tow MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2018 User Guide

Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 372
Bar (definition) ............................... 372
Changing a wheel .......................... 374
Characteristics .............................. 372
Checking ........................................ 354
Curb weight (definition) ................. 373
Definition of terms ......................... 372
Direction of rotation ...................... 375
Display message ............................ 273
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 374
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 372
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 371
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 372
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 373
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 373
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 373
Important safety notes .................. 354
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 372
Information on driving .................... 354
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 373
Labeling (overview) ........................ 369
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 374
Load index ..................................... 371
Load index (definition) ................... 373
M+S tires ....................................... 356
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 373
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 373
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 373
Maximum tire load ......................... 371
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 373
MOExtended tires .......................... 356
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 374
PSI (pounds per square inch) (de f-
i
nition) ........................................... 373
Replacing ....................................... 374 Service life ..................................... 355
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 374
Snow chains .................................. 356
Speed rating (definition) ................ 373
Storing ........................................... 375
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 372
Summer tires in winter .................. 356
Temperature .................................. 368
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 374
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 373
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 373
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 372
Tire size (data) ............................... 379
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 369
Tire tread ....................................... 355
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 373
Total load limit (definition) ............. 374
Traction ......................................... 368
Traction (definition) ....................... 374
Tread wear ..................................... 368
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 374
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 367
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 372
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 374
Wheel and tire combination ........... 379
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 372
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 352
Important safety notes .................. 349
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 395
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 335
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 227
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 229
Driving tips .................................... 225
Important safety notes .................. 224
Installing the ball coupling ............. 226
Lights displ ay me ssage .................. 26022
Index

Mounting dimensions .................... 395
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ......... .1 92
Power supply ................................. 230
Pulling away with a trailer .............. 143
Removing the ball coupling ............ 229
Trailer loads ................................... 395
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 349
Installing the towing eye ................ 350
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 351
Removing the towing eye .............. .3 50
Transporting the vehicle ................ 351
With both axles on the ground ....... 350
Towing eye ......................................... 339
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 92
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-
ing function ................................... .2 41
Display message ............................ 268
Function/notes ............................ .2 08
Important safety notes .................. 209
Instrument cluster display ............. 209
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 229
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 215
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 218
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 211
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 229
Transfer case ..................................... 155
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 149
Transporting the vehicle .................. 351
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 174
Driving downhill ............................ .1 74
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 173
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ................................................. .3 36 Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 36
Trip odometer
Calling up ................................... .... 236
R es
etting (on-board computer) ...... 237
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 260
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 122
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 384
Installation ..................................... 384
Transmission output (maximum) .... 384
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 374
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 83
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 245
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ............................................... 299
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 310
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 31
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 275
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings .......................... 243
Limited Warranty ............................. 32
Loading .......................................... 364
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 84
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 378
Maintenance .................................... 29
Operating safety .............................. 30 Index 23

Parking .......................................... 161
Parking for a long period ............... .1 64
Pulling away ................................... 143
Raising .......................................... .3 76
Reporting problems ......................... 31
Securing from rolling away ............ 375
Towing away .................................. 349
Transporting .................................. 351
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 84
Unlocking (SmartKey) ..................... .7 7
Vehicle data ................................... 392
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 392
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 394
Fording depth ................................ 393
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 394
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 392
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 84
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 385
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 190
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 265
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 339
Video
Operating the DVD ........................ .2 39
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 92
VIN ...................................................... 385
Seat ............................................... 386
Type plate ...................................... 385
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 282
Brakes .......................................... .2 81
Coolant .......................................... 288
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 290
Distance warning ........................... 290
Engine diagnostics ......................... 288
ESP ®
.............................................. 284
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 285
Fuel tank ........................................ 288 Overview .......................................... 37
Parking brake ................................ 287
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 45
Reserve fuel ................................... 288
Restraint system ............................ 287
Seat belt ........................................ 280
Tire pressure monitor .................... 291
Warranty .............................................. 28
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 278
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 379
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 378
Wheel chock ...................................... 375
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 374
Checking ........................................ 354
Cleaning ......................................... 333
Emergency spare wheel ................. 380
Important safety notes .................. 354
Information on driving .................... 354
Interchanging/changing ................ 374
Mounting a new wheel ................... 377
Mounting a wheel .......................... 375
Overview ........................................ 354
Removing a wheel .......................... 377
Snow chains .................................. 356
Storing ........................................... 375
Tightening torque ........................... 378
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 379
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 257
Operation ......................................... 51
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 133
Infrared reflective .......................... 324
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 329
Important safety notes .................. 391
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 12424
Index

These devices may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and 2) These devices must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation. Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) These devices may
not cause interference, and (2) These devices
must accept any interference, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation of
the device."
Diagnostics connection The diagnostics connection is only intended for
the connection of diagnostic equipment at a
qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of vehicle systems. As a result, the
operating safety of the vehicle could be affec-
ted. There is a risk of an accident.
Only connect equipment to a diagnostics con-
nection in the vehicle, which is approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
G WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
! If the engine is switched off and equipment
on the diagnostics connection is used, the
starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics con-
nection can lead to emissions monitoring infor- mation being reset, for example. This may lead
to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements of
the next emissions test during the main inspec-
tion.
Qualified specialist workshop An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a quali-
fied specialist workshop. It has the necessary
specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to
correctly carry out the work required on your
vehicle. This is especially the case for work rel-
evant to safety.
Always have the following work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center: R
work relevant to safety R
service and maintenance work R
repair work R
alterations, installation work and modifica-
tions R
work on electronic components
Correct use If you remove any warning stickers, you or oth-
ers could fail to recognize certain dangers.
Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when driving
your vehicle: R
the safety notes in this manual R
the vehicle technical data R
traffic rules and regulations R
laws and safety standards pertaining to motor
vehicles
Problems with your vehicle If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immedi-
ately to have the problem diagnosed and recti-
fied. If the problem is not resolved to your sat-
isfaction, please discuss the problem again with
the Mercedes-Benz Center or, if necessary, con-
tact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCOperating safety 31
Introduction Z

Center console, lower section
i Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering
package
Function Page
n
Stowage compartment 302
Cup holder 308
Ashtray 311
Cigarette lighter 312
Socket 312
o
Selector wheel for level con-
trol 184
p

i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package and
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
Function Page
n
Stowage compartment 302
Cup holder 308
Ashtray 311
Cigarette lighter 312
Socket 312
o

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up and remains lit,
even though the front-
passenger seat is occu-
pied by an adult or a per-
son of a stature corre-
sponding to that of an
adult. The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is incor-
rect. X
Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the person
on the front-passenger seat are met ( Y
page 52).X
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front-
passenger seat may not be used. X
Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up and/or
does not stay on.
The front-passenger seat
is: R
unoccupied R
occupied by the
weight of a child up to
twelve months old in a
child restraint system OCS is malfunctioning. X
Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the child
seat. X
Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests on
the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of the
forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front-passenger seat. If necessary,
adjust the position of the front-passenger seat. X
When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat
belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-passenger
seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child
restraint system being pulled too tightly. X
Check for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to the child
restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraint accord-
ingly. X
Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto the
seat. X
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/or
the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install
a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. It is recom-
mended that you install the child restraint system on a suitable rear
seat. X
Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Deployment of Emergency Tensioning
Devices and air bags
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible. G WARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro-
tection and cannot provide the intended pro-
tection in an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
Have the vehicle towed to a qualified special-
ist workshop in order to have a deployed air
bag replaced.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags56
Occupant safety
Safety

Activating the special seat belt retractor: X
Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt
retractor is enabled. X
Push the child restraint system down so that
the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor: X
Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions. X
Press the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
Child restraint system The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in: R
all 50 states R
the U.S. territories R
the District of Columbia R
all Canadian provinces
If you install a rearward-facing child restraint
system on the center rear seat, the rear arm rest
must be folded back as far as possible.
You can obtain further information about the
correct child restraint system from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under
or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-
lines" ( Y
page 300).
G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing systems of child restraint systems
are: R
the seat belt system R
the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings R
the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe the
information on the "Occupant Classification
System (OCS)" ( Y
page 51). There you will also
find information on deactivating the front-
passenger front air bag.Children in the vehicle 61
Safety Z

Aut oma tic locking featu reX
To deactivate: press and hold butto n C for
about fiv e seconds until a tone sounds.X
To activate: press and hold butto n D for
about fiv e seconds until a tone sounds.
If you press on e of th e two buttons and do no t
hear a tone , th e relevan t setting has already
been selected.
The vehicl e is locke d automatically when th e
ignition is switched on and th e wheels are turn-
ing .
You could therefor e be locke d out if:R
th e vehicl e is bein g pushed.R
th e vehicl e is bein g towed.R
th e vehicl e is on a roller dynamometer.
You can also switch th e automatic locking func-
tion on and off usin g th e on-board computer
( Y
page 244).
Power closing Powe r closin g pulls th e door s and tailgat e int o
their locks automatically eve n if they are no t
completely closed. X
To power close a door : push th e door int o
th e loc k up to th e first deten t position .
Powe r closin g will pull th e door fully closed.X
To power close th e tailgate: lightl y press
th e tailgat e downwards.
Powe r closin g will pull th e tailgat e fully
closed. Unlocking/locking the driver's door
using the mechanical key
i If you want to centrally loc k th e vehicl e usin g
th e mechanical key, begi n by pressing th e
locking butto n for th e interior locking mech-
anism while th e driver's door is open . The n
proceed to loc k th e driver's door usin g th e
mechanical key.
X
Inser t th e mechanical ke y int o th e loc k of th e
driver's door as far as it will go. X
To unlock: tur n th e mechanical ke y counter-
clockwise to position G .X
To lock: tur n th e mechanical ke y clockwise as
far as it will go to position G .
If you use th e mechanical ke y to unloc k and
open th e driver's door , th e anti-thef t alarm sys-
te m will be triggered . Switc h off th e alarm
( Y
page 75).
If you loc k th e vehicl e as described above, th e
fuel filler flap is no t locked. The anti-thef t alarm
system is no t armed.
Cargo compa rt ment
Import ant safety notes
G WARNIN G
Combustion engines emi t poisonous exhaust
gase s suc h as carbon monoxide. If th e tailgat e
is open when th e engin e is running, particu-
larly if th e vehicl e is moving , exhaust fumes
could ente r th e passenger compartment.
There is a ris k of poisoning .
Turn off th e engin e before opening th e tail-
gate. Never drive wit h th e tailgat e open .84
Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

Shifting to neutral N
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. X
If the transmission is in position [ or ^ :
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to
the first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position ] : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position ^ or [ , the automatic trans-
mission shifts to \\ automatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock, the auto-
matic transmission shifts to ] automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts automatically
to ] .
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral \\ , e.g. when having the vehi-
cle cleaned in an automatic, tow-through car
wash: With the SmartKey: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral \\ .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral \\ .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position ^ or \\ :
push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the
first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position ] : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance.
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear in the multifunction display.
C
Transmission position
D
Gear