tow bar MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-CLASS SUV 2015 Owners Manual

TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 354
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 354
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 354
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 352
Tire size (data) ............................... 360
Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity, speed rating .................... 349
Tire tread ....................................... 333
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 354
Total load limit (definition) ............. 355
Traction ......................................... 34 7
Traction (definition) ....................... 354
Tread wear ..................................... 347
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 354
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 347
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 352
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 355
Wheel and tire combination ........... 362
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 352
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 65
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 328
Important safety notes .................. 325
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist ..................... 193
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 310
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 214
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 216
Driving tips .................................... 212
Important safety notes .................. 212
Installing the ball coupling ............. 214
Lights display message .................. 243
Mounting dimensions .................... 381
Power supply ................................. 217
Removing the ball coupling ............ 217
Storing the ball coupling ................ 217
Trailer loads ................................... 381
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 325
Installing the towing eye ................ 326
Removing the towing eye ............... 326
With both axles on the ground ....... 327
With the rear axle raised ................ 327 Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 216
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 209
Active Lane Keeping Assist .... 206, 212
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 205
PARKTRONIC ................................. 188
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 216
Transfer case ..................................... 162
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 157
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 157
Transporting the vehicle .................. 327
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 3 11
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 2 23
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 223
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 224
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 124
Display message ............................ 244
Switching on/off ........................... 118
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 35 4
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
UnlockingEmergency unlocking ....................... 86
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 85
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 283
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 27
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Display message ............................ 257
Index19

Rif the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
X To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2 in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the "Activation by R gear"
setting is active in COMAND, see the sep-
arate COMAND operating instructions.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
X To change the function mode for vehi-
cles with trailer tow hitch: using the
COMAND controller, select symbol : for
the "Reverse parking" function or sym-
bol ; for "Coupling up a trailer" (see the
separate COMAND operating instructions).
The symbol of the selected function is high- lighted.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates in vehicles with an automatic transmis- sion if you shift the transmission to
P or after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the Audio/COMAND display
The rear view camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. The rear view camera does not show
objects in the following positions:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.: R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline.
:White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the
exterior mirrors (static)
;Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
=Red guide line for the vehicle width includ-
ing the exterior mirrors, for current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic)
194Driving systems
Driving and parking

:Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
;White guide line without turning the steer- ing wheel
=End of parking space
X Back up carefully until you have reached
the final position.
Red guide line : is then at end of parking
space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in
the parking space.
"Coupling up a trailer" function
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch and COMAND.
! The following distance specifications
refer to trailer tow hitches with ball cou-
pling that have been approved for this vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz. Distances may dif-
fer if you use other ball couplings. In this
case, take into account that actual distan-
ces will not match the following distance
specifications. Otherwise you could dam-
age the trailer and vehicle.
:Vehicle center point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 3 ft
(1 m) from the rear of the vehicle
;Trailer drawbar
=Ball coupling
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch. X Set the height of trailer drawbar ; so that
it is slightly higher than ball coupling =.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar ;.
:Ball coupling
;Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) from the ball cou-
pling
=Trailer drawbar marker assistant
?Trailer drawbar
ASymbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function
X Select symbol A using the COMAND con-
troller, see COMAND.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-
ted. The distance specifications now only
Driving systems197
Driving and parking
Z

apply to objects that are at the same level
as the ball coupling.
X Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar marker assistant = points
approximately in the direction of trailer
drawbar ?.
X Back up carefully until the trailer draw-
bar ? reaches red guide line ;.
X Couple up the trailer ( Y page 212).
360° camera
General notes
The 360° camera is a system consisting of
four cameras.
The system analyzes images from the follow-
ing cameras: R Rear view camera
R Front camera
R Two cameras in the exterior rear view mir-
rors
The cameras capture the immediate sur-
roundings of the vehicle. The system sup-
ports you, e.g. when parking or if vision is
restricted at an exit.
The 360° camera images can be shown in full
screen mode or in seven different split-screen views on the COMAND display. A split-screen
view also includes a top view of the vehicle.
This view is calculated from the data supplied
by the installed cameras (virtual camera).
The seven split-screen views are:
R top view and picture from the rear view
camera (130° viewing angle)
R top view and picture from the front camera
(without displaying the maximum steering
wheel angle)
R top view and enlarged rear view
R top view and enlarged front view
R top view and trailer view (vehicles with
trailer tow hitch) R
top view and pictures from the rearward
facing mirror cameras (rear wheel view)
R top view and pictures from the forward
facing mirror cameras (front wheel view)
iThe top view and trailer view are available
for vehicles equipped with a trailer tow
hitch.
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from position D or R to N, you
see the previous view in the COMAND dis-
play. The dynamic guidelines are hidden.
When you change between transmission
positions D and R, you see the previously
selected front or rear view.
Important safety notes
The 360° camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your imme- diate surroundings. You are always responsi-
ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering or parking, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area
in which you are maneuvering.
The 360° camera may show a distorted view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not atall. It cannot show objects in the following
areas:
R under the front bumper
R very close to the front bumper
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in close range above the handle on the
trunk lid
R very close to the exterior mirrors
You are always responsible for safety, and
must always pay attention to your surround-
ings when parking and maneuvering. This
applies to the areas behind, in front of and
beside the vehicle. You could otherwise
endanger yourself and others.
The 360° camera will not function or will
function in a limited manner:
R if the doors are open
R if the exterior mirrors are folded in
198Driving systems
Driving and parking

XTo switch to full screen mode: select
Full Screen by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to con-
firm.
Displays in the COMAND display
Important safety notes
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.: R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline.
Top view with picture from the rear view
camera
:Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and rear view camera image
;Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic)
AYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
BVehicle center axle (marker assistance)
CRed guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
DBumper
The guide lines are shown when the trans-
mission is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
Top view with picture from the front cam- era
:Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and front camera image
;Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the front of the
vehicle
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic)
200Driving systems
Driving and parking

The yellow indicator lamp goes out if reversegear is engaged. In this event, Active Blind
Spot Assist is no longer active.
The brightness of the indicator/warning
lamps is adjusted automatically according to
the ambient light.
Visual and acoustic collision warning
When you switch on the turn signals to
change lanes and a vehicle is detected in the
side monitoring range, you receive a visual
and acoustic collision warning. You then hear a double warning tone and red warning
lamp : flashes. If the turn signal remains on,
detected vehicles are indicated by the flash-
ing of red warning lamp :. There are no fur-
ther warning tones.
Course-correcting brake application
GWARNING
A course-correcting brake application cannot always prevent a collision. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,
especially if Active Blind Spot Assist warns
you or makes a course-correcting brake appli-
cation. Always maintain a safe distance at the sides.
In very rare cases, the system may make an
inappropriate brake application. An inappro-
priate brake application may be interrupted at any time if you steer slightly in the opposite
direction or accelerate.
If Active Blind Spot Assist detects a risk of a
lateral collision in the monitoring range, a
course-correcting brake application is carried
out. This is meant to assist you in avoiding a
collision.
The course-correcting brake application is
available in the speed range between 20 mph (30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
If a course-correcting brake application
occurs, red warning lamp : flashes in the
exterior mirror and the following is shown in
the multifunction display, for example:
Either a very slight course-correcting brake
application, or none at all, may occur if: R there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, located on both sides of your vehi-
cle.
R a vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side.
R you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds.
R you clearly brake or accelerate.
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ESP ®
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
R ESP ®
is switched off.
R a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire is
detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist X Make sure that Active Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 229) is activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the igni-
tion lock.
Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately 1.5 seconds
and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Active Blind Spot Assist is then deactivated. The indicator lamp lights up
yellow in the exterior mirrors and the
Active
Blind Spot Assist Currently UnavailZ
able See Operator's Manual message
appears in the multifunction display.
Driving systems209
Driving and parking
Z

Rthe transmission is not in position D.
R a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire has
been detected and displayed.
Active Lane Keeping Assist does not detect
traffic situations or road users. An inappro-
priate brake application may be interrupted at
any time if you:
R steer slightly in the opposite direction
R you have switched on the turn signals
R clearly brake or accelerate
A lane-correcting brake application is inter-
rupted automatically if:
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind
Spot Assist.
R lane markings can no longer be recognized.
Switching on Active Lane Keeping Assist X Switch on Active Lane Keeping Assist using
the on-board computer; to do so, select
Standard or Adaptive ( Y page 230).
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected, the lines in the assistance graphics display( Y page 229) are shown in green. Lane
Keeping Assist is ready for use.
If
Standard is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
R you have switched on the turn signals. In
this event, the warnings are suppressed
for a certain period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, such
as ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
When
Adaptive is selected, no warning
vibration occurs if:
R you have switched on the turn signals. In
this event, the warnings are suppressed
for a certain period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
R you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
R you brake hard. R
you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly.
R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting.
Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
212Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in the vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech- nical data" ( Y page 381).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis- sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes
R Do not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
iWhen towing a trailer, set the tire pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tire pressure
table in the fuel filler flap ( Y page 352).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Y page 186) is only available
with limitations or not at all.
iOn vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec- essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y page 381).
Driving tips
iObserve the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lization ( Y page 72).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max- imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle.
If you utilize any of the added maximum rear
axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/
trailer combination may not exceed a maxi-
mum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permis-
sible maximum speed for vehicle/trailer com- binations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
Towing a trailer213
Driving and parking
Z

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into a
lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
iThis also applies if you have activated
cruise control.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine
and, consequently, the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decreases with
increasing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
Installing the ball coupling
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use ball couplings that have been tes- ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This
helps to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Cover cap
X Pull protective cap : in the direction of the
arrow, out of ball coupling recess ;.
X Store protective cap : in a safe place.
X Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal- lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
Coupling up a trailer
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
214Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking, before you can change back to
the original lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake. X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y page 381).
Loading a trailer
R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible val-
ues on the type plates of your vehicle and
the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest val-
ues.
R The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
iMercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
216Towing a trailer
Driving and parking