tow bar MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2015 X166 Owner's Manual

Replacin
g ...................................... .429
Service life ..................................... 408
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 428
Speed rating (definition) ................ 427
Storing .......................................... .430
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 426
Temperature .................................. 422
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 428
Tire bead (definition) ..................... .428
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 428
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 427
Tire size (data) ............................... 434
Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity, speed rating .................... 423
Tire tread ....................................... 407
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 428
Total load limit (definition) ............. 429
Traction ......................................... 422
Traction (definition) ....................... 428
Tread wea r..................................... 422
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 428
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 421
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 427
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 429
Wheel and tire combination ........... 436
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 427
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing a trailer Active Parking Assist ..................... 232
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 459
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 382
Coupling up a traile r...................... 267
Decoupling a traile r....................... 269
Driving tips .................................... 265
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 75
Important safety notes .................. 264
Installing the ball coupling ............. 266
Mounting dimensions .................... 458 Power supply ................................. 271
Pulling away with a traile
r.............. 171
Removing the ball coupling ............ 270
Storing the ball coupling ................ 270
Trailer drive progra m..................... 257
Trailer load s................................... 459
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 399
Installing the towing eye ................ 400
Removing the towing eye ............... 401
With both axles on the ground ....... 401
With the rear axle raised ................ 401
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 402
Important safety notes .................. 399
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 270
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 252
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 255
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 247
PARKTRONIC ................................. 227
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 270
Transfer case ..................................... 185
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 176
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 176
Transporting the vehicle .................. 401
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 203
Driving downhill ............................. 203
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 203
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 384
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 277
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 277
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 278
Trunk
see Tailgate Index
21

Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the function "show rear
view camera display" is selected in
COMAND.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
X To change the function mode for vehi-
cles with trailer tow hitch: using theCOMAND controller, select symbol
0043for
the "Reverse parking" function or sym-
bol 0044for "Coupling up a trailer" (see the
separate COMAND operating instructions). The symbol of the selected function is high- lighted.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the COMAND display The rear view camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. The rear view camera does not show
objects in the following positions:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline. Driving systems
233Driving and parking Z

0043
Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 10 in (0.25 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
0044 White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel
0087 End of parking space
X Back up carefully until you have reached
the final position.
Red guide line 0043is then at end of parking
space 0087. The vehicle is almost parallel in
the parking space.
"Coupling up a trailer" function !
The following distance specifications
refer to trailer tow hitches with ball cou-
pling that have been approved for this vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz. Distances may dif-
fer if you use other ball couplings. In this
case, take into account that actual distan-
ces will not match the following distance
specifications. Otherwise you could dam-
age the trailer and vehicle. 0043
Vehicle center point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 3 ft
(1.0 m) from the rear of the vehicle
0044 Trailer drawbar
0087 Ball coupling
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch.
X Set the height of trailer drawbar 0044so that
it is slightly higher than ball coupling 0087.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar 0044. 0043
Ball coupling
0044 Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 10 in (0.25m)from the ball cou-
pling
0087 Trailer drawbar marker assistant
0085 Trailer drawbar
0083 Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function
X Use the COMAND controller to select sym-
bol 0083, see the separate operating instruc-
tions for COMAND.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec- ted. The distance specifications now only 236
Driving systemsDriving and parking

apply to objects that are at the same level
as the ball coupling.
X Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar marker assistant 0087points
approximately in the direction of trailer
drawbar 0085.
X Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar 0085
reaches red guide line 0044.
X Couple up the trailer (Y page 265).360° camera (surround view)
General notes The 360° camera is a system consisting of
four cameras.
The system analyzes images from the follow-
ing cameras:
R Rear view camera
R Front camera
R Two cameras in the exterior rear view mir-
rors
The cameras capture the immediate sur-
roundings of the vehicle. The system sup-
ports you, e.g. when parking or if vision is
restricted at an exit.
The 360° camera images can be shown in full
screen mode or in seven different split-screen views on the COMAND display. A split-screenview also includes a top view of the vehicle.
This view is calculated from the data supplied
by the installed cameras (virtual camera).
The seven split-screen views are: R top view and picture from the rear view
camera (130° viewing angle)
R top view and picture from the front camera
(without displaying the maximum steering
wheel angle)
R top view and enlarged rear view
R top view and enlarged front view
R top view and trailer view (vehicles with
trailer tow hitch) R
top view and rear-view images from the
exterior mirror cameras (rear wheel view)
R top view and forward-view images from the
exterior mirror cameras (front wheel view)
i The top view and trailer view are available
for vehicles equipped with a trailer tow
hitch.
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from position Dor Rto N, you
see the previous view in the COMAND dis-
play. The dynamic guidelines are hidden.
When you change between transmission
positions Dand R, you see the previously
selected front or rear view.
Important safety notes The 360° camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your imme-
diate surroundings. You are always responsi- ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering or parking, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area
in which you are maneuvering.
The 360° camera may show a distorted view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at
all. It cannot show objects in the following
areas:
R under the front bumper
R very close to the front bumper
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in close range above the handle on the
trunk lid
R very close to the exterior mirrors
You are always responsible for safety, and
must always pay attention to your surround-
ings when parking and maneuvering. This
applies to the areas behind, in front of and
beside the vehicle. You could otherwise
endanger yourself and others.
The 360° camera will not function or will
function in a limited manner:
R if the doors are open
R if the exterior mirrors are folded in Driving systems
237Driving and parking Z

X
To switch to full screen mode: select
Full Screen
Full Screen by turning00790052007Athe
COMAND controller and press 0098to con-
firm.
Displays in the COMAND display Important safety notes
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline.
Top view with picture from the rear view
camera 0043
Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and rear view camera image
0044 Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) fromthe rear of the
vehicle
0087 Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
0085 Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic) 0083
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) fromthe rear of the
vehicle
0084 Vehicle center axle (marker assistance)
006B Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) fromthe rear of the
vehicle
006C Bumper
The guide lines are shown when the trans-
mission is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
Top view with picture from the front cam- era 0043
Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and front camera image
0044 Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m)from the front of the
vehicle
0087 Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
0085 Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic) Driving systems
239Driving and parking Z

R
uphill or downhill gradient in percentage
R on-road/off-road program selected
R condition of the differential lock for the
transfer case
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected
R condition of the LOW RANGE off-road
gear
R the on-road trailer program is selected Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech- nical data" (Y page 459). G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in the vehicle documents
R on the identification plates for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies. 264
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X Vehicles with ADS: set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When cou-
pling up a trailer, please observe the fol-
lowing:
R Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle. Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R A separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R A safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi- cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions: R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually 268
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
ular intervals that the load is firmly secured.If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv- ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
instead depress the brake pedal moder-
ately at first so that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
opening the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temper-
ature to the highest level.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking before you can change back to
the original lane. Decoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake. Towing a trailer
269Driving and parking Z

X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 458).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 458).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible val-
ues on the type plates of your vehicle and
the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest val-
ues.
R The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissi-
ble trailer load and drawbar load for your
vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the max-
imum permissible values, have the vehicle/
trailer combination (including the driver,
passengers, and cargo with a fully laden
trailer) weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
X Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 342)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 343).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer tow hitch can be found at (Y page 382). Storing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by the ball coupling being thrown around if you: 270
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

006B
Wheel bolts
006C Towing eye
X Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 349). Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with: R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties) (Y page 389)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 388)
R an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries) (Y page 440)
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
(Y page 429).
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 190).
X If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
X Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: make sure that highway level is selec-
ted (Y page 214).
X Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
age: make sure that highway level is selec-
ted (Y page 214).
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 167).
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
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 354).
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 423).
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
389Breakdown assistance