y
page 176) R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts176
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

Drive program on vehicles wit h th e
ON&OFFROAD package
M Manual Permanen t manual gear -
shiftin g
Drive program s on Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles
C Controlle d
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
drivin g
S Sport Sport y drivin g style
M Manual Permanen t manual gear -
shiftin g
i Fo r further information on th e automati c
drive program, see ( Y
page 178).
Steering wheel paddle shifter s
In th e manual drive program, you can chang e
gear s manually usin g steerin g whee l paddl e
shifters C and D .
Further information about permanen t drive
progra m M ( Y
page 180).
Further information about temporar y drive
progra m M ( Y
page 178).
You can only chang e gear wit h th e steerin g
whee l paddl e shifters when th e transmissio n
is in position D . Automatic drive program (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
Automatic drive program CDrive progra m C is characterized by th e fol-
lowing: R
comfort-oriented engin e and transmissio n
settings. R
optimal fue l consumption resultin g from
th e automati c transmissio n shiftin g up
sooner. R
th e vehicl e pullin g away mor e gentl y in
forwar d and revers e gears, unless th e
accelerato r pedal is depressed fully. R
th e vehicl e has improved drivin g stabilit y
on slipper y roa d surfaces, fo r example.R
th e automati c transmissio n shiftin g up
sooner. This result s in th e vehicl e bein g
driven at lowe r engin e speeds and th e
wheels bein g less likely to spin .
Automatic drive program S
Drive progra m S is characterized by th e fol-
lowing: R
sport y engin e and transmissio n settings.R
th e automati c transmissio n shiftin g up
later. R
th e fue l consumption possibl y bein g higher
as a result of th e later automati c transmis -
sio n shift points .
Manua l drive program M
General notes
In this drive program, you can briefl y chang e
gear yourself by usin g th e steerin g whee l pad-
dle shifters . The transmissio n mus t be in posi-
tion D .
All vehicles (excep t Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles and vehicles wit h th e
ON&OFFROAD package): you can activat e
manual drive progra m M usin g th e steerin g
whee l paddl e shifters .178
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

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

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

Closing the DEF filler cap X
Install DEF filler cap D on the filler neck
and turn it clockwise. X
To close the fuel filler flap, press it in the
direction of arrow C .X
Drive faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
The Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message goes out after approx-
imately one minute.
i If the Check Additive See Opera‐
tor's Manual message continues to be
shown in the multifunction display, you
must add more DEF.
Parking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P . R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly
against rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle
or its drivetrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position P and
the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock. R
the front wheels must be turned towards
the curb on steep uphill or downhill gradi-
ents. R
the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. R
a laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.Parking 189
Driving and parking Z

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 percent-
age indicates a more economical driving
style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed
consumption.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.: R
load R
tire pressure R
cold start R
choice of route R
electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories: R
Accel. (evaluation of all acceleration pro-
cesses): -
The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds -
The bar empties: sporty acceleration R
Constant (assessment of driving behavior
at all times): -
The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration -
The bar empties: fluctuations in speed R
Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes): -
The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes. -
The bar empties: frequent braking
i An economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine
speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Accel.
and Constant , observe the gear-
shift recommendations. i On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the highway, only the bar for Constant
will change.
i The ECO display summarizes the driving
characteristics from the start of the journey
to its completion. For this reason, the bars
change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are
fewer changes. For more dynamic changes,
carry out a manual reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see ( Y
page 276).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
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 brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train. This type of damage is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light
pressure to the pedal. This results in exces-
sive and premature wear to the brake pads.194
Driving tips
Driving and parking

engine's air suction nozzles and this can
cause engine damage.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
set the raised level before driving through
standing water.
Off-road fording
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
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 equip-
ment. R
Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording. R
Select the highest possible vehicle level. R
Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter. R
Avoid high engine speeds. R
Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace. R
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. R
Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive. R
Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine. Water offers a high degree of resist-
ance, and the ground is slippery and in
some cases unstable. Therefore, it is diffi-
cult and dangerous to pull away in the
water. R
Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording. R
Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
( Y
page 455). Winter driving
G WARNING
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 brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G DANGER
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 winter-proofed at a quali-
fied specialist workshop at the onset of win-
ter.
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: X
Shift the transmission to position N .
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package:
if driving in snow or with snow chains, select
the snow program ( Y
page 255) with the off-
road program selector wheel in the center
console.
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective
cover. The measuring function of the on-
board diagnosis system may otherwise pro-
vide inaccurate values. Some of these val- Driving tips 197
Driving and parking Z

ues are required by law and must therefore
always be accurate.
The out side temperature indicator is not
designed to ser ve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indic ated temperatures just above the freez-
ing poin t do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especial ly in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around the
freezing poin t.
For more information on driving wit h snow
chains, see ( Y
page 407).
For more information on driving wit h summer
tires, see ( Y
page 406).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y
page 406).
Off-road driving
Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If you driv e on a steep inclin e at an angle or
tur n when driving on an incline, th e vehicl e
could slip sideways, ti p and rollover. Ther e is a
ris k of an accident.
Always driv e on a steep inclin e in th e lin e of
fall (straight up or down ) and do no t tur n th e
vehicle.
G WARNIN G
Flammable materia l suc h as leaves, gras s or
twigs may ignit e if they come int o contact wit h
hot part s of th e exhaust system. Ther e is a ris k
of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check th e vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove part s of plants or other
flammable materials whic h have become
trapped . In th e cas e of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop. G WARNIN G
If th e vehicl e leve l is high , th e vehicl e cente r of
gravity is raised. This could caus e th e vehicl e
to tip ove r mor e easil y on uphill or downhill
gradients . Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Selec t th e lowes t possible vehicl e level.
! There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if: R
the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road R
you driv e too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb or a hole in the road R
a heavy object strikes the undercarriage
or parts of the chassis
In situations lik e this, the body, the under-
carriage, chassis parts, wheels or tires
could be damaged without the damage
being vis ible. Components damaged in th is
way can unexpectedly fail or, in the case of
an acc iden t, no longer withstand the strain
they are designed to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged,
combusti ble materials such as leaves,
grass or twigs can gather between the
underbody and the underbody paneling. If
these materials come in contact wit h hot
parts of the exhaust system, they can catch
fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle
checked and repaired immediately at a
qualif ied spec ialist worksho p. If on con-
tinuing your jo urney you notice that driv ing
safety is impaired, pull over and st op the
v eh
icle immediately, paying attention to
road and traff ic cond it ions. In such cases,
consult a qualif ied spec ialist worksho p.
When driv ing off-road, substances such as
san d, mud and water or water mixed wit h oil
may get into the brakes. This could result in a
reduced braking effect or in total brake failure
and also in increased wear and tear. The brak-
ing characteristics change depe nding on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driv ing off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualif ied198
Driving tips
Driving and parking

When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle. X
DEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
level and add if necessary ( Y
page 186).X
Tire-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. X
Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure. X
Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires. X
Replace any missing valve caps. X
Replace dented or damaged wheels. X
Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Before driving off-road, check the
wheels and replace them if necessary.
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 work-
shop.
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on nor-
mal roads. After driving off-road, check the
vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to
yourself and other road users. X
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: activate the on-road program
( Y
page 258). X
Deactivate the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y
page 259). X
Deactivate DSR ( Y
page 257).X
Lower the vehicle level again to a level suit-
able to the road conditions, e.g. to the high-
way level. X
Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage. X
Clean the front and rear license plates. X
Clean the wheels and tires with a water jet
and remove any foreign objects. X
Clean the wheels, wheel housings and the
vehicle underside with a water jet; check
for any foreign objects and damage. X
Check whether twigs or other parts of
plants have become trapped. These
increase the risk of fire and can damage
fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bel-
lows of the axle joints and propeller shafts. X
After the trip, examine without fail the
entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes,
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage. X
After driving for extended periods across
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned. X
If you detect strong vibrations after off-road
travel, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and remove them if
necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the
balance and cause vibrations.
Driving on sand
Observe the following rules when driving on
sand: R
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: select off-road program 1
( Y
page 258). R
Select a higher vehicle level. R
Avoid high engine speeds. R
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate
to the terrain.200
Driving tips
Driving and parking