MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 2010 X164 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2010, Model line: GL550, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 2010 X164Pages: 380, PDF Size: 9.81 MB
Page 91 of 380

Head restraint fore and aft adjustment
The angle of the head restraint for the outer
second-row seats or the third-row seats can
be adjusted manually.
XWhile seated, reach behind you with both
hands and find lower edge of the head
restraint.
XAdjust the head restraint to the desired
position by pushing or pulling on the lower
edge of the head restraint cushion.
Head restraints, removing and
installing
GWarning!
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints installed when the rear seats are
occupied. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to move
the respective head restraint up from the
lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it
is as close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the back
of the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in the
event of an accident or similar situation.
Second-row seat head restraint
Removing
XSecond-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
forward (Y page 88).
XThird-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
forward (Y page 201).
XPull head restraint : to its uppermost
position.
XPress release button ; and pull out head
restraint :.
XSecond-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
rearward until it engages.
XThird-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
rearward (Y page 201).
Installing
XSecond-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
forward (Y page 88).
XThird-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
forward (Y page 201).
XInsert head restraint : into openings on
the seat backrest.
XPush head restraint : down until it audibly
engages.
XPush release button ; and adjust head
restraint : to the desired position
(Y page 88).
XSecond-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
rearward until it engages.
XThird-row seat: Fold the seat backrest
rearward (Y page 201).
Seats89Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 89Z
Page 92 of 380

Multicontour seats
The multicontour seat has a movable seat
cushion and inflatable air cushions built into
the seat backrest to provide additional
lumbar and side support.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSeat cushion depth: Adjust the seat
cushion depth to the length of your upper
leg using switch :.
XSeat backrest contour: Adjust the
contour of the seat backrest to the desired
position using W or X.
XMove the seat backrest support cushion to
the bottom with button ? or to the center
with button =.
XSeat backrest side bolsters: Adjust the
side bolsters so that they provide good
lateral support using switch ;.
Seat ventilation
The blue indicator lamps ; in seat ventilation
switch : come on to show which ventilation
level you have selected.
iThe seat ventilation for the driver’s seat
can be activated using the summer opening
feature (Y page 107).
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press respective seat
ventilation switch :.
Three blue indicator lamps ; in seat
ventilation switch : come on.
XPress seat ventilation switch : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
XSwitching off: Press seat ventilation
switch : repeatedly until all indicator
lamps ; go out.
If there is insufficient voltage the seat
ventilating switches off automatically.
Seat heating
Front seat heating switches
The switches for the outboard second-row
seat heating are located in the rear center
console.
90SeatsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 90
Page 93 of 380

Rear seat heating switches
The red indicator lamps ; in front or rear
seat heating switch : come on to show
which heating level you have selected.
The seat heating switches from level 3 (high)
to level 2 after approximately 5 minutes.
The seat heating switches from level 2 to level
1 (low) after approximately 10 minutes.
After approximately 20 minutes in level 1, the
seat heating switches off automatically.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press respective seat
heating switch :.
Three red indicator lamps ; in the
respective seat heating switch : come on.
XContinue pressing respective seat heating
switch : until desired seat heating level is
reached.
XSwitching off: Press respective seat
heating switch : repeatedly until all
indicator lamps ; go out.
If one or more of indicator lamps ; in
respective seat heating switch : are
flashing, there is insufficient voltage available
since too many electrical consumers are
turned on. The seat heating switches off
automatically.
The seat heating will switch back on again
automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is
available.
Multifunction steering wheel
Safety notes
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Make sure
Ryou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
Ryou can move your legs freely
Rall displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
Steering wheel adjustment, manual
(USA only)
XUnlocking: Pull release handle : out to
its stop limit.
XMove steering wheel to the desired
position.
Multifunction steering wheel91Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 91Z
Page 94 of 380

XLocking: Push release handle : back to
its original position.
XMake sure the steering wheel is securely
locked by trying to move it up and down as
well as in and out before driving off.
Steering wheel adjustment, electrical
XAdjusting steering wheel in or out: Move
stalk in direction of arrows :.
XAdjusting steering wheel up or down:
Move stalk in direction of arrows ;.
iYou can store the settings for the steering
wheel with the memory function
(Y page 96).
Easy-entry/exit feature
This feature allows the driver an easier entry
into and exit from the vehicle. When entering
and exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is
in its uppermost position.
The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated
or deactivated in the Comfort submenu of the
control system (Y page 139).
GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement do one of
the following:
RMove steering wheel adjustment stalk.
RPress one of the memory position buttons.
RPress memory button M.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you close the driver’s door with
the ignition switched on. The steering wheel
will also return to its last set position when
you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch or press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button once with the driver’s door closed.
iThe last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
(Y page 97).
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
The steering wheel also tilts upwards when
you open the driver’s door with the SmartKey
in starter switch position 0 or 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 1.
iWhen the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the
steering wheel will no longer be able to
move upward when the easy-entry/exit
feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly
interrupted when the engine is started.
GWarning!
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
92Multifunction steering wheelControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 92
Page 95 of 380

motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Heated steering wheel
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn switch at the tip of the
stalk in direction of arrow :.
Indicator lamp = comes on.
iThe steering wheel heating may be
suspended temporarily. However, indicator
lamp = remains on. The steering wheel
heating is suspended when the
temperature of the vehicle interior is above
86‡ (30†). It is also suspended when the
temperature of the steering wheel is above
95‡ (35†).
When these conditions do not apply
anymore, steering wheel heating
continues.
XSwitching off: Turn switch at the tip of
stalk in direction of arrow ;.
Indicator lamp = goes out.
iIndicator lamp = flashes or goes out in
case of power surge or undervoltage or if
the steering wheel heating malfunctions.
iThe steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or, on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, when you
switch off the ignition and open the driver’s
door.
For more information on the steering wheel,
see “Multifunction steering wheel”
(Y page 125).
Mirrors
Notes
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a good
view of the road and traffic conditions.
Interior rear view mirror
XAdjust the interior rear view mirror
manually.
Mirrors93Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 93Z
Page 96 of 380

Interior rear view mirror, antiglare
position
XTilt the mirror to the antiglare position by
moving lever : towards the windshield.
The interior rear view mirror is dimmed.
Exterior rear view mirrors
GWarning!
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button : for the driver’s side
exterior rear view mirror or button = for
the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror.
The indicator lamp in the respective button
comes on for approximately 15 seconds.
If you do not make adjustments to the
selected exterior rear view mirror within
15 seconds, the indicator lamp goes out.
You will then have to select the desired
exterior rear view mirror again before
adjustments can be made. Adjustments
can only be made with the indicator lamp
for the respective exterior rear view mirror
button illuminated.
XPress adjustment button ; up, down, left
or right according to the desired setting.
! If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
hit from the front, manually snap it back
into place.
! Vehicle with power-folding exterior rear
view mirrors:
If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear)
or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from front),
press fold button to fold mirrors in, then
press fold button again to fold mirrors out.
Do not force mirrors by hand as this may
damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly
positioned and you can adjust the mirror in
the usual manner.
iAt low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
94MirrorsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 94
Page 97 of 380

The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
GWarning!
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position
For more convenient parking, you can set the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
Setting and storing the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
XAdjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
Calling up the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
returns to its previously stored driving
position
R10 seconds after you have put the gear
selector lever out of reverse gear R
Rimmediately once your vehicle exceeds a
speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
Rimmediately when you press button : to
select the driver’s side exterior rear view
mirror
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors
! Before you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, fold in the exterior rear
view mirrors. Otherwise they may get
damaged.
Folding in and out automatically
The function must be activated in the
Convenience submenu (Y page 140).
Mirrors95Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 95Z
Page 98 of 380

The exterior rear view mirrors fold in
automatically as soon as the vehicle is locked
from the outside.
The exterior rear view mirrors fold out
automatically as soon as the vehicle is
unlocked and the driver’s or front passenger
door is subsequently opened.
Synchronizing
The power-folding rear view mirrors may have
to be synchronized after the vehicle battery
has been disconnected or discharged. If the
exterior rear view mirrors do not fold properly
upon locking or unlocking the vehicle, do the
following:
XMake sure the power-folding function in the
control system is activated (Y page 140).
XWhen the power-folding function is
activated and the exterior rear view
mirrors still do not fold properly: Fold
each exterior rear view mirror in completely
(Y page 96).
XFold each exterior rear view mirror out
completely (Y page 96).
When the exterior rear view mirrors fold
properly upon locking the vehicle, the exterior
mirrors are synchronized. Otherwise repeat
the above steps.
Folding in and out manually
The exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely.
XSwitch on the ignition.XFolding in: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold in.
iAt speeds above approximately 30 mph
(47 km/h), you will not be able to fold the
exterior mirrors in.
XFolding out: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold out.
! If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear)
or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the
front), press button : to fold mirrors in.
Then press button : again to fold mirrors
out. Do not force mirrors by hand as this
may damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly
positioned and you can adjust the mirror in
the usual manner.
Make sure both rear view mirrors are folded
out before driving off.
Memory function
Notes
With the memory function you can store up
to three different configurations per front
seat.
Each memory position button on the driver’s
side can store all of the following settings:
RSeat position
RSteering wheel position
RExterior rear view mirrors’ position
GWarning!
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function while
driving could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
Each memory position button on the front
passenger side can store the setting of the
seat position.
96Memory functionControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 96
Page 99 of 380

Storing positions into memory
XAdjust the seats.XOn the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
XPress memory button M once and within
3 seconds press memory position button
1, 2 or 3.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledgement
signal sounds.
Recalling positions from memory
XPress and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
iIf you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iVehicles equipped with active Bi-Xenon
headlamps:
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
Exterior lamp switch
1 WStanding lamps, left2 XStanding lamps, right3 $Off
Daytime running lamp mode
4 ÃAutomatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
5 TParking lamps66 LLow-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
7 RVehicles without front fog lamps:
Rear fog lamp
7 NVehicles with front fog lamps: Front
fog lamps
8 RVehicles with front fog lamps: Rear
fog lamp6When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and theinstrument cluster illumination are also on.
Lighting97Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 97Z
Page 100 of 380

iThe exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or open
the driver’s door with the ignition switched
off.
When the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp are switched on and you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and open
the driver’s door, an acoustic signal
sounds.
In addition the message Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i Vehicles without front fog lamps: For
better detection of the vehicle, the LED
daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 6
R Green indicator lamp L in the
instrument clusterXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position $.Automatic headlamp mode GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to Ã, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position à to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from à to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position Ã.
When ambient light is low: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, the parking lamps 6
come
on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 7
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp L in the
instrument cluster comes on.
Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
6 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
7 USA only: The daytime running lamp mode must be activated via the control system.98LightingControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 98