towing MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2016 X166 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 256
12 V socket
see Sockets
115 V socket ...................................... 354
360° camera
Cleaning ........................................ .380
Function/notes .............................2 36
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 291
Function/notes ................................ 68
Important safety notes .................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 327
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 60
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 153
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 282
Display message ............................ 314
Function/information .................... 248
Trailer towing ................................. 251
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 311
Function/notes ............................. 219
Active Driving Assistance package .. 248
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 282
Display message ............................ 314
Function/information .................... 251
Trailer towing ................................. 254
Active Parking Assist
Display message ............................ 315
Exiting a parking space .................. 230
Function/notes ............................. 227
Important safety notes .................. 227
Parking .......................................... 229 Towing a trailer .............................. 231
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 76
Adaptive Brake Assist
Display message ............................ 298
Function/notes ................................ 72
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 306
Function/notes ............................. 134
Switching on/off ........................... 134
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 451
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Function/notes ............................. 218
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 58
Display message ............................ 301
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 51
Important safety notes .................... 50
Introduction ..................................... 50
Knee bag .......................................... 52
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 53
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
torlamp ........................................... 45
Si

de impact air bag .......................... 52
Window curtain air bag .................... 53
Air filter (display message) .............. 309
AIR FLOW ........................................... 155
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 161
Important safety notes .................. 160
Rear ............................................... 161
Setting ........................................... 160
Setting the center air vents ........... 160
Setting the side air vents ............... 161
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRMATIC package
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ... 218
Function/notes ............................. 218
Level control .................................. 219
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 78
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 78
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 78
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
4Index

Ambient lighting
Se tting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 284
Se tting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................ .284
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 222
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 287
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 201
Ashtray ............................................... 351
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 81
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 81
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........3 75
Hiding a service message .............. 375
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 375
Service message ............................ 374
Special service requirements ......... 375
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 78
Function ...........................................7 8
Switching off the alarm .................... 78
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 282
Display message ............................ 310
Function/notes ............................. 240
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 278
Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 306
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 376
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop functi
on)
.................................... 170 Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function)
.......................... 169
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 130
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 176
Automatic drive program ............... 178
Changing gear ............................... 176
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 173
Display message ............................ 320
Drive program display .................... 174
Driving tips .................................... 176
Emergency running mode .............. 182
Engaging drive position .................. 175
Engaging neutral ............................ 175
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 174
Engaging reverse gear ................... 174
Engaging the park position ............ 174
Kickdown ....................................... 177
Manual drive program .................... 178
Manual drive program (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) ................................ 180
Manual drive program (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package) .. 180
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 287
Overview ........................................ 173
Problem (malfunction) ................... 182
Program selector button ................ 177
Pulling away ................................... 168
Starting the engine ........................ 167
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 178
Trailer towing ................................. 177
Transmission position display ........ 174
Transmission positions .................. 176
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 182
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 458
B
Bag hook ............................................ 346
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 265
Removing ....................................... 269
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 69
Index5

BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS).................................................... 69
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 85
Important safety notes .................... 85
Replacing ......................................... 85
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 394
Display message ............................ 307
Important safety notes .................. 391
Jump starting ................................. 395
Overview ........................................ 391
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 282
Display message ............................ 314
Notes/function .............................. 244
Trailer towing ................................. 246
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 186
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 450
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 297
Notes ............................................. 451
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 139
Display message ............................ 304
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 72
BAS .................................................. 69
BAS PLUS ........................................ 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 451
Display message ............................ 291
High-performance brake system .... 196
Important safety notes .................. 194
Maintenance .................................. 195
Parking brake ................................ 190
Riding tips ...................................... 194
Warning lamp ................................. 326 Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 386
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 35
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 26
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Car key
see SmartKey
Care
360° camera ................................. 380
Car wash ........................................ 376
Carpets .......................................... 384
Display ........................................... 381
Exhaust pipe .................................. 381
Exterior lights ................................ 379
Gear or selector lever .................... 382
Interior ........................................... 381
Matte finish ................................... 378
Night View Assist Plus ................... 382
Notes ............................................. 375
Paint .............................................. 378
Plastic trim .................................... 382
Power washer ................................ 377
Rear view camera .......................... 380
Roof lining ...................................... 384
Seat belt ........................................ 383
Seat cover ..................................... 383
Sensors ......................................... 380
Side running board ........................ 380
Steering wheel ............................... 382
Trim pieces .................................... 382
Washing by hand ........................... 377
Wheels ........................................... 379
Windows ........................................ 379
Wiper blades .................................. 379
Wooden trim .................................. 382
6Index

Driving in winter ............................. 197
Driving on flooded roads ................ 196
Driving on sand .............................. 200
Driving on wet roads ...................... 196
Driving over obstacles ................... 201
Exhaust check ............................... 193
Fuel ................................................ 193
General .......................................... 192
Hydroplaning ................................. 196
Icy road surfaces ........................... 197
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 195
Off-road driving .............................. 199
Off-road fording ............................. 197
Snow chains .................................. 407
Tire ruts ......................................... 201
Towing a trailer .............................. 264
Traveling uphill ............................... 201
Wet road surface ........................... 195
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 313
Function/notes ............................. 257
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 279
E
EASY-ENTRY featureActivating/deactivating ................. 285
Function/notes ............................. 123
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 124
Function/notes ............................. 123
Switching on/off ........................... 285
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 293
Function/notes ................................ 75
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 193
On-board computer ....................... 276
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 170
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 169
Deactivating/activating ................. 170
General information ....................... 169
Important safety notes .................. 169
Introduction ................................... 169 Electronic Stability Program
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 60
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 92
Vehicle ............................................. 92
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 438
Important safety notes .................. 438
Removing ....................................... 439
Storage location ............................ 439
Technical data ............................... 441
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 58
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 97
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 25
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 334
Display message ............................ 306
ECO start/stop function ................ 169
Engine number ............................... 447
Irregular running ............................ 172
Jump-starting ................................. 395
Starting (important safety notes) ... 167
Starting problems .......................... 172
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 167
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 168
Switching off .................................. 189
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 400
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ................... 172
E

ngine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 372
Additives ........................................ 451
Checking the oil level ..................... 371
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 371
Display message ............................ 308
Filling capacity ............................... 451
Notes about oil grades ................... 450
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 371
10Index

Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ............................................... 105
Problem (malfunction) ...................106
Resetting ....................................... 105
Parking
Important safety notes .................. 189
Parking brake ................................ 190
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 126
Rear view camera .......................... 231
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist ..................... 227
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking assistance
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 294
Electric parking brake .................... 190
Warning lamp ................................. 333
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 131
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 226
Driving system ............................... 224
Function/notes .............................2 24
Important safety notes .................. 224
Problem (malfunction) ................... 227
Range of the sensors ..................... 224
Trailer towing ................................. 226
Warning display ............................. 225
PASSENGER AIR BAG
Display message ............................ 301
Problems (malfunction) .................. 301
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
Indicator lamp .................................. 45
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 67
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 382
Power closing feature ......................... 92
Power washers .................................. 377
Power windows
see Side windows
PRE-SAFE
®(anticipatory occupant
protection)
Display message ............................ 297 Operation ......................................... 60
PRE-SAFE
®Brake
Activating/deactivating ................. 282
Display message ............................ 298
Function/notes ................................ 76
Important safety notes .................... 76
Warning lamp ................................. 337
Program selector button .................. 177
Protection against thef t
AT

A (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 78
Immobilizer ...................................... 78
Protection of the environment
General notes .................................. 24
Pulling away
General notes ................................ 168
Trailer ............................................ 168
Pulling away (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 168
Q
QR code
Mercedes-Benz Guide App ................. 1
Rescue card ..................................... 30
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 29
R
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 288
Radiator cover ................................... 371
Radio
Selecting a station ......................... 278
see separate operating instructions
Radio-wave reception/transmis-
sion in the vehicle
Declaration of conformity ................ 28
Reading lamp ..................................... 135
Rear bench seat
Folding forwards/back .................. 344
Rear compartment
Exit/entry position (3rd row of
seats) ............................................. 115
Setting the air vents ...................... 161
Setting the temperature ................ 155
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 304
Switching on/off ........................... 131
16Index

Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) .....................................425
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................4 26
Maximum tire load ......................... 423
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 426
MOExtended tires .......................... 406
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 426
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................4 26
Replacing ....................................... 427
Service life ..................................... 406
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 426
Speed rating (definition) ................ 425
Storing ...........................................4 27
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 424
Temperature .................................. 420
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 426
Tire bead (definition) ......................4 26
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 426
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 425
Tire size (data) ............................... 432
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 421
Tire tread ....................................... 405
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 426
Total load limit (definition) ............. 427
Traction ......................................... 420
Traction (definition) ....................... 426
Tread wear ..................................... 420
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 426
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 419
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 425
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 427
Wheel and tire combination ........... 434
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 425
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
To

w-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 400 Important safety notes .................. 397
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist ..................... 231
Axle load, permissible .................... 458
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 381
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 266
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 268
Driving tips .................................... 264
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 75
Important safety notes .................. 263
Installing the ball coupling ............. 265
Lights display message .................. 303
Mounting dimensions .................... 457
Power supply ................................. 269
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 168
Removing the ball coupling ............ 269
Trailer drive program ..................... 256
Trailer loads ................................... 458
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 397
Installing the towing eye ................ 398
Removing the towing eye ............... 399
With both axles on the ground ....... 399
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 269
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 251
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 254
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 246
PARKTRONIC ................................. 226
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 269
Transfer case ..................................... 182
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 174
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 174
Transporting the vehicle .................. 399
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 202
Driving downhill ............................. 202
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 202
Index21

Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions).................................................. 382
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 276
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 275
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 277
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 304
Switching on/off ........................... 132
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 444
Installation ..................................... 444
Transmission output (maximum) .... 444
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 426
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
UnlockingEmergency unlocking ....................... 92
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 91
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 287
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor)........ 351
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 320
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 283
Limited Warranty ............................. 30
Loading .......................................... 416
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 92
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 82
Lowering ........................................ 431
Maintenance .................................... 26
Parking for a long period ................ 192
Pulling away ................................... 168
Raising ........................................... 429 Reporting problems .........................2
9
Securing from rolling away ............ 428
Towing away .................................. 397
Transporting .................................. 399
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 92
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 82
Vehicle data ................................... 454
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 454
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 456
Fording depth ................................ 455
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 456
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 454
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 92
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 446
Vehicle level
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 222
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 310
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 386
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 279
VIN ...................................................... 446
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 327
Brakes ........................................... 326
Check Engine ................................. 334
Coolant .......................................... 335
Distance warning ........................... 337
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 337
ESP
®.............................................. 330
ESP®OFF ....................................... 331
Fuel tank ........................................ 334
Overview .......................................... 36
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 45
Reserve fuel ................................... 334
Restraint system ............................ 333
Seat belt ........................................ 325
Tire pressure monitor .................... 338
Warranty .............................................. 25
22Index

Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driv-
er's seat belt, are equipped with a special seatbelt retractor. When activated, the special
seat belt retractor ensures that the seat belt
cannot slacken once the child seat is secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
XMake sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPull the seat belt smoothly from the belt
outlet.
XEngage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is enabled.
XPush the child restraint system down so
that the seat belt is tight and does not
loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
XMake sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPress the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt re
tractor is deactiva-
ted.
Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint sys-
tems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
If you install a rearward-facing child restraint
system on the center rear seat, the rear arm
rest must be folded back as far as possible.
You can obtain further information about the
correct child restraint system from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading
guidelines" (
Ypage 340).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
62Children in the vehicle
Safety

XTo switch on:turn the light switch to T.
The green Tindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Standing lamps
Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is illumina-
ted.
XTo switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey is not in the ignition lock or it is in
position 0.
XTurn the light switch to W(left-hand side
of the vehicle) or X(right-hand side of
the vehicle).
Vehicles towing a trailer: both the right and
left standing lamps (tail lamps) are always
illuminated on the trailer.
Combination switch
Turn signal
:High-beam headlamps
;Turn signal, right
=High-beam flasher
?Turn signal, left
XTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ;or?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ;or?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on manually: turn the Smart-
Key to position 2in the ignition lock or start
the engine.
XVehicles without Adaptive Highbeam
Assist: turn the light switch to Lor
Ã.
XVehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist:
turn the light switch to L.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :.
In the Ãposition, the high-beam head-
lamps are only switched on when it is dark
and the engine is running.
The blue Kindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The blue Kindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist:
when Adaptive Highbeam Assist is active, it
automatically controls activation of the high-
beam headlamps (
Ypage 134).
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2, or start the
engine.
XPull the combination switch in the direction of arrow =.
132Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wiper s

Useful information............................164
Notes on breaking-in a new vehi-
cle ....................................................... 164
Driving ............................................... 164
Automatic transmission ...................173
Refueling ............................................ 182
Parking ............................................... 189
Driving tips ........................................ 192
Driving systems ................................ 202
Towing a trailer ................................. 263
163
Driving and parking