MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class 2016 W218 Owner's Manual

Drive program SportPlu s(Mercedes-
AMG vehicles )
TheSpor tPlu sdrive program has th efollowin g
characteristics :
Rthevehicle exhibits particularly sport ydrivin g
characteristics .
Rthevehicle pulling away in first gear .
Rtheautomatic transmissio nshiftin gup later.
th efue lconsumption possibly bein ghigher as
a result of th elater automatic transmissio n
shift points .
Rthesuspensio nexhibits particularly fir m
springin gand dampin gsetting s(vehicles wit h
AIRMATIC).
Rth eEC Ostart/sto pfunction is deactivated, it
can ,however, be activated again usin gth e
EC Obutto n (
Ypage 151).
Individua ldrive program
In th eIndividua ldrive program, th efollowin g
properties of th edrive program can be selected:
Rth edrive (engin eand transmissio nmanage-
ment)
Rth etransmissio n
Rthesuspensio n
Rall vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
thesteerin g
Rall vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
availabilit yof th eEC Ostart/sto pfunction
To selec tth egear sin th eIndividua ldrive pro -
gram permanentl yusin gth esteerin gwhee lpad-
dle shifters ,selec tth epermanen tmanual gear -
shift program.
Information about configurin gth eIndividua l
drive program wit hth emultimedia syste mcan
be found in th eDigital Operator's Manual.
Manual gea rshifting
General notes
You can chang egear yoursel fusin gth esteerin g
whee lpaddle shifters .The transmissio nmus tbe
in position D.
Dependin gon whic hpaddle shifter is pulled, th e
automatic transmissio nimmediately shift sinto
th enext gear down or up, if permitted. To use manual shifting, you hav
etw ooptions:
Rtemporar ysetting
Rpermanen tsetting
If you activat emanual gearshifting, th emulti-
function display will sho wthecurren tgear
instead of transmissio nposition D.
If manual gearshiftin gis deactivated, th egear s
will be selecte dautomatically.
Temporar ysetting
XTo activate :shift th eDIREC TSELECT lever to
position D.
XPull steerin gwhee lpaddle shifter :or;.
Further information on activatin gmanual gear -
shiftin gon PLUG-I NHYBRID vehicles
(
Ypage 251).
Temporary setting will be active fo r acertain
amount of time. Under certain condition sth e
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in th e
cas eof latera lacceleration ,durin gan overrun
phas eor when drivin gon steep terrain .
XTo deactivate:pull steerin gwhee lpaddle
shifter ;and hol dit in place.
or
XUse th eDIREC TSELECT lever to switch th e
transmissio nposition .
or
XUse th eDYNAMI CSELECT controller to
chang eth edrive program.
Automatic transmission159
Driving and parking
Z

Permanent setting (all vehicles except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
XTo activate:shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D.
XPress button :.
XTo deactivate: press button:.
or
XUse the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
change the drive program.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
XTo activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D.
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
XTo deactivate: press button:.
or
XUse the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
switch to the Individualdrive program.
Indicator lamp ;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.
XTo shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter ;.
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.
XTo shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter :.
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.
160Automatic 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.
XShift to recommended gear;according to
gearshift recommendation :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.
:Gear indicator
;Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display.
XWhen the UPmessage 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.
XFor maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift 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 transmission161
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave 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 intosecondgear and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionDor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
XHave 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.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionDor R.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation (Ypage 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 0or 1or Start/Stop
button in position 0or 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
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
162Refueling
Driving and parking

You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating beforerefueling.
GWARNING
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:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
iFlexible Fuel vehicles can be recognized by
the Ethanol up to E85 sticker on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
For furt her in
formation on fuel and fuel quality
(Ypage 434).
Refueling
General information
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Ypage 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.
Refueling163
Driving and parking
Z

The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
8in the instrument cluster. The arrow next
to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi-
cle.
Preparing to refuel
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS‑GO:
XOpen the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the SmartKey having been
removed.
The driver’s door can be closed again.
Opening the fuel filler flap (except
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
:To open the fuel filler flap
;To insert the fuel filler cap
=Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
?Tire pressure table
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the
inside of the fuel filler flap.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops
filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out. Vehicles with a diesel engine:
the filler neck is
designed for refueling at diesel filling pumps.
Opening the fuel filler flap (PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles)
XPull switch ;.
Indicator lamp :flashes and the Please
Wait Depressurizing Tankmessage
appears in the multifunction display.
If the fuel filler cap is unlocked, indicator
lamp :lights up.
The Tank is Depressurized Ready for
Refuelingmessage appears in the multi-
function display.
Please be sure to observe the information on
refueling on the fuel filler flap.
There is a malfunction if:
Rindicator lamp :first flashes and then goes
out
Rthe yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp
lights up
iFrom a speed of 1 mph (2 km/h), the fuel
filler flap can no longer be opened.
iThe unlocking process for the fuel filler cap
may take up to 15 minutes.
164Refueling
Driving and parking

:To open the fuel filler flap
;To insert the fuel filler cap
=Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
?Tire pressure table
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow:.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the
inside of the fuel filler flap.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out.
Closing the fuel filler flap
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
XClose the fuel filler flap.
Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-
cle.
If you drive at speeds above 1 mph (2 km/h)
with the fuel filler flap open, the Fuel Filler
Flap Openmessage is shown in the multifunc-
tion display.
If you are driving with the fuel filler cap open, the
8 reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. A mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display
(
Ypage 297).
In addition, the ;Check Engine warning
lamp may light up (
Ypage 325).
iFor further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see
(
Ypage 325).
Refueling165
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GWARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire.
XApply the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function or KEYLESS ‑GO
XOpen the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status0. This is the same as the
SmartKey having been removed.
XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run completely
dry.
XRefuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel.
XTurn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds (Ypage 145).
XStart the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
(Ypage 145).
XStart the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
XUnlock the vehicle (Ypage 78).
XPLUG-IN HYBRID Vehicles: depressurize the fuel tank
(Ypage 163).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Ypage 80).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
166Refueling
Driving and parking

DEF (BlueTECvehicles only )
General notes
To function properly, BlueTE Cexhaus tgas after-
treatmen tmus tbe operated wit hth ereducing
agen tDEF. Addin gDE Fis on eof th etask sper -
formed durin gmaintenance .Under normal
operatin gconditions, atank of DE Flast suntil
th enext servic edue date.
Whe nth esupply of DE Fis almost used up, th e
Check Additive See Operator' sManual
messag eis shown in th emultifunction display.
If you drive th evehicle faste rthan 10 mph
(16 km/h), th eCheck Additive See Opera‐
tor's Manualmessag egoe sout after approx -
imately on eminute.
Whe nth eDE Fsupply drops to aminimum ,th e
Remaining Starts :16
messag eis shown in
th emultifunction display.
If th eRemaining Starts :16
messag e
appears in th emultifunction display, you can
start th eengin eanother 16 times .If DE Fis no t
refilled, you will subsequently be unable to
star tth eengine.
XAd dat leas t 1gal (3. 8l) of DEF.
XSwitc hon th eignition fo rat leas t60 seconds.
XStart th eengine.
iHav eth eDE Ftank refille dat aqualified spe -
cialis tworkshop .
Use th especial DE Frefill bottl ewhen addin g
DE Fbetween maintenance intervals. You can
obtain further information from an authorized
Mercedes-Ben zCente ror ,if necessary, contact
Roadside Assistanc e (
Ypage 27).
If th eoutsid etemperature is belo w12 ‡(Ò11 †)
it may be difficult to top up. If DEF is frozen and
there is an active warning indicator, it may not
be possible to add DEF. Park the vehicle in a
warmer place, e.g. in a garage, until DEF has
become fluid again. It will then be possible to
add DEF again. Alternatively, have the DEF tank
refilled at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Important safety notes
DEF is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust gas
aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is:
Rnot poisonous
Rcolorless and odorless
Rnot flammable
When you open the DEF container, small
amounts of ammonia vapor may be released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to the skin, to mucous
membranes and to the eyes. You may experi-
ence a burning sensation in your eyes, nose and
throat. Coughing and watering of the eyes are
possible.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Fill the DEF tank
only in well-ventilated areas.
DEF must not come into contact with your skin,
eyes or clothing and must not be swallowed.
Keep DEF away from children.
If you or other persons come into contact with
DEF, observe the following:
RRinse DEF from your skin immediately with
soap and water.
RIf DEF comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean
water. Seek medical assistance without
delay.
RIf DEF has been swallowed, rinse your mouth
out immediately. Drink plenty of water. Seek
medical assistance without delay.
RChange out of clothing contaminated with
DEF immediately.
!Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment system.
!The vehicle must be parked on level ground
to fill the DEF tank. The DEF tank can only be
filled as intended with the vehicle parked on a
level surface. This avoids false level readings. Filling the tank is not permitted if the vehicle
is not parked on a level surface. There is a
danger of overfil
ling, which could result in
damage to components of the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
!Rinse surfaces that have come into contact
with DEF immediately with water or remove
DEF using a damp cloth and cold water. If the
DEF has already crystallized, use a sponge
Refueling167
Driving and parking
Z

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
(
Ypage 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.
XSwitch the ignition off.
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn blue DEF fuel filler cap ;counter-clock-
wise and remove it.
DEF filler cap ;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.
XUnscrew the cap from the opening on top of
DEF refill canister ;.
XPlace disposable hose :on the opening of
DEF refill canister ;and screw it on clock-
wise until hand-tight.
iDisposable hose :remains closed until
you fasten disposable hose :to the DEF
filler neck of the vehicle.
XPlace disposable hose :on the filler neck on
the vehicle and screw it on clockwise until
hand-tight. When you feel resistance, dispos-
able hose :is sufficiently secured.
XLift up and tip DEF refill canister ;.
iFilling stops when the DEF tank is com-
pletely filled. Do not fill the DEF tank any fur-
ther. DEF refill canister ;can be removed
when it has been only partially emptied.
XTurn disposable hose :on the filler neck of
the vehicle counter-clockwise and remove it.
XTurn disposable hose :on the opening of
DEF refill canister ;counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XReseal DEF refill canister ;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 fit
168Refueling
Driving and parking