roof MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2012 X164 Owner's Guide

The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 19
R high temperature 19
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off: press the ¦ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¦ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the ^ button.
or
XPress the à button.
or
XTurn the temperature control clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
or
XPress the K or I button.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the cooling with air
dehumidification function Á.XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 142).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XPress the P/\ 20
or O /c 20
air distribution button.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ª button.
The indicator lamp in the ª button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
If the indicator lamp in the ª rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low or the roof is open. The rear
window defroster has deactivated itself
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.19 Depending on the outside temperature.
20 Canada only.Operating the climate control system143Climate controlZ

Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
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.XRemove basic 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 theService Booklet or by the service interval
display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous 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 are 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.
Pedals
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off
GWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
168Driving tipsDriving and parking

FordingdepthVehicles with the AIRMATIC
packageRaised level20 inches (50 cm)Vehicles with the Off-Road
Pro engineering packageOff-road level 320 inches (50 cm)Off-road level 220 inches(50 cm)Off-road level 123.6 inches (60 cm)
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 Select the off-road drive program
( Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 206).
R Select the off-road drive program
( Y page 206).
R Restrict the shift range to 1 or 2.
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
! 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.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop.
! 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.
R Water 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.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
i Vehicles 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.
Winter tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
172Driving tipsDriving and parking

the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
General information
Read this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear shift operation
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R off-road drive program (for vehicles without
Off-Road Pro engineering package)
( Y page 206)
R LOW RANGE off-road gear ( Y page 206)
R off-road ABS ( Y page 69)
R off-road 4ETS ( Y page 70)
R off-road ESP ®
(Y page 71)
R hill start assist
R differential locks ( Y page 208)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y page 204)
Observe the following notes:
R Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
the off-road drive program (Y page 206) or
the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y page 206) before driving off-road.
R Select a vehicle level suitable for the off-
road terrain. Make sure there is always
sufficient ground clearance to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
R Activate the differential locks.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 272).
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( Y page 204).
R Always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
R On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R Do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
Checklist before driving off-roadXEngine oil level: check the engine oil and
top it up if necessary.
The vehicle can only guarantee a smooth
supply of oil on steep stretches if there is a
sufficient level of engine oil.
! 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.
XWheel-changing tool kit: check that the
jack is working and make sure you have theDriving tips175Driving and parkingZ

! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
Minimum distanceCenterApproximately 8 in
(approximately 20 cm)CornersApproximately 6 in
(approximately 15 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, the
relevant warning displays light up and a
warning tone sounds. If the distance falls
below the minimum, the distance may no
longer be shown.
Warning displays
The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located
on the dashboard above the center air vents.
The warning display for the rear area is in the
roof lamp in the rear compartment.
Warning display for the front area
:Segments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle;Segments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle=Segments showing operational readiness
The warning display for each side of the
vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red
segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if
yellow segments showing operational
readiness = light up.
The selected transmission position
determines which warning display is active
when the engine is running.
Transmission
positionWarning displayDFront area activatedR or NRear and front areas
activatedPNo areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance from the obstacle.
From the:
R sixth segment onwards, you will hear an
intermittent warning tone for
approximately two seconds.
R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a
warning tone for approximately two
seconds. This indicates that you have now
reached the minimum distance.
Driving systems197Driving and parkingZ

XInsert inertia reel = into mounting
elements ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.XPress unlocking button : on inertia reel
= and pull the cargo net out in the
direction of the arrow.XPlace the load between the securing net
and the cargo compartment side wall.XUsing one hand, press locking button : of
inertia reel =.XWith your other hand, slowly extend the net
around the load until it is secure.
Telescopic rod
The telescopic rod can be used to secure the
load against the rear seats to prevent it from
moving around.
XInsert one mounting element ; into each
loading rail.XTurn mounting elements ; in the loading
rail to =.XInsert telescopic rod : into mounting
elements ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.Roof carrier
Important safety notesGWARNING
Only use carriers when the crossbars have
been completely mounted. The left and right
roof rails are only stabilized by means of the
crossbars mounted.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached carrier or its load could become
detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
198 lb (90 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof is
loaded, the handling characteristics are
different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
R raise the sliding sunroof fully
R open the tailgate fully
Attaching the roof carrier
Stowage areas277Stowing and featuresZ

XSecure the roof carrier to roof rails :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Cross bar
Points to observe before use
The maximum roof load that can be used with
additional accessories decreases by the dead
weight of the crossbars (13.7 lbs/6.2 kg).
! Note that installing the crossbar
increases the vehicle height by 50 mm
compared to the height stated in the
"Technical data" section.
The wrench and the Allen key are located with
the vehicle tool kit in the stowage space
underneath the trunk floor ( Y page 314).
i Replacement parts are available as
Mercedes-Benz accessories. Contact your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center.
Installing the crossbars
GWARNING
Please follow these installation instructions
carefully. Caution should be exercised to
avoid damage to the vehicle while installing
the crossbars. Also, be careful not to injure
yourself or others while installing and
adjusting the crossbars or loading items on
them.
Each individual step of the installation
instructions, the warning notices, the general
safety precautions and the instructions for
use must be followed exactly. If the crossbars
are not mounted correctly, they and the
objects attached to them could come loose
from your vehicle and cause an accident,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.
GWARNING
Every time the crossbars are mounted, before
you set off on a journey and periodically
during longer journeys, check all the screws
on the crossbars to make sure that they are
secure, and tighten them if necessary. Repeat
these checks at regular intervals as road-
surface conditions dictate, and at least after
every 1500 miles (2500 km) of continuous
use.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
Do not use lubricant on the screws of the
crossbars. The screws could work loose and
the crossbars could become detached from
your vehicle, together with the objects
attached to them causing an accident,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.GWARNING
Only install the crossbars at the exact
locations designated on the roof rails. The
designated locations for the front crossbars
are between the markings engraved on the
inside of the roof rails. The designated
locations for the rear crossbars are between
the gaps on the roof rails.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
GWARNING
A roof load creates a greater surface area
exposed to the wind and causes the vehicle
to have a higher center of gravity, thereby
changing the vehicle's driving characteristics.
Accordingly, the additional weight on the roof
of the vehicle can have a detrimental effect
on braking, cornering and acceleration.
Never exceed the maximum permissible roof
load or the maximum permissible vehicle
278Stowage areasStowing and features

weight, even when accessories for the
crossbars (e.g. ski racks, bicycle racks, etc.)
are being used. Overloading the vehicle could
result in an accident. When calculating the
weight placed on the roof please make sure
to add the weight of the crossbars, accessory
racks and the load carried together.
Always adapt your driving style to the road,
traffic and weather conditions, and drive with
added caution when the roof is loaded.
Always drive with extreme care when the
carrier is loaded. Take into consideration that
when the carrier is loaded, the handling
characteristics are different from those when
operating the vehicle without a carrier loaded.GWARNING
Do not use accessories which have not been
approved by Mercedes-Benz for use in
conjunction with these crossbars. If non-
approved accessories are used, these
accessories and/or the objects attached to
them could come loose from the vehicle,
thereby injuring you and other persons and/
or causing damage to property, including
damage to your vehicle.
! Have a second person assist you when
installing the crossbars. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
! Objects that are attached to crossbar
system accessories must not limit or
obstruct the movement of the sliding
sunroof. Otherwise, the tilt/sliding sunroof
could be damaged when it is raised.
:Key;Cover cap=Sticker FRONT (or REAR)?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracket
The front and the rear crossbars differ in
length. Attention must therefore be paid to
the FRONT or REAR stickers = on the
crossbars.
XUnlock cover cap ; with key :.XRemove cover cap ;.
Sticker = for identifying the installation
location FRONT or REAR becomes visible.XTurn bolt ? counter-clockwise using the
Allen key until clamping bracket A is wide
open.BFront crossbarCRear crossbarDRecessesEMarkingsFRoof railsStowage areas279Stowing and featuresZ

XPlace front crossbar B between markings
E on roof rails F.
i
Markings E are located on the inside of
each roof rail and are marked with white
lines.
?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracketFRoof railsXEnsure that clamping bracket A is
positioned flush with the inside of roof rails
F .
If necessary, adjust the span of the
crossbar ( Y page 280).XTighten bolt ? slightly on both sides in a
clockwise direction.XPosition rear crossbar C on roof rails F
in such a way that the clamping brackets in
recesses D reach into the roof rails.XEnsure that clamping bracket A is
positioned flush with the inside of roof rails
F .
If necessary, adjust the span of the
crossbar ( Y page 280).XTighten bolt ? a little on both sides in a
clockwise direction.XTighten bolts ? on the front and the rear
crossbar. Maintain a tightening torque of
4 lb-ft (6 Nm) .GWARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
mounting the crossbars. The screws could
come loose if they are not tightened to a
torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm).XAttach and lock cover caps ;.XStore the key and the Allen key back in the
stowage space underneath the trunk floor.
Adjusting the span of the crossbar
GWARNING
Only install the crossbars at the exact
locations designated on the roof rails. The
designated locations for the front crossbars
are between the markings engraved on the
inside of the roof rails. The designated
locations for the rear crossbars are between
the gaps on the roof rails.
Otherwise, the crossbars, mounted
accessories and the objects attached to them
could come loose from the vehicle causing an
accident, thereby injuring you and other
persons and/or causing damage to property,
including damage to your vehicle.
The span of the crossbar is adjusted to suit
your vehicle at the factory. These spans only
fit the intended positions on the vehicle.
Only install the crossbars at the marked
points and observe the FRONT and REAR
stickers =.
?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracketGBolts for adjusting the span (a total of 2
on each side)HCover strip280Stowage areasStowing and features

XPull out cover strip H from the groove until
bolts G become visible on both ends of the
crossbar.XTurn bolts G counter-clockwise on both
sides by approx. two turns.XPlace the crossbars on the marked points
on the roof rails.XEnsure that clamping bracket A locks
flush with the roof rails on both sides. If
necessary, pull it out or push it into
clamping brackets A.XTighten bolts G. Maintain a tightening
torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm) .
The width of the clamping bracket is set
correctly.GWARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
mounting the crossbars. The screws could
come loose if they are not tightened to a
torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm).
XPress cover strip H into the groove of the
crossbar bit by bit.XInstall the crossbars as described
( Y page 278).
Removing the crossbars
:Key;Cover cap=Sticker FRONT (or REAR)?Bolt for clamping bracketAClamping bracketXUnlock cover cap ; with key :.XRemove cover cap ;.XTurn the bolts for clamping bracket A
counter-clockwise until the crossbars can
be removed from the roof rails.
Shortening the cover strip
The cover strips reduce the wind noise that is
caused by the crossbars. If additional roof
accessories are mounted, it may be
necessary to shorten the cover strips.
HCover stripXPull out cover strip H from the groove.XMount the roof accessories to the
crossbars.XPlace cover strip H flush with the roof
accessories and mark the end of the
crossbar on the cover strip.XCut off cover strip H at the marked point.XPress cover strip H into the groove of the
crossbar bit by bit.
i Cover strips are available as Mercedes-
Benz accessories. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Service Center.
Stowage areas281Stowing and featuresZ