MERCEDES-BENZ GLK SUV 2008 Owners Manual

Driving systems
Overview of driving systems
The vehicle's driving systems are described
on the following pages:
R cruise control* and Speedtronic*, which
are used to control the speed of the vehicle
R Parktronic*, which assists you in parking
and manoeuvring
R reversing camera*, which assists you when
parking and manoeuvring
The ABS, BAS, adaptive brake lights, ESP ®
and EBV (electronic brake-power distribution)
driving safety systems are described in the
"Driving safety systems" section
(Y page 51). Cruise control*
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shift range 1,2or3 in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly. G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 30 km/h. G
Risk of accident
Cruise control cannot take account of road
and traffic conditions. Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even when cruise control is activated.
Cruise control is only an aid designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the vehicle's
speed and for braking in good time. G
Risk of accident
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed (e.g.
heavy traffic or winding roads). You could
otherwise cause an accident.
R on slippery roads. Braking or accelerating
could cause the drive wheels to lose trac-
tion and the vehicle could then skid.
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
Cruise control display in the speedom-
eter (vehicles with the luxury multi-
function steering wheel *,12 buttons) When cruise control is activated, the seg-
ments from the set speed to the maximum
speed light up in the multi-function display.
:
Segments
Cruise control lever You can operate cruise control and variable
Speedtronic with the cruise control lever.
The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
R
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cruise control is selected
R LIM indicator lamp lit:
variable Speedtronic is selected :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; LIM indicator lamp
= To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
? To store the current speed or a lower
speed
A To switch between cruise control and var-
iable Speedtronic
B To deactivate cruise control
When cruise control is activated, the stored
speed is displayed in the multi-function dis-
play for five seconds. In vehicles with the
multi-function steering wheel (4 button), the
stored speed is then permanently displayed
in the status indicator together with the
¯ symbol.
Selecting cruise control X
Check whether LIM indicator lamp ;is off.
If it is off, cruise control is already selected.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in
the direction of arrow A.
LIM indicator lamp ;in the cruise control
lever goes off. Cruise control is selected.
Storing and maintaining the current
speed You can store the current speed if you are
driving faster than 30 km/h. X
Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point up :or down ?.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise control maintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by
automatically applying the brakes.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed G
Risk of accident
Only select a stored speed if you know what
that speed is and whether it is suitable for the
current situation. Otherwise, sudden acceler-
ation or braking could endanger you or others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you =.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
Setting a speed X
Press the cruise control lever to the pres-
sure point up :for a higher speed or
down ?for a lower speed.
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until
the desired speed is reached.
X Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For exam-
ple, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, Driving systems
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cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed
to the last speed stored after you have fin-
ished overtaking.
i Deceleration of the vehicle by means of
the cruise control lever is assisted by auto-
matic application of the brakes.
On long downhill gradients, the automatic
transmission also shifts down.
Making adjustments in 1 km/hincre-
ments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up :for a higher speed or
down ?for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Making adjustments in 10 km/hincre-
ments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point up :for a
higher speed or down ?for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever for-
wards B.
or
X Brake.
or
X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow A.
Variable Speedtronic is selected. LIM indi-
cator lamp ;in the cruise control lever
lights up.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you depress the parking brake
R you drive at less than 30 km/h R
ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
R you move the selector lever to Nwhile driv-
ing
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You see the Cruise control
off message in the multi-function display for
approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine. Speedtronic*
Speedtronic brakes automatically so that you
do not exceed the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shift range 1,2or3 in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which 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 continu-
ously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. 110 Driving systemsControls
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You can set a variable or permanent limit
speed:
R
variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up
areas
R permanent for long-term speed restric-
tions, e.g. for driving on winter tyres
(Y page 112) G
Risk of accident
Speedtronic is only an aid designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the vehicle's
speed and for braking in good time.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the limit speed
stored.
Variable Speedtronic You can operate cruise control* and variable
Speedtronic with the cruise control lever.
The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
R LIM indicator lamp off:
Cruise control* is selected
R LIM indicator lamp lit:
variable Speedtronic is selected
You can use the cruise control lever to limit
the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while
the engine is running. :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; LIM indicator lamp =
To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
? To store the current speed or a lower
speed
A To switch between cruise control* and
variable Speedtronic
B To deactivate variable Speedtronic
Selecting variable Speedtronic X
Check whether LIM indicator lamp ;is on.
If it is on, variable Speedtronic is already
selected.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in
the direction of arrow A.
LIM indicator lamp ;in the cruise control
lever lights up. Variable Speedtronic is
selected. G
Risk of accident
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the limit speed stored.
Only use Speedtronic when you do not have
to accelerate suddenly to a speed higher than
the stored limit speed allows. You could, oth-
erwise, cause an accident.
You can only exceed the limit speed stored if
you deactivate variable Speedtronic:
R using the cruise control lever
R by depressing the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown)
It is not possible to deactivate variable Speed-
tronic by braking.
Storing the current speed You can use the cruise control lever to limit
the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while
the engine is running.
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point up :or down ?.
The current speed is stored. For five sec-
onds, the multi-function display shows the
stored speed, e.g. Limit 100 km/h. Driving systems
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Vehicles with the multi-function steering
wheel (4 button): the stored speed is per-
manently displayed in the status indicator,
e.g. LIM 100 km/h.
Vehicles with the luxury multi-function
steering wheel*( 12 button): the segments
from the start of the scale up to the stored
speed light up in the speedometer.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed G
Risk of accident
Only select a stored speed if you know what
that speed is and whether it is suitable for the
current driving and traffic situation. Other-
wise, sudden braking could endanger you or
others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you =.
Making fine adjustments in
1 km/hincrements X
Briefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up :for a higher speed or
down ?for a lower speed.
or
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed to the
pressure point until the desired speed is
set. Press the cruise control lever, up :
for a higher speed or down ?for a lower
speed.
Making adjustments in 10 km/hincre-
ments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point up :for a
higher speed or down ?for a lower speed.
or
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed
beyond the pressure point until the desired
speed is set. Press the cruise control lever, up
: for a higher speed or down ?for a
lower speed.
Deactivating variable Speedtronic There are several ways to deactivate variable
Speedtronic:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever for-
wards B.
or
X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow A.
LIM indicator lamp ;in the cruise control
lever goes out. Variable Speedtronic is
deactivated.
Cruise control* is selected.
Variable Speedtronic is deactivated automat-
ically when you depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown), but
only if your current speed does not differ by
more than 20 km/h from the stored speed.
You will hear a warning tone if this is the case. G
Risk of accident
It is not possible to deactivate variable Speed-
tronic by braking.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
Permanent Speedtronic (vehicles with
the luxury multi-function steering
wheel*, 12 buttons) i
Permanent Speedtronic is only available
in certain countries.
You can use the on-board computer to limit
the speed permanently to a value between
160 km/h (e.g. for driving with winter tyres)
and the maximum speed.
Just before the stored speed is reached, it
appears in the multi-function display.
You cannot exceed the stored limit speed,
even if you depress the accelerator pedal
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Setting permanent Speedtronic
X
Press =or; to highlight the Set-
tings menu and select with a.
X Press :or9 to highlight the Vehi-
cle submenu and select with a.
X Press :or9 to select the Limit
speed (winter tyres): function.
You can see the current setting.
X To change this, press a. X
Press :or9 to select the desired
setting.
The following settings can be selected:
R Off
Permanent Speedtronic is deactivated.
R a limit speed between 230 km/hand
160 km/h in increments of 10 km/h
X Press ato save the entry. Parktronic*
G
Risk of accident
Parktronic is only an aid and may not detect
all obstacles. It is not a substitute for attentive
driving.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your imme-
diate surroundings when parking and
manoeuvring. You could, otherwise, endanger
yourself and others. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured. Parktronic is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasound. It indicates visually and audibly
the distance between your vehicle and an
object.
Parktronic is automatically activated when
you switch on the ignition and release the
handbrake.
Parktronic is deactivated at speeds above
18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower speeds.
Parktronic monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
:
Example: sensors in the front bumper,
left-hand side
Range of the sensors The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise, they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them.
Side view Driving systems
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Front sensors
Centre Approximately 100 cm
Corners Approximately 60 cm
Rear sensors
Centre Approximately 120 cm
Corners Approximately 80 cm
!
When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer towbars. Parktronic
does not detect such objects when they are
in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle or the objects.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, a lorry's compressed-air brake
system or a pneumatic drill could cause
Parktronic to malfunction.
Minimum distance Centre Approximately 20 cm
Corners Approximately 15 cm
If there is an obstacle within this range, all
warning displays light up and a tone sounds.
If the distance falls below the minimum clear-
ance, it may no longer be shown.
Warning displays The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located on the dashboard above the centre air vents.
The warning display for the rear area is loca-
ted on the roof lining in the rear compart-
ment.
Warning display for front area
:
Left-hand side of the vehicle
; Right-hand side of the vehicle
= Indicator segments
The warning display for each side of the vehi-
cle is divided into five yellow and two red seg-
ments. Parktronic is operational if yellow indi-
cator segments =light up.
The selector lever position determines which
warning display is active: Selector lever
position Warning display
D
Front area activated
R
orN Rear and front areas
activated
P
No areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance to the obstacle.
From the:
R
sixth segment onwards, you will hear an
intermittent warning tone for approxi-
mately two seconds.
R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a
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onds. You have reached the minimum dis-
tance.
Deactivating/activating Parktronic :
Indicator lamp
; To deactivate/activate Parktronic
If indicator lamp :lights up, Parktronic is
deactivated.
i Parktronic is automatically activated
when you turn the key to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Trailer towing* Parktronic is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer.
! Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow
hitch is not required. Parktronic measures
the minimum detection range to an obsta-
cle from the bumper, not the ball coupling. Reversing camera*
The reversing camera is an optical aid. It
shows the area behind your vehicle in the
COMAND APS display. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured. The reversing camera is located in the handle
strip of the tailgate. :
Reversing camera
View through the camera The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirrored fashion, as in the rear-view mirror.
G
Risk of accident
The reversing camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles in a distorted or incorrect
manner, or may not even display them at all.
The reversing camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to pay attention. The cam-
era cannot show objects:
R very near to the rear bumper
R below the rear bumper
R that are located above the tailgate handle
recess
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your imme-
diate surroundings when parking and
manoeuvring. This applies to the areas
behind, in front of and next to the vehicle. You
could, otherwise, endanger yourself and oth-
ers. G
Risk of accident
Under the following circumstances, the
reversing camera will not function, or function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog Driving systems
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R
at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright
white light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light (the dis-
play 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.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose.
Do not use the reversing camera in these
types of situation. You could, otherwise, injure others or damage objects and your
vehicle while you are parking.
Activating the reversing camera X
Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the "Activated autom. in
reverse gear" setting is active in COMAND
APS (see the separate operating instruc-
tions for COMAND APS).
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND APS display.
The area behind the vehicle shown in the
COMAND APS display can be hidden (see the
separate operating instructions for COMAND
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Air conditioning
Overview of air-conditioning systems
The vehicle is equipped with one of the following air-conditioning systems: 2-zone Thermatic
Front control unit The 2-zone Thermatic automatic air condi-
tioning system combines an automatic heat-
ing and ventilation system with a cooling sys-
tem. You can control the temperature sepa-
rately for the driver's and front-passenger
sides. 3-zone Thermotronic*
Front control unit
Rear control panel The 3-zone Thermotronic automatic air con-
ditioning system combines an automatic
heating and ventilation system with a cooling
system. You can control the temperature
separately for the driver's and front-
passenger sides and the rear compartment.
You can control the airflow separately for the
front and rear compartments. You can con-
trol the air distribution separately for the
driver's and front-passenger sides. General notes
2-zone Thermatic/3-zone Thermotronic*
controls the temperature and the humidity of
the vehicle interior and filters out undesirable
substances from the air.
2-zone Thermatic/3-zone Thermotronic* is
only operational when the engine is
running. 24
Optimum operation is only ach-
ieved when you drive with the side windows
and panorama sliding sunroof* closed. i
Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the con-
venience opening feature (Y page 82). This
will speed up the cooling process and the
desired vehicle interior temperature will be
reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
24 3-zone Thermotronic*: the "residual heat" function can only be activated or deactivated if the ignition is turned off. Air conditioning
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