MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 2016 Owners Manual

Drive program Spor t Plu s (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles )The Spor t Plu s drive program has th e followin g
characteristics :R
th e vehicle exhibits particularly sport y drivin g
characteristics .R
th e vehicle pulling away in first gear .R
th e automatic transmissio n shiftin g up later.
th e fue l consumption possibly bein g higher as
a result of th e later automatic transmissio n
shift points .R
th e suspensio n exhibits particularly fir m
springin g and dampin g setting s (vehicles wit h
AIRMATIC). R
th e EC O start/sto p function is deactivated, it
can , however, be activated again usin g th e
EC O butto n ( Y
page 151).
Individua l drive programIn th e Individua l drive program, th e followin g
properties of th e drive program can be selected:R
th e drive (engin e and transmissio n manage-
ment) R
th e transmissio nR
th e suspensio nR
all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
th e steerin gR
all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
availabilit y of th e EC O start/sto p function
To selec t th e gear s in th e Individua l drive pro -
gram permanentl y usin g th e steerin g whee l pad-
dle shifters , selec t th e permanen t manual gear -
shift program.
Information about configurin g th e Individua l
drive program wit h th e multimedia syste m can
be found in th e Digital Operator's Manual.
Manual gea r shifting
General notes
You can chang e gear yoursel f usin g th e steerin g
whee l paddle shifters . The transmissio n mus t be
in position D .
Dependin g on whic h paddle shifter is pulled, th e
automatic transmissio n immediately shift s into
th e next gear down or up, if permitted. To use manual shifting, you hav e tw o options:R
temporar y setting R
permanen t setting
If you activat e manual gearshifting, th e multi-
function display will sho w th e curren t gear
instead of transmissio n position D .
If manual gearshiftin g is deactivated, th e gear s
will be selecte d automatically.
Temporar y setting X
To activate : shift th e DIREC T SELECT lever to
position D . X
Pull steerin g whee l paddle shifter C or D .
Further information on activatin g manual gear -
shiftin g on PLUG-I N HYBRID vehicles
( Y
page 251).
Temporary setting will be active fo r a certain
amount of time. Under certain condition s th e
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in th e
cas e of latera l acceleration , durin g an overrun
phas e or when drivin g on steep terrain .X
To deactivate : pull steerin g whee l paddle
shifter D and hol d it in place.
or X
Use th e DIREC T SELECT lever to switch th e
transmissio n position .
or X
Use th e DYNAMI C SELECT controller to
chang e th e drive program.Automatic transmission 159
Driving and parking Z

Permanent setting (all vehicles except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D .X
Press button C .X
To deactivate: press button C .
or X
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
change the drive program.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D .X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.X
To deactivate: press button C .
or X
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
switch to the Individual drive program.
Indicator lamp D goes out. Shifting gears
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic
transmission does not shift up automatically
even when the engine limiting speed for the
current gear is reached. When the engine lim-
iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X
To shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D .
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): if the maximum engine speed on the
currently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic trans-
mission automatically shifts up in order to
prevent engine damage. X
To shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter C .
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.160
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display. X
Shift to recommended gear D according to
gearshift recommendation C when shown in
the multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! The automatic transmission does not shift
up automatically even when the engine limit-
ing speed for the current gear is reached.
When the engine limiting speed is reached,
the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage.
C
Gear indicatorD
Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X
When the UP message appears in the multi-
function display, pull on the right-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting. X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Automatic transmission 161
Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
7G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
9G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only partly possible to engage the gears or the transmission is in
position N . X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 255).
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system, the
engine and ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1 ) when the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake dyna-
mometer (maximum 10 seconds). Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
seriously damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.162
Refueling
Driving and parking

You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following: R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water. R
If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay. R
If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing. R
Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
G WARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
G WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline
with diesel fuel. ! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if
you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a
qualified specialist workshop and have the
fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the ignition
if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection sys-
tem could be blocked by particles from the
fuel can.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the refu-
eling process. Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray out
when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
i Flexible Fuel vehicles can be recognized by
the Ethanol up to E85 sticker on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
For further in formation on fuel and fuel quality
( Y
page 434).
Refueling
General information
Pay attention to the important safety notes
( Y
page 162).
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: pressure in the fuel
tank must be released before refueling.
Except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if you
unlock/lock the vehicle from the outside, the
fuel filler flap also unlocks/locks. Refueling 163
Driving and parking Z

The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed

C
To open the fuel filler flapD
To insert the fuel filler cap

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire. X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the engine. X
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function or KEYLESS ‑ GOX
Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0 . This is the same as the
SmartKey having been removed. X
Do not restart the engine under any circumstances. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run completely
dry. X
Refuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel. X
Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds ( Y
page 145).X
Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start: X
Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
( Y
page 145). X
Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked. X
Unlock the vehicle ( Y
page 78).X
PLUG-IN HYBRID Vehicles: depressurize the fuel tank
( Y
page 163).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y
page 80).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.166
Refueling
Driving and parking

DEF (BlueTE C vehicles only )
General notes To function properly, BlueTE C exhaus t gas after-
treatmen t mus t be operated wit h th e reducing
agen t DEF. Addin g DE F is on e of th e task s per -
formed durin g maintenance . Under normal
operatin g conditions, a tank of DE F last s until
th e next servic e due date.
Whe n th e supply of DE F is almost used up, th e
Check Additive See Operator' s Manual
messag e is shown in th e multifunction display.
If you drive th e vehicle faste r than 10 mph
(16 km/h), th e Check Additive See Opera‐
tor's Manual messag e goe s out after approx -
imately on e minute.
Whe n th e DE F supply drops to a minimum , th e
Remaining Starts : 16 messag e is shown in
th e multifunction display.
If th e Remaining Starts : 16 messag e
appears in th e multifunction display, you can
start th e engin e another 16 times . If DE F is no t
refilled, you will subsequently be unable to
star t th e engine .X
Ad d at leas t 1 gal (3. 8 l) of DEF.X
Switc h on th e ignition fo r at leas t 60 seconds.X
Start th e engine.
i Hav e th e DE F tank refille d at a qualified spe -
cialis t workshop .
Use th e special DE F refill bottl e when addin g
DE F between maintenance intervals. You can
obtain further information from an authorized
Mercedes-Ben z Cente r or , if necessary, contact
Roadside Assistanc e ( Y
page 27).
If th e outsid e temperature is belo w 12 ‡(

and cold water to clean it. DEF residues crys-
tallize after time and contaminate the affec-
ted surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to the
fuel tank, this can lead to engine damage.
For further information on DEF, see
( Y
page 436).
Opening the DEF filler cap
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you open or close the vehicle
with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO. X
Switch the ignition off. X
Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow C .
The fuel filler flap swings up. X
Turn blue DEF fuel filler cap D counter-clock-
wise and remove it.
DEF filler cap D is secured with a plastic
strip.
DEF refill canisters
! Do not tighten the disposable hose with too
much force. The disposable hose may other-
wise be destroyed. X
Unscrew the cap from the opening on top of
DEF refill canister D .X
Place disposable hose C on the opening of
DEF refill canister D and screw it on clock-
wise until hand-tight.
i Disposable hose C remains closed until
you fasten disposable hose C to the DEF
filler neck of the vehicle. X
Place disposable hose C on the filler neck on
the vehicle and screw it on clockwise until
hand-tight. When you feel resistance, dispos-
able hose C is sufficiently secured. X
Lift up and tip DEF refill canister D .
i Filling stops when the DEF tank is com-
pletely filled. Do not fill the DEF tank any fur-
ther. DEF refill canister D can be removed
when it has been only partially emptied. X
Turn disposable hose C on the filler neck of
the vehicle counter-clockwise and remove it. X
Turn disposable hose C on the opening of
DEF refill canister D counter-clockwise and
remove it. X
Reseal DEF refill canister D with the cap.
DEF refill canisters can be obtained at many gas
stations or at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. DEF refill canisters are often sold with a
filler hose. A filler hose that does not exactly fit168
Refueling
Driving and parking