technical data MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2012 X164 Owner's Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 37Opening/closing ................................. 75Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....97Lights and windshield wipers ..........117Climate control ................................. 133Driving and parking ..........................147On-board computer and displays ....215Stowing and features .......................267Maintenance and care ......................299Breakdown assistance .....................313Wheels and tires ............................... 337Technical data ................................... 367
Contents3

Transmission position display ........155
Transmission positions ..................156
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 159
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs (LEDs) ...................127
Display message ............................ 243
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 69
Basic settings see Settings
Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 80
Battery (SmartKey)
Important safety notes ....................80
Replacing ......................................... 80
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 328
Display message ............................ 246
Important safety notes ..................326
Jump starting ................................. 329
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................228
Display message ............................ 250
Notes/function .............................. 201
Trailer towing ................................. 203
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 164
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 374
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 236
Notes ............................................. 375
Brake fluid level ................................ 304
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 242
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
BAS .................................................. 69
Brake fluid (notes) .........................375
Display message ............................ 233
Driving tips .................................... 169
Important safety notes ..................169
Maintenance .................................. 170
Parking brake ........................ 167, 171
Warning lamp ................................. 259
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 312
Car wash ........................................ 306
Display ........................................... 310
Exterior lights ................................ 309
Gear or selector lever ....................311
Matte finish ................................... 308
Notes ............................................. 305
Paint .............................................. 308
Plastic trim .................................... 310
Power washer ................................ 307
Rear view camera .......................... 310
Roof lining ...................................... 312
Seat belt ........................................ 311
Seat cover ..................................... 311
Sensors ......................................... 309
Steering wheel ............................... 311
Tail pipes ....................................... 310
Trim pieces .................................... 311
Washing by hand ........................... 307
Wheels ........................................... 307
Windows ........................................ 309
Wiper blades .................................. 309
Wooden trim .................................. 311
Cargo compartment cover ............... 273
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 270
Index5

Rear window heatingSwitching on/off ........................... 143
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 130
Switching on/off ........................... 129
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................159
Refueling process ..........................161
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................293
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 25
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 247
Warning lamp ................................. 264
see Fuel
Reset button ........................................ 29
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 144
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 22
Roller sunblind Rear panorama roof .......................283
Roof carrier ........................................ 277
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 312
Roof load (maximum) see Technical data
Route
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 222
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................61
Child restraint systems ....................61
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 45
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 38
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat
Folding down/up (third row of
seats) ............................................. 104
Important safety notes ....................99
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................58
Adjusting the height ......................... 58
Belt force limiters ............................ 59
Cleaning ......................................... 311
Correct usage .................................. 56
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 59
Fastening ......................................... 57
Important safety guidelines .............55
Releasing ......................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Special seat belt retractor ...............63
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................228
Warning lamp ................................. 258
Warning lamp (function) ................... 59
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting (second and third rows) . 104
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 108
Adjusting the head restraint ..........101
Cleaning the cover .........................311
Correct driver's seat position ........... 98
Folding the rear bench seat
forwards/back ............................... 270
Multicontour seat .......................... 107
Seat heating problem ....................109
Seat ventilation problem ................109
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Switching seat heating on/off .......108
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 109
Securing hooks .................................. 273
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 309
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........305
Hiding service messages ...............305Index15

Steering wheel heating ..................110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 311
Steering wheel heating Indicator lamp (malfunction) ..........111
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 157
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 269
Glove box ....................................... 269
Parcel net ...................................... 270
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 269
Center console (rear) .....................270
Cup holders ................................... 282
Important safety information .........268
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 340
Sun visor ............................................ 283
Supplement Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 225
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) .......................23
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 144
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 72
T
Tachometer ........................................ 216
Tailgate Display message ............................ 255
Important safety notes ....................85
Limiting the opening angle ...............89
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 88
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 87
Opening/closing (from outside) .......86
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 243
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
GL 350 BlueTEC ............................. 377
GL 450 ........................................... 377
GL 550 ........................................... 378
Tires/wheels ................................. 363
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 291
Display message ............................ 236
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 292
Emergency call .............................. 288
Important safety notes ..................287
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............293
MB info call button ........................290
Roadside Assistance button ..........290
Search & Send ............................... 292
Self-test ......................................... 288
System .......................................... 288
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............292
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 230
Display message ............................ 256
Menu (on-board computer) ............230
Number from the phone book ........ 230
Redialing ........................................ 230
Rejecting/ending a call .................230
Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 277
Temperature Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 220
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 220
Outside temperature ...................... 216
Setting (climate control) ................141
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 72
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Time (on-board computer) ................ 224
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 317
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....347
Checking manually ........................345
Display message ............................ 252Index17

Lights display message ..................241
Power supply ................................. 213
Shift range ..................................... 157
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......332
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............333
Important safety notes ..................331
Trailer
Towing ........................................... 211
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 213
Trailer towing Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
ESP ®
................................................ 71
PARKTRONIC ................................. 198
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................213
Towing a trailer .............................. 211
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 332
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 179
Driving downhill ............................. 179
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 179
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 311
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 229
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 220
Resetting (on-board computer) ......229
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................126
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 121
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 361
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................85
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 84
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 283
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 254
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................223
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 349
Locking (in an emergency) ...............85
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 325
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 167
Pulling away ................................... 151
Raising ........................................... 322
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 331
Transporting .................................. 332
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........85
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................77
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 85
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 369
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 248
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 314
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 222
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 222
VIN ...................................................... 369
Index19

W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 260
Brakes ........................................... 259
Check Engine ................................. 264
Cruise control ................................ 180
Distance warning ........................... 265
ESP ®
.............................................. 261
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 262
Fuel tank ........................................ 264
LIM (DISTRONIC) ........................... 184
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 45
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........50
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................45
Reserve fuel ................................... 264
Seat belt ........................................ 258
SRS ................................................ 263
Tire pressure monitor ....................265
Warranty ............................................ 368
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 256
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 325
Wheel chock ...................................... 321
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................362
Changing a wheel .......................... 321
Checking ........................................ 339
Cleaning ......................................... 307
Important safety notes ..................338
Mounting a wheel .......................... 324
Removing a wheel ..........................323
Storing ........................................... 363
Tightening torque ........................... 325
Wheel size/tire size .......................363
Window curtain air bag ....................... 44
Windows Cleaning ......................................... 309
see Side windows Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 142
Infrared reflective .......................... 297
Windshield washer system .............. 303
Notes ............................................. 377
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................131
Rear window wiper ........................129
Replacing the wiper blades ............129
Switching on/off ........................... 128
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................340
Slippery road surfaces ...................174
Snow chains .......................... 173, 341
Winter operation
Radiator cover ............................... 301
Winter tires
M+S tires ............................... 172, 340
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 309
Important safety notes ..................129
Replacing (rear window) ................130
Replacing (windshield) ...................130
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 31120Index

Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
Ralterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components
Proper use
GWARNING
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
The proper use of the vehicle requires that
you familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
24Introduction

conditions. Only these tires will allow driving
safety systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to
function optimally in winter, as these tires
have been designed specifically for driving on
snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.GWARNING
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
They are no longer suitable for use in winter.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once you have mounted the winter tires:
XCheck the tire pressures ( Y page 345).XRestart the tire pressure monitor
( Y page 347).GWARNING
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are mounted on the other wheels, be aware
that the difference in tire characteristics
impairs cornering ability and reduces driving
stability. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a normal
wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! Vehicles with the Adaptive Damping
System (ADS): do not drive in ADS SPORT
mode if snow chains have been mounted.
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
R Only use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the
information under "Wheel and tire
combinations" in the "Wheels and tires"
section.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
to the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish
to install snow chains to steel wheels, make
sure that you remove the respective
wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may
otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 69) when pulling away with
snow chains mounted. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).Driving tips173Driving and parkingZ

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

Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once you have mounted the winter tires:XCheck the tire pressures ( Y page 345).XRestart the tire pressure monitor
( Y page 347).GWARNING
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are mounted on the other wheels, be aware
that the difference in tire characteristics
impairs cornering ability and reduces driving
stability. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a normal
wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! Vehicles with the Adaptive Damping
System (ADS): do not drive in ADS SPORT
mode if snow chains have been mounted.
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
R Only use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the
information under "Wheel and tire
combinations" in the "Wheels and tires"
section.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
to the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish
to install snow chains to steel wheels, make
sure that you remove the respective
wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may
otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 69) when pulling away with
snow chains mounted. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
GWARNING
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
Tire pressure341Wheels and tiresZ