brake MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2016 X166 Manual Online

!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. 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.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(
Ypage 198).
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
General notes
DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-
hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed
selected on the on-board computer. The
steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the
DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driv-
ing on flat stretches of road or on an uphill
gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or
nonexistent.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is
activated and the transmission is in position
D ,R or N. You can drive at a higher or a lower
speed than that set on the on-board computer
at any time by accelerating or braking.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the speed driven and the set speed deviate and you activate DSR on a slippery road sur-
face, the wheels may lose traction. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Before switching DSR on, please take into
consideration the road surface and the differ- ence between driving speed and the set
speed.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics. DSR cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic condi-
tions. DSR is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for
vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
You are always responsible for keeping con-
trol of the vehicle and for assessing whether
the downhill gradient can be managed. DSR
may not always be able to keep to the set
speed, depending on road surface and tire
conditions. Select a set speed suitable for the
prevailing conditions and when necessary,
apply the brakes manually.
Activating DSR
XPress button
:.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
The à DSR symbol appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
You can only activate DSR when driving at
speeds at or below 28 mph (40 km/h).
If the current vehicle speed is too high, the
à DSR symbol appears in the multifunc-
tion display with the Max. Speed 28 mph
message (Canada:40 km/h).
If you have activated DSR and you change the drive program, DSR is deactivated. If you
switch between the Offroad and Offroad Plus
drive programs, DSR remains activated.
Deactivating DSR
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
The à DSR symbol appears in the mul-
tifunction display with the Off
message.
DSR switches off automatically if you drive
faster than 28 mph (Canada: 45 km/h). The
Driving systems257
Driving and parking
Z

Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been successful, the following messages may be displayed in
the multifunction display:
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
LOW RANGE Max.
Speed 40 km/h
You have been driving faster than 40 km/h. Additionally, the indi-
cator lamp on the button in the center console blinks.
XDrive more slowly to carry out the gear change process.
LOWRANGEShiftto
Position N Briefly
The transmission is in positionDand you are driving at below
40 km/h.
XShift the transmission to Nto complete the gear change proc-
ess.
LOWRANGEShifting
Canceled Please
Reactivate
The gear change process was not carried out.
XEnsure that all gear change conditions are fulfilled and carry out the gear change process again.
LOW RANGE Stop
ApplyParkingBrake
A warning tone also sounds. The gear change process has not been
completed. LOW RANGE is in the neutral position. There is no
connection between the engine and the drive wheels.
!Do not drive any further. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle's drive train.
XStop the vehicle. Take into account the road and traffic condi-
tions when doing this.
XDepress the electric parking brake (Ypage 190).
XCarry out the gear change process again.
If the gear change process has been carried out, the LOW
RANGE
Stop Apply Parking Brakemessage disappears.
ON&OFFROAD menu in the COMAND
display (vehicles with the ON&OFF-
ROAD package)You can display some driving systems, driving
programs and additional information in the
COMAND display.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock.
XMake sure that COMAND is activated, see
the separate COMAND operating instruc-
tions.
XPress function button :.
The corresponding displays appear in the
COMAND display:
RLevel control
RSteering angle
RVehicle's angle of inclination
262Driving systems
Driving and parking

RUphill or downhill gradient in percentage
ROn-road/off-road program selected
RCondition of the differential lock for the
transfer case
RLOW RANGE off-road gear is selected
RCondition of the LOW RANGE off-road
gear
ROn-road trailer program is selected
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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" (
Ypage 458).
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
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:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe 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:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning radius
Towing a trailer263
Driving and parking
Z

This could impair the handling characteris-
tics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
The following models cannot be used to tow a
trailer:
RGLE 550 e 4MATIC Sport Utility Vehicle
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the
maximum load. You will find the values in the
tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle (
Ypage 425).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the
following driving systems have limited avail-
ability or are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 224)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 244)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 251) You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 457).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer sta-
bilization (
Ypage 75) and on pulling away with
a trailer (
Ypage 168).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-
evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(
Ypage 458). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h) .
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter to shift into a lower gear in good time
on long and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
264Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Drivingtips
If th etrailer swings from sid eto side:
XDo no taccelerate.
XDo no tcounter-steer .
XBrakeif necessary.
RMaintain agreater distanc efrom th evehi-
cl e in fron tthan when drivin gwithout a
trailer .
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gentlyat first to allow th etrailer to run on .
Then, increase th ebraking forc erapidly.
RThe values given fo rgradient-climbin g
capabilities from astandstill refer to sea
level. Whe ndrivin gin mountainous areas,
note that th epowe routput of th eengin e
and ,consequently, th evehicle' sgradient-
climbin gcapability, decreases wit h
increasing altitude.
Installing th eball coupling
GWARNING
If th eball couplin gis no tcorrectl yinstalled
and secured, it can come loose durin gth e
journey and endanger other road users. There is aris kof an acciden tand injury.
Always install and secure th eball couplin gas
described .Before every journey, ensur ethat
th eball couplin gis secure dwit hth ebolt and
th ecorrespondin gsprin gcotter.
GWARNING
If th eball couplin gis no tinstalled correctl yor
no tsecure dwit hth ebolt provided and th e
correspondin gsprin gcotter, th etrailer may
come loose. There is aris kof an accident.
Always install and secure th eball couplin gas
described .Before every journey, ensur ethat
th eball couplin gis secure dwit hth ebolt and
th ecorrespondin gsprin gcotter.
GWARNING
If th eball couplin gis no tinstalled and secure d
correctl yth etrailer may come loose. There is
a ris kof an accident.
Install and secure th eball couplin gas descri-
bed in th eball couplin ginstallation instruc -
tions. Mak esur ethat th eball couplin gis
installed and secure dcorrectl ybefor eevery
journey.
XPull protective cap :in th edirection of th e
arrow, out of th eball couplin grecess .
XStow protective cap :so that it canno tbe
thrown around .
Observ eth eloadin gguidelines
(
Ypage 340) and th esafet ynote sregard -
in g stowag espaces (
Ypage 341).
Towing a trailer265
Driving and parking
Z

XInsert the ball coupling horizontally into ballcoupling recess ;in the direction of the
arrow until the holes in ball coupling =are
in line with the holes in ball coupling
recess ?.
XSlide bolt Ainto the hole in the ball cou-
pling recess and the ball coupling to the
stop.
XSecure the bolt using spring cotter B.
XCheck the ball coupling, bolt and spring
cotter for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly moun- ted, remove the ball coupling. Under these
circumstances, the ball coupling must not be
used for trailer towing.
If the ball coupling cannot be locked and the
key cannot be removed, remove the ball cou- pling and clean it. If the ball coupling can still
not be installed (locked) after it has been
cleaned, remove the ball coupling. The trailertow hitch must then not be used to tow a
trailer, as safe operation cannot be guaran-
teed.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
266Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
XVehicles with ADS:set ADS toAUTOor
COMF .
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is
working.
iVehicles 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:
RUnless 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.
RHigh-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:
RSafety 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.
RA separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to
your state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety switch applies
the trailer 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:
Rin your place of residence
Rin the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RTo 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
RBefore driving, check:
-trailer tow hitch
-safety switch for braked trailers
-safety chains
-electrical connections
-lights
-wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
Towing a trailer267
Driving and parking
Z

using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
RWhen you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
ular intervals that the load isfirmly secured.
If the trailer isequipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
RBear inmind that the handlin g will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination isheavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient cli mbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but
instead depress the brake pedal moder-
ate lyat first so that the trailer can activate
it s brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
RIf the automat ictransmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddleshifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
RWhen drivingdown hill, shift to a lower gear
to uti lize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid co ntin
uous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
instal led,the trailer brakes.
RIfthe coolant temperature increases dra-
matical ly while the air-cond itioning system
is swit ched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also bedissipated by
opening the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temper-
ature to the highest leve l.
RWhen 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
spaceinrelation to the vehicle you are
overtaking before you can change back to
the original lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNIN G
If you uncouple atrailer wit hth eoverrun
brak eengaged ,you could trap your han d
between th evehicl eand th etrailer drawbar.
Ther eis aris kof injury.
Do no tuncouple atrailer if th eoverrun brak e
is engaged .
GWARNING
Vehicles wit hleve lcontrol :
The vehicl eis lowered as soo nas you discon -
nect th etrailer cable. This could result in your
limb sor those of other people that are
between th evehicl ebody and tires or under-
neath th evehicl ebein gtrapped .Ther eis a
ris kof injury.
Mak esure that nobody is in th eimmediat e
vicinity of th ewhee lhousing sor under th e
vehicl ewhen you disconnect th etrailer cable.
!Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could bedamaged bythe rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
XSh ift the transmission to position P.
XApply the vehicle's electr icparking brake.
XStart the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XApply the trailer's parking brake.
268Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

XPress the6ora button to start dial-
ing.
or
XTo exit the redial memory: press the
~ or% button.
Assistance menu
Introduction
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, in
the Assist.
menu, you have the following
options:
RDisplaying the assistance graphic
(
Ypage 281)
RActivating/deactivating the distance warn- ing function (
Ypage 281)
RActivating/deactivating PRE-SAFE®Brake
(
Ypage 282)
RActivating/deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST (
Ypage 282)
RActivating/deactivating Blind Spot Assist
or Active Blind Spot Assist (
Ypage 282)
RActivating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist
(
Ypage 282)
Displaying the assistance graphic
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist.
menu.
XPress9or: to select Assistance
graphic.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
The multifunction display shows the
DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the
assistance graphic.
The assistance graphic displays the status
of and information from the following driv-
ing systems or driving safety systems:
RDISTRONIC PLUS (Ypage 211)
RPRE-SAFE®Brake (Ypage 76)
RDistance warning function (Ypage 70)
RATTENTION ASSIST (Ypage 240)
RLane Keeping Assist (Ypage 246) or
Active Lane Keeping Assist
(
Ypage 251)
RDSR (Ypage 257)
ROff-road program (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) (
Ypage 258)
RRear window wiper (Ypage 140)
Activating/deactivating the distance
warning function
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist.
menu.
XPress9or: to select Distance
warning.
Menus and submenus281
On-board computer and displays
Z

XPressato confirm.
The current selection appears.
XTo activate/deactivate: press thea
button again.
When the distance warning function is
deactivated, the assistance graphic shows
the æ symbol in the multifunction dis-
play.
Further information on the distance warning
function (
Ypage 70).
Activating/deactivating PRE-SAFE®
Brake
PRE‑SAFE®Brake is only available for vehi-
cles with the Driving Assistance package.
XPress =or; on the steering wheel
to select the DriveAssist
menu.
XPress the9or: button to select
PRE-SAFE Brake
.
XPress the abutton.
The current selection is displayed.
XTo activate/deactivate: press thea
button again.
When PRE-SAFE
®Brake is deactivated, the
assistance graphic shows the æsymbol
in the multifunction display.
For more information on PRE‑ SAFE
®Brake,
see (
Ypage 76).
Activating/deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist.
menu.
XPress the9or: button to select
Attention Assist
XPress the abutton.
The current selection appears.
XTo activate/deactivate: press thea
button again.
When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated,
the é symbol appears in the multifunc-
tion display in the assistance graphics dis-
play. For further information about ATTENTION
ASSIST, see (
Ypage 240).
Activating/deactivating Blind Spot
Assist
XPress the
=or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the DriveAssist
menu.
XPress the9or: button to select
Blind Spot Assist
.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
The current selection appears.
XTo activate/deactivate: press thea
button again.
For further information about Blind Spot
Assist, see (
Ypage 244).
For further information about Active Blind
Spot Assist, see (
Ypage 248).
Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the DriveAssist
menu.
XPress the9or: button to select
Lane Keeping Assist
.
XPress ato confirm.
The current selection appears.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to set Off,
Standard
or Adaptive.
When Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane
Keeping Assist is activated, the multifunc-
tion display shows the lane markings as
bright lines in the assistance graphic.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
For further information about Lane Keeping
Assist, see (
Ypage 246).
For further information about Active Lane
Keeping Assist, see (
Ypage 251).
282Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays