tow MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2016 Manual PDF

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip-
ment 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 Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops ( Y
page 29).
Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stow-
age well under the cargo compartment floor.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, the vehicles are not equipped with a
tire-change tool kit. Some tools for chang-
ing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, consult a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Tools required for changing a wheel may
include, for example: R
Jack R
Wheel chock R
Lug wrench R
Ratchet wrench R
Alignment bolt Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
C
Lug wrench D
Towing eye

k
Wheel boltsl
Towing eye X
Lift the cargo compartment floor up
( Y
page 347).
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle Your vehicle may be equipped with: R
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires R
a TIREFIT kit R
an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries)
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
( Y
page 427). X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps. X
Secure the vehicle against rolling away
( Y
page 189). X
If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position. X
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that highway level is selected
( Y
page 219). X
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: make sure that highway level is selec-
ted ( Y
page 213).X
Switch off the engine. X
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0 . This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed. X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y
page 165). X
Make sure that the passengers are not
endangered as they do so. Make sure that
no one is near the danger area while a
wheel is being changed. Anyone who is not
directly assisting in the wheel change
should, for example, stand behind the bar-
rier. X
Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so. X
Close the driver's door. X
Unload heavy luggage.
i Only operate the tire inflation compressor
using a 12 V socket, even if the ignition is
turned off ( Y
page 353).
An emergency cut-out ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the
on-board voltage is too low, the power to
the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires. The affected
tire must not show any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-
bearing capacity and the speed index
( Y
page 421).
MOExtended tires may only be used in con-
junction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor. Flat tire 387
Breakdown assistance

There is a risk of an accident.
Do not drive the vehicle. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
G WARNING
The tire sealant is harmful and causes irrita-
tion. It must not come into contact with your
skin, eyes or clothing or be swallowed. Do not
inhale TIREFIT fumes. Keep tire sealant away
from children. There is a risk of injury.
If you come into contact with the tire sealant,
observe the following: R
Rinse off the tire sealant from your skin
immediately with water. R
If the tire sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water. R
If tire sealant is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately. R
Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tire sealant. R
If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
! Do not operate the tire inflation compres-
sor for longer than eight minutes at a time
without a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be oper-
ated again once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer’s safety
instructions on the sticker on the tire inflation
compressor. Using the TIREFIT kit X
Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails. X
Remove the tire sealant bottle, the accom-
panying TIREFIT sticker and the tire infla-
tion compressor from the stowage well
underneath the cargo compartment floor
( Y
page 386). X
Affix part C of the TIREFIT sticker to the
instrument cluster within the driver's field
of vision. X
Affix part D of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire.
X
Pull plug

! Residue from the tire sealant may come
out of the filler hose after use. This could
cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit.
H Environmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If a tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi)
has been attained after five minutes: X
Switch off the tire inflation compressor. X
Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of
the faulty tire. X
Stow the tire sealant bottle and the tire
inflation compressor. X
Pull away immediately .X
Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with
the tire inflation compressor.
The tire pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
G WARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair
the tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a
tire pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In cases such as the one mentioned
above, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Can-
ada). X
Correct the tire pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar or the tire pressure table in the
fuel filler flap for values. X
To increase the tire pressure: switch on
the tire inflation compressor. X
To reduce the tire pressure: press pres-
sure release button m on the filler hose.X
The tire pressure is shown on pressure
gauge n . X
When the tire pressure is correct, unscrew
the filler hose from the valve of the sealed
tire. X
Screw the valve cap onto the tire valve of
the sealed tire. X
Pull the tire sealant bottle out of the tire
inflation compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tire
sealant bottle. X
Drive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tire changed there. X
Have the tire sealant bottle replaced as
soon as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop. X
Have the tire sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are
required when working on the battery, e.g.
removal and installation. You should there- Battery (vehicle) 391
Breakdown assistance Z

To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recov-
ery or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If
in doubt, have the vehicle recovered using
a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight
as possible and not at an acute angle.
Excessive tractive power could damage the
vehicles.
i When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid
towing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid
towing bar helps to keep the tractive power
low.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop but-
ton. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
may shift to position P when the driver's or
front-passenger door are opened, which
could lead to damage to the transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure the differential locks are in automatic
mode. When towing, the differential locks
must not be switched on. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/ h) must not be exceeded. If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission dam-
age, have it transported on a transporter or
trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-
tion N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you: R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in
the ignition lock R
cannot release the electric parking brake R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Disarm the automatic locking feature
( Y
page 285). You could otherwise be
locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
Example: towing eye mounting covers398
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

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. X
Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit ( Y
page 386).X
To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover C inwards in the direction
of the arrow. X
To open the cover at the rear: insert a
flat, blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover D out of the bumper.X
Take cover C or D off the opening.X
Screw in the towing eye clockwise as far as
it will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove the towing eye. X
Attach cover C or D to the bumper and
press until it engages. X
Place 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
( Y
page 397).
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position P when 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 trans-
mission stays in position N when towing the
vehicle, you must observe the following
points: X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in posi-
tion 0 .X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the igni-
tion lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
( Y
page 165). X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the
ignition lock. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
( Y
page 133).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the com-
bination switch as usual. In this case, only
the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the combina-
tion 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 eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the igni-
tion lock. X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N .
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded: X
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P . X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the igni-
tion lock and remove it. X
Secure the vehicle.Towing and tow-starting 399
Breakdown assistance Z

Information on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles wit h 4MATIC must not be towed
wit h either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doin g so will damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it trans-
ported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the elect ri cal
system
If the battery is defective, the automat ic
transmission will be locked in position P . To
shift the automat ic transmission to position
N , you must pro vide power to the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jum p- starting ( Y
page 395).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles wit h automat ic transmission
must not be tow-starte d. You could other-
wise damage the automat ic transmission.
i You can find information on "Jump-start-
ing" under ( Y
page 395).
Fuses
Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If you manipulat e or bridge a fault y fus e or if
you replace it wit h a fus e wit h a higher amper-
age, th e electric cables could be overloaded.
This could result in a fire. Ther e is a ris k of an
acciden t and injury.
Always replace fault y fuses wit h th e specifie d
ne w fuses having th e correc t amperage .
! For the fuse boxes in the engine compart-
ment and under the rear bench seat, on ly
use fuses wit h the suffix "S". Otherwise,
components or systems could be dam-
aged. The fuses in your vehicle ser ve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Blo wn fuses must be replaced wit h fuses of
the same rating, which you can recogn iz e by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are list ed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualif ied spe-
cialist worksho p, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Before changing a fuse Observe the important safety notes
( Y
page 400) X
Se cure the vehicle against rol lin g away
( Y
page 189). X
Swi tch off the engine. X
Swi tch off all electrical consumers. X
Remo ve the Sm artKey from the ign it ion
lock.
or, on vehicles wit h KEYLE SS ‑ GO:X
Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0 . This is the same as the Sm artKey having
been remove d.
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:R
Fuse box on the front-passenger side of the
dashboard R
Fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when view ed
in the direction of travel R
Fuse box under the rear bench seat
The fuse allocation chart is located in the fuse
box under the rear bench seat ( Y
page 401).
Dashboard fuse box
Pay attention to the important safety notes
( Y
page 400).400
Fuses
Breakdown assistance

The tire pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tire is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Avoid
abrupt steering maneuvers.
The function of the tire pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if: R
snow chains are mounted on your vehicle's
tires. R
road conditions are wintry. R
you are driving on sand or gravel. R
you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration). R
you are towing a very heavy or large trailer. R
you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tire pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tire pressure loss warning system
if you have: R
changed the tire pressure R
changed the wheels or tires R
mounted new wheels or tires X
Before 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. X
Also observe the notes in the section on tire
pressures ( Y
page 408).X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock ( Y
page 165). X
Press the Y or e button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Service
menu.X
Press the c or d button to select
Tire Pressure
. X
Press the v button.
The Run Flat Indicator Active
Press 'OK' to Restart message
appears in the multifunction display.
If you wish to confirm the restart: X
Press the v button.
The Tire Pressure Now OK?
message
appears in the multifunction display. X
Press the c or d button to select
Yes
. X
Press the v button.
The Run Flat Indicator Restarted
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
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: X
Press the 8 button.
or X
When the Tire Pressure Now OK? mes-
sage appears, press the c or d but-
ton to select Cancel . X
Press the v button.
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 vehi-
cle's wheels have sensors that monitor the
tire pressures in all four tires. The tire pres-
sure monitor warns you if the pressure drops
in one or more of the tires. The tire pressure
monitor only functions if the corresponding
sensors are installed in all wheels.
Information on tire pressures is displayed in
the multifunction display. After a few minutes412
Tire pressure
Wheels and tires

Example: steps 1 to 3The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a load limit of 1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are
using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard ( Y
page 416).
The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer ( Y
page 264).
Step 1
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
Step 2
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants) 5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the occu-
pants Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Occupant 2: 180 lbs
(82 kg)
Occupant 3: 160 lbs
(73 kg)
Occupant 4: 140 lbs
(63 kg)
Occupant 5: 120 lbs
(54 kg) Occupant 1: 200 lbs
(91 kg)
Occupant 2: 190 lbs
(86 kg)
Occupant 3: 150 lbs
(68 kg) Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants 750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)418
Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires

the tire. This specifies the load-bearing capa-
city more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard equip-
ment including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil and coolant. It also includes the air-condi-
tioning system and optional equipment if
these are installed in the vehicle, but does not
include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating 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: R
if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and R
if the vehicle has not been driven further
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 kg (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 accesso-
ries.
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 manufactu ring date.
L o ad bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support.426
All about wheels an d tires
Wheels and tires