service MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2017 Owners Manual

Index ....................................................... 4
Introduction ......................................... 25
Protecting the environment .................. .2 5
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .2 5
Operator's Manual ................................. 26
Service and vehicle operation ............... .2 6
Operating safety .................................... 28
QR codes for the rescue card ............... .3 0
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 30
Information on copyright ....................... 32
At a glance ........................................... 33
Cockpit .................................................. 33
Instrument cluster ................................. 34
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 35
Center console ...................................... 36
Overhead control panel ........................ .3 9
Door control panel ................................. 40
Safety ................................................... 41
Panic alarm ............................................ 41
Occupant safety .................................... 41
Children in the vehicle ........................... 57
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 62
Driving safety systems ........................... 63
Protection against theft ........................ .7 2
Opening and closing ........................... 74
SmartKey ............................................... 74
Doors ..................................................... 80
Cargo compartment .............................. .8 1
Side windows ......................................... 85
Sliding sunroof ....................................... 89
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors .... 94
Correct driver's seat position ................ 94
Seats ..................................................... 94
Steering wheel ..................................... 105
Mirrors ................................................. 107
Memory function ................................. 110
Lights and windshield wipers .......... 112
Exterior lighting ................................... 112 Interior lighting .................................... 116
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with LED
headlamps) .......................................... 117
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halo-
gen headlamps) ................................... 117
Windshield wipers ................................ 119
Climate control ................................. 123
Overview of climate control systems ... 123
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 129
Setting the air vents ............................ 134
Driving and parking .......................... 137
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 137
Driving ................................................. 137
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............... 145
Automatic transmission ....................... 146
Refueling ............................................. 153
Parking ................................................ 159
Driving tips .......................................... 162
Driving systems ................................... 172
Towing a trailer .................................... 221
On-board computer and displays .... 229
Important safety notes ........................ 229
Displays and operation ........................ 229
Menus and submenus ......................... 232
Display messages ................................ 243
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 274
Multimedia system ........................... 287
General notes ...................................... 287
Important safety notes ........................ 287
Function restrictions ............................ 287
Operating system ................................ 288
Stowage and features ...................... 294
Stowage areas ..................................... 294
Features .............................................. 302
Maintenance and care ...................... 319
Engine compartment ........................... 319
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 3232
Contents

Care .................................................... .3 24
Breakdown assistance ..................... 331
Where will I find...? .............................. 331
Flat tire ................................................ 331
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 336
Jump-starting ....................................... 338
Towing and tow-starting ..................... .3 41
Fuses ................................................... 343
Wheels and tires ............................... 346
Important safety notes ........................ 346
Operation ............................................ 346
Winter operation .................................. 348
Tire pressure ....................................... 349
Loading the vehicle .............................. 356
All about wheels and tires ................... 359
Changing a wheel ................................ 366
Wheel and tire combinations .............. .3 71
Emergency spare wheel ....................... 372
Technical data ................................... 376
Information regarding technical data ... 376
Vehicle electronics .............................. 376
Identification plates ............................ .3 77
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 378
Vehicle data ......................................... 384
Vehicle data for off-road driving .......... 385
Trailer tow hitch ................................... 387 Contents 3

Setting the center air vents ........... 134
Setting the side air vents ............... 135
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRMATIC package
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ... 186
Function/notes ............................. 186
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 72
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 72
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 72
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem ................................................ 189
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 241
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 171
Ashtray ............................................... 305
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 237
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 236
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 323
Hiding a service message .............. 323
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 323
Service message ............................ 323
Special service requirements ......... 323
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 72
Function ........................................... 72
Switching off the alarm .................... 72
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 237
Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................. 205
Audio 20
Switching on/off ........................... 288
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 234 Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 256
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 324
Automati c engine start (ECO start/
s top function) .................................... 143
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 142
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 112
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 149
Changing gear ............................... 149
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 146
Display message ............................ 270
Drive program ................................ 149
Drive program display .................... 148
Driving tips .................................... 149
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ......... 145
Emergency running mode .............. 153
Engaging drive position .................. 148
Engaging neutral ............................ 147
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 147
Engaging reverse gear ................... 147
Engaging the park position ............ 146
Kickdown ....................................... 149
Manual shifting .............................. 150
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 241
Overview ........................................ 146
Problem (malfunction) ................... 153
Pulling away ................................... 141
Starting the engine ........................ 140
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 150
Trailer towing ................................. 149
Transmission position display ........ 148
Transmission positions .................. 148
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 153
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 293 Index 5

Distanc e Pilot DISTRONIC
Activatin g ...................................... .1 76
Activation conditions ..................... 176
Cruise control lever ....................... 175
Display Message ............................ 266
Displays in the instrument cluster .. 179
Driving tips ................................... .1 80
Function/notes ............................ .1 74
Important safety notes .................. 174
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 178
Stopping ........................................ 177
Switching off .................................. 178
Warning lamp ................................. 285
Distance recorder
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 285
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 285
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 239
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .8 1
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .7 4
Control panel .................................. .4 0
Display message ............................ 272
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
Important safety notes .................... 80
Opening (from inside) ...................... 80
Overview .......................................... 80
Power closing .................................. 81
Drinking and driving ......................... 163
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 149
Off-Road program (vehicles with-
out Off-Road Engineering pack-
age) ............................................... 217
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 218
SETUP (on-board comp uter) .......... 241
D ri ve programs
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 148
Driver's door
see Doors Driving
Important safety notes .................. 137
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 324
Driving Assistance PLUS package ... 210
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 171
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 64
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 63
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 69
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 65
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 64
Distance warning function ............... 65
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 69
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 66
Important safety information ........... 63
Overview .......................................... 63
STEER CONTROL ............................. 72
Driving system
AIRMATIC package ........................ 186
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 174
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with
Steering Pilot ................................. 180
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 190
Parking Pilot .................................. 193
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 201
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 210
Active Curve System ...................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 213
ADS ............................................... 186
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 189
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 205
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 207
Cruise control ................................ 172
Display message ............................ 261
Driving Assistance Plus package ... 210 Index 9

HOLD function ............................... 185
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 209
Level control (vehicle with the Off-
Road Engineering package) ........... 182
Rear view camera .......................... 197
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 206
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 149
Brakes ........................................... 164
Break-in period .............................. 137
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 180
Downhill gradient ........................... 164
Drinking and driving ....................... 163
Driving in winter ............................. 167
Driving on flooded roads ................ 166
Driving on sand .............................. 170
Driving on wet roads ...................... 166
Driving over obstacles ................... 170
Exhaust check ............................... 163
Fuel ................................................ 162
General .......................................... 162
Hydroplaning ................................. 166
Icy road surfaces ........................... 167
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 165
Off-road driving .............................. 168
Off-road fording ............................. 167
Snow chains .................................. 348
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 137
Tire ruts ......................................... 170
Towing a trailer .............................. 222
Traveling uphill ............................... 171
Wet road surface ........................... 165
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 263
Function/notes ............................. 216
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 235
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Automatic transmission ................. 145
E
EASY-ENTRY feature
Activating/deactivating ................. 240
Function/notes ............................. 106 EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 107
Function/notes ............................. 106
Switching on/off ........................... 240
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 247
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 163
On-board computer ....................... 232
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 143
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 142
Deactivating/activating ................. 143
General information ....................... 142
Important safety notes .................. 142
Introduction ................................... 142
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 56
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Vehicle ............................................. 81
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 372
Important safety notes .................. 372
Removing ....................................... 373
Storage location ............................ 373
Stowing .......................................... 373
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 53
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 85
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 26
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 283
Display message ............................ 257
ECO start/stop function ................ 142
Engine number ............................... 378
Irregular running ............................ 144
Jump-starting ................................. 338
Starting (important safety notes) ... 139
Starting problems .......................... 14410
Index

Off-road ESP ®
................................. .6 8
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 218
Oil
see Engine oil
On and Offroad menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 241
On-board computer
AMG menu .................................... .2 41
Assistance menu ........................... 236
Audio menu ................................... 234
Convenience submenu .................. 240
Display messages .......................... 243
Displaying a service message ....... .3 23
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 179
Factory settings submenu ............. 240
Important safety notes .................. 229
Instrument cluster submenu .......... 238
Lighting submenu .......................... 239
Menu overview .............................. 232
Message memory .......................... 244
Navigation menu ............................ 233
On and Offroad menu .................... 241
Operation ....................................... 230
RACETIMER ................................... 241
Settings menu ............................... 238
Standard display ............................ 232
Telephone menu ............................ 235
Trip menu ...................................... 232
Vehicle submenu ........................... 239
Video DVD operation ..................... 235
Operating safety
Declaration of conformity ................ 28
Important safety notes .................... 28
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operator's Manual
Overview .......................................... 26
Vehicle equipment ........................... 26
Outside temperature display ........... 229
Overhead control panel ...................... 39
Override feature
Rear side windows ........................... 62
P
Paddle shifters
see Steering wheel paddle shifters Paint code number ............................ 377
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 326
Panic alarm .......................................... 41
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel
Important safety notes .................... 89
Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ................................................. 92
Operating ......................................... 91
Operating the roller sunblinds for
the sliding sunroof ........................... 91
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 92
Reversing feature ............................. 90
Parking
Important safety notes .................. 159
Parking brake ................................ 160
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 109
Rear view camera .......................... 197
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Parking Pilot .................................. 193
see 360° camera
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 192
Driving system ............................... 190
Function/notes ............................. 190
Important safety notes .................. 190
Problems (malfunctions) ................ 193
Sensor range ................................. 191
Towing a trailer .............................. 190
Warning display ............................. 192
Parking brake
Applying automatically ................... 161
Applying or releasing manually ...... 161
Display message ............................ 247
Electric parking brake .................... 160
Emergency braking ........................ 162
General notes ................................ 160
Releasing automatically ................. 161
Warning lamp ................................. 282
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Parking Pilot
Display Message ............................ 265
Exiting a parking space .................. 19616
Index

Exit position (3rd row of seats) ...... 101
Folding down/up (third row of
seats) ............................................... 99
Folding the 2nd row of seats
forward electrically ........................ 102
Folding the 2nd row of seats
forward manually ........................... 100
Folding the rear bench seat for-
wards/back ................................... 297
Important safety notes .................... 94
Overview .......................................... 94
Seat heating problem .................... 105
Seat ventilation problem ................ 105
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 110
Switching seat heating on/off ....... 103
Switching seat ventilation on/off .. 104
Section
Sliding sunroof ................................. 89
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 329
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 328
Service message
see ASSYST PLUS
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 382
Coolant (engine) ............................ 382
DEF special additives ..................... 381
Engine oil ....................................... 381
Fuel ................................................ 379
Important safety notes .................. 378
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem) ............................................... 383
Washer fluid ................................... 383
Setting the air distribution ............... 131
Setting the airflow ............................ 131
Setting the date/time format
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Setting the language
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Setting the time
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 240
On-board computer ....................... 238 SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 241
Side impact air bag ............................. 48
Side marker lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 256
Side windows
Cle aning ......................................... 327
C onvenience closing feature ............ 87
Convenience opening feature .......... 87
Hinged side windows ....................... 86
Important safety information ........... 85
Opening/closing .............................. 86
Overview .......................................... 85
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 89
Resetting ......................................... 88
Reversing feature ............................. 86
SIRIUS services
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes .................... 89
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 92
Resetting ......................................... 91
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 77
Changing the programming ............. 76
Checking the battery ....................... 77
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 87
Display message ............................ 273
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 74
Important safety notes .................... 74
KEYLESS-GO start function .............. 76
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 76
Overview .......................................... 74
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 138
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 78
Starting the engine ........................ 140
Smartphone
Starting the engine ........................ 140
SMS
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Snow chains
Information .................................... 348 Index 19

Labeling (overview) ........................ 361
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 366
Load index .................................... .3 63
Load index (definition) ................... 365
M+S tires ....................................... 348
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 365
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 365
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................ .3 65
Maximum tire load ......................... 363
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 365
MOExtended tires .......................... 348
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 366
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) .......................................... .3 65
Replacing ....................................... 366
Service life ..................................... 347
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 366
Snow chains .................................. 348
Speed rating (definition) ................ 365
Storing .......................................... .3 67
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 364
Summer tires in winter .................. 348
Temperature .................................. 360
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 366
Tire bead (definition) ..................... .3 65
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 365
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 364
Tire size (data) ............................... 371
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 361
Tire tread ....................................... 347
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 365
Total load limit (definition) ............. 366
Traction ......................................... 360
Traction (definition) ....................... 366
Tread wear ..................................... 360
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweig ht) ( definition) ................. 366
Uni
form Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 359
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 364 Wear indicator (definition) ............. 366
Wheel and tire combination ........... 371
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 364
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 343
Important safety notes .................. 341
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 387
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 329
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 225
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 226
Driving tips .................................... 222
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 68
Important safety notes .................. 221
Installing the ball coupling ............. 223
Lights display message .................. 256
Mounting dimensions .................... 387
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC .......... 190
Power supply ................................. 227
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 141
Removing the ball coupling ............ 227
Trailer loads ................................... 387
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 341
Installing the towing eye ................ 342
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 343
Removing the towing eye ............... 342
Transporting the vehicle ................ 343
With both axles on the ground ....... 342
Towing eye ......................................... 331
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 264
Function/notes ............................. 206
Important safety notes .................. 206
Instrument cluster display ............. 206
Trailer coupling
see Towing a traile r
Trai l er loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 22722
Index

Protecting the environment
General notes
H Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors: R
operating conditions of your vehicle R
your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions: R
avoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption. R
always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct. R
do not carry any unnecessary weight. R
remove roof racks once you no longer need
them. R
a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals. R
always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style: R
do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine. R
do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. R
drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. R
avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to

systems, e.g. the brake system. Use only genu-
ine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal qual-
ity. Only use tires, wheels and accessories that
have been specifically approved for your vehi-
cle.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Every part has been spe-
cifically developed, manufactured or selected
for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
should be used.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain
a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In addition,
strategically located parts delivery centers pro-
vide quick and reliable parts service.
Always specify the vehicle identification number
(VIN) when ordering genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts ( Y
page 377).
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of going to
print. Country-specific differences are possi-
ble. Bear in mind that your vehicle may not
feature all functions described here. This also
applies to safety-relevant systems and func-
tions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase contract documentation
for your vehicle contains a list of all the systems
in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and Maintenance Book-
let are important documents and should be kept
in the vehicle. Service and vehicle operation
Warranty The Limited Warranty for your vehicle applies in
accordance with the warranty terms and condi-
tions in the Service and Warranty Information
booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair all factory-installed parts in
accordance with the following warranty terms
and conditions: R
New Vehicle Limited Warranty R
Emission System Warranty R
Emission Performance Warranty R
California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
and Vermont Emission Control System War-
ranty R
State warranty enforcement laws (lemon
laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories
warranties. These are available at any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Should you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a replace-
ment. The new Service and Warranty Infor-
mation booklet will be posted to you.
Information for customers in Califor-
nia Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a reason-
able number of repair attempts Mercedes-Benz
USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service
facilities fail to fix one or more substantial
defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are
covered by its express warranty.
During the period of 18 months from original
delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of
18,000 miles (approximately 29,000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first,
a reasonable number of repair attempts is pre-
sumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more
of the following occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or malfunction
results in a condition that is likely to cause26
Introduction