258 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2014 X166 Owner's Manual

Emergency unlocking
.......................88
Important safety notes ....................86
Opening (from inside) ......................87
Overview .......................................... 86
Power closing feature ......................88
Drinking and driving .........................192
Drive program Automatic ...................................... 178
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......173
Manual .......................................... .178
Manual (AMG vehicles) ..................179
Manual (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................179
Off-road program (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package) ..........258
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........287
see On-road programs
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................376
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 128
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angl e............ 200
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...72
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......67
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 75
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................71
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............68
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .68
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST ....69
Distance warning function ...............69
Electronic brake force distribution ...74
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .72
Important safety information ...........67
Overview .......................................... 66
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .75
STEER CONTROL ............................. 76Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 235
Active Blind Spot Assist .................247
Active Curve System ......................218
Active Driving Assistance package 247
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............251
Active Parking Assist .....................226
ADS ............................................... 217
AIRMATIC package ........................217
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 221
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................239
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 243
Cruise control ................................ 201
Display message ............................ 309
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 203
HOLD function ............................... 216
Lane Keeping Assist ......................245
Level control (vehicles with
AIRMATIC package) .......................218
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................212
On-road programs .......................... 253
PARKTRONIC ................................. 222
Rear view camera .......................... 230
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................176
Brakes ........................................... 193
Break-in period .............................. 166
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 211
Downhill gradient ........................... 193
Drinking and driving .......................192
Driving abroad ............................... 128
Driving in winter ............................ .196
Driving on flooded roads ................195
Driving on sand .............................. 199
Driving on wet roads ......................195
Driving over obstacles ...................199
Exhaust check ............................... 192
Fuel ................................................ 192
General .......................................... 191
Hydroplaning ................................. 195
Icy road surfaces ........................... 196
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 194
Off-road driving .............................. 197
Off-road fording ............................. 195
Snow chains .................................. 407 Index
9

Media Interface
see Separate operating instructions
Memory card (audio) .........................278
Memory function ............................... 125
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 290
Mirrors see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror (in the sun visor)
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............279
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 81
MOExtended tires .............................. 387
Mounting wheels Lowering the vehicle ......................432
Mounting a new wheel ...................431
Preparing the vehicle .....................428
Raising the vehicle .........................429
Removing a wheel ..........................431
Securing the vehicle against
rolling away ................................... 428
MP3
Operation ....................................... 278
see separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 274
Permanent displa y......................... 283
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board computer .273
Overview .......................................... 35N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............277
see separate operating instructions
Night View Assist Plus
Activating/deactivating .................241
Cleaning ......................................... 381
Problem (malfunction) ...................243
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle 166 O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 53
Operation ........................................ .49
System self-test ............................... 51
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 44
Important safety notes ....................42
PRE-SAFE ®
(anticipatory
occupant protection) .......................54
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) ........................................... 43
OCS
Faults ............................................... 53
Operation ........................................ .49
System self-test ............................... 51
Odometer ........................................... 275
Off-road driving Approach/departure angl e............ 455
Checklist after driving off-road ......198
Checklist before driving off-road .... 198
Fording depth ................................ 454
General information .......................197
Important safety notes ..................197
Maximum gradient climbing ability 455
Traveling uphill ............................... 200
Off-road programs (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package)
Displays in the COMAND displa y... 262
Function/notes ............................. 258
Off-road program 1 ........................258
Off-road program 2 ........................259
Off-road system
4MATIC .......................................... 256
DSR ............................................... 256
LOW RANGE off-road gear .............259
Off-road 4ETS .................................. 72
Off-road ABS .................................... 68
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 74
Off-road programs (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package) ..........258
Oil
see Engine oil
On and Offroad menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 28614
Index

Center console, lower section
i
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package Function Page
F
Cup holder 348
Ashtray 351
Cigarette lighter 352
Socket 352
G
COMAND controller; see
the separate operating
instructions
H
d
ON&OFFROAD menu
button 262
I
+
LOW RANGE off-road
gear 259 Function Page
J
Á
Level control 212
K
Ã
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) 256
L
p
Manual drive program 178
M
Selector wheel for on-road
programs
253
Selector wheel for off-road
programs
258
N
Stowage compartment with
Media Interface
342Center console
37At a glance

The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Off-road ABS An ABS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Y page 258).
At speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 67). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking X
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
General information i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 67).
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
For BAS PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor
system must be operational.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning,
BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake
system is still available with complete brake
boosting effect and BAS.
BAS PLUS can help you to minimize the risk
of a collision with a vehicle or reduce the
effects of such a collision. If BAS PLUS
detects a danger of collision, you are assisted
when braking.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, BAS PLUS may:
R intervene unnecessarily
R not intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation. G
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering 68
Driving safety systemsSafety

R
a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
R new vehicles or after the COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST system has been
serviced
Observe the notes in the section on
breaking-in (Y page 166).
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensor checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 67).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) 4ETS traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
In appropriate driving situations, activate the
off-road program (Y page 258). Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Y
page 258).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 329) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 291).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly. 72
Driving safety systemsSafety

The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action for better traction on loose
surfaces.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
Off-road ESP ® An ESP
®
system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Y page 258).
Off-road ESP ®
intervenes with a delay if there
is oversteering or understeering, thus
improving traction.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization General information
ESP
®
trailer stabilization is not available in
AMG vehicles.
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
swerve, ESP ®
assists you in this situation.
ESP ®
slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from
swerving. Trailers with a high center of gravity
can tip over before ESP ®
can detect this.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 37 mph (60 km/h). ESP
®
trailer stabilization does not work if
ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
Crosswind driving assistance General information
Strong crosswinds can cause your vehicle to
deviate from a straight course. The crosswind
driving assistance function integrated into
ESP ®
significantly reduces these effects.
ESP ®
intervenes automatically according to
the direction and intensity of the crosswinds
affecting your vehicle.
ESP stabilities the vehicle with braking
interventions to assist you in keeping the
vehicle in the lane.
Crosswind driving assistance is active at
vehicle speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h)
when driving straight ahead or cornering
gently.
Important safety notes
Crosswind driving assistance does not work
if ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of
a malfunction. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
General information EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Y page 67). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident. 74
Driving safety systemsSafety

transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage.
X To shift down: pull on the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter
(Y page 177).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic 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
recommended gear is shown in the
multifunction display.
X Shift to recommended gear ;according
to gearshift recommendation :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 Mhas been
deactivated, the automatic transmission
shifts into the automatic drive program that
was last selected. You can also deactivate manual drive
program
Myourself:
X Pull on the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter and hold it in place
(Y page 177).
or
X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
X AMG vehicles: use the program selector
button to change the drive program
(Y page 177).
Manual drive program Mis deactivated.
The automatic transmission switches into
the automatic drive program that was last
selected, i.e. Eor S.
or
X Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD packag e:use the selector
wheel to switch to the on-road program
(Y page 253) 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. Automatic transmission
179Driving and parking Z

conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (Y page 407).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (Y page 406).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 406). Off-road driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle. G
WARNING
If the vehicle level is high, the vehicle center
of gravity is raised. This could cause the
vehicle to tip over more easily on uphill or
downhill gradients. There is a risk of an
accident.
Select the lowest possible vehicle level.
When driving off-road, sand, mud and water,
possibly mixed with oil, for example, could 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 braking
characteristics change depending on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Adapt your driving style to the different
braking characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of
damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead
to failure of the mechanical assembly or systems. Adapt your driving style to suit the
terrain conditions. Drive carefully. Have
damage to the vehicle rectified immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not switch to transmission position N
when driving off-road. You could lose control
of the vehicle if you attempt to brake using
the service brake. If the gradient is too steep,
drive backwards in reverse gear.
General notes 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 program 1 and 2 (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) (Y page 258)
R LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package)
(Y page 259)
R Differential lock (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) (Y page 259)
R Off-road ABS (Y page 68)
R AIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
(Y page 217)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(Y page 256)
Observe the following notes:
R Stop the vehicle before starting to drive
along an off-road route.
R For vehicles with the AIRMATIC
package: select a vehicle level that is
suitable for the off-road terrain. To avoid
damaging the vehicle, make sure there is
always sufficient ground clearance.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 345). Driving tips
197Driving and parking Z

R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR (Y page 256).
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 unfamiliar 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's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.
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.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road !
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. X
Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
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 top up 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. Therefore, check your rims before
driving off-road and replace them as
required.
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
workshop.
X Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package: activate the on-road program
(Y page 258).
X Deactivate the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 259).
X Deactivate DSR ( Ypage 256).
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable
for the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level.
X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the wheels/tires with a water jet and
remove any foreign objects. 198
Driving tipsDriving an
d parking

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
bellows 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 over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on
normal 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.
Driving on sand Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
R Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package: select off-road program 1
(Y page 258).
R Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised 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. R
Drive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels
could become stuck in loose ground.
R Drive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that:
-the tire ruts are not too deep.
- the sand is sufficiently firm.
- the ground clearance of the vehicle is
sufficient.
Tire ruts and gravel roads !
Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
R Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
R Drive slowly.
R Where ruts are too deep, drive with the
wheels of one side on the center grassy
area, if possible.
Driving over obstacles !
Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should
always keep a safe distance from the
vehicle when doing so in order to avoid
injury as a result of unexpected vehicle
movements. After driving off-road or over
obstacles, check the vehicle for possible
damage, especially to the underbody and
the components of the chassis. Driving tips
199Driving and pa rking Z