MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2018 Owners Manual

i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if: R
the engine is not running. R
the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning. R
there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
G WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the: R
the towing eye could detach itself R
the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate ( Y
page 385).
! When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash ! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope: R
Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles. R
Make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white c loth
(1
1.8 x 11.8 in). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being towed. R
Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow hitch. R
Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance a distance so that the tow rope does
not sag. R
Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as
possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow-
ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
! When towing away vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. The automatic transmission may oth-
erwise shift to position ] when you open the
driver's or front-passenger door, which could
damage the transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.Towing and tow-starting 349
Breakdown assistance Z

! Vehicles with differential locks: make sure
the differential locks are in automatic mode.
When towing, the differential locks must not
be switched on. The transmission may other-
wise be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
\\ when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you: R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position H in
the ignition lock R
cannot release the electric parking brake R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position \\
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed ( Y
page 244). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front and
rear behind covers CD .X
Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit ( Y
page 339). X
To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover C inwards in the direction of
the arrow. X
To open the cover at the rear: insert a flat,
blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover D out of the bumper. X
Take cover C or D off the opening.X
Screw in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove the towing eye. X
Position cover C or D in the bumper and
press the cover on until it engages. X
Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground The automatic transmission shifts to position
] automatically when you open the driver's or
front-passenger door or when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position \\ when towing away the
vehicle, you must observe the following points: X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Turn the SmartKey to position H in the igni-
tion lock. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
\\ . X
Leave the SmartKey in position H in the igni-
tion lock. X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
( Y
page 117).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting350
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
! When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses. X
Turn the SmartKey to position H in the igni-
tion lock. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
\\ .
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded: X
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
] . X
Turn the SmartKey to position

Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P . To shift
the automatic transmission to position N , you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
( Y
page 346).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
You can find information on "Jump-starting"
under ( Y
page 346).
Fuses
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher amper-
age, the electric cables could be overloaded.
This could result in a fire. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
! For the fuse boxes in the engine compart-
ment and under the rear bench seat, only use
fuses with the suffix "S". Otherwise, compo-
nents or systems could be damaged.
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it is
lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture seep-
ing in or dirt could otherwise impair the oper-
ation of the fuses. The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the
same rating, which you can recognize by the
color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the
fuse allocation chart.
The fuse allocation chart is located in the fuse
box under the rear bench seat ( Y
page 353).
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified special-
ist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Before changing a fuse Observe the important safety notes
( Y
page 352) X
Switch off the engine. X
Switch off all electrical consumers. X
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS ‑ GO: X
Open the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in key posi-
tion

shop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
X
Open the front-passenger door. X
To open: pull cover C outwards in the direc-
tion of the arrow and remove it. X
To close: clip in cover C on the front of the
dashboard. X
Fold cover C inwards until it engages.
Fuse box in the engine compartment
G WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
X
Open the hood ( Y
page 325).X
Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture from
the fuse box. X
To open: open clamps D .X
Fold up cover C in the direction of the arrow
and remove it. X
To close: check whether the seal is seated
correctly in cover C .X
Insert cover C at the side of the fuse box into
the retainers. X
Fold down cover C and close clamps D .X
Close the hood.
Fuse box under the rear bench seat X
Fold the left-hand rear bench seat forward
( Y
page 303). X
To open: reach into recesses D on each side
of fuse box cover C .X
Fold cover C up in the direction of the arrow
and remove it from the fuse box.
i The fuse allocation chart is located in a
recess at the side of the fuse box. X
To close: place cover C on the fuse box.X
Press cover C down until you feel the clamps
engage. X
Fold back the left-hand rear bench seat
( Y
page 303). Fuses 353
Breakdown assistance Z

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If wheels and tires of th e wrong siz e are used,
th e whee l brakes or suspension component s
may be damaged. Ther e is a ris k of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tires wit h those
that fulfill th e specification s of th e original
part .
When replacing wheels, mak e sur e to use th e
correct: R
designation R
model
When replacing tires , mak e sur e to use th e
correct: R
designation R
manufacturer R
model
G WARNIN G
A flat tire severely impairs th e driving , steer -
ing and braking characteristics of th e vehicle.
Ther e is a ris k of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics :R
do no t driv e wit h a flat tire.R
immediately replace th e flat tire wit h your
emergenc y spar e whee l or spar e wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires wit h run-flat characteristics :R
pay attention to th e information and warn -
ing notice s on MOExtended tires (tire s wit h
run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are no t approve d for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Ben z or are no t bein g used cor-
rectl y can impair th e operating safety.
Before purchasing and usin g non-approve d
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
sho p and inquire about :R
suitabilit yR
legal stipulation sR
factory recommendation s Further information regarding wheels and tires
can be foun d under "Wheel/tire combinations"
( Y
page 379).
You can ask for information regarding permitte d
wheel-tire combination s at an authorize d
Mercedes-Ben z Center.
Tir e pressur e information can be found: R
on th e Tir e and Loading Information placard
on th e B-pillar on th e driver' s sideR
in th e tire pressur e table in th e fuel filler flapR
in th e "Tir e p ressure" section
Operation
Information on driving Chec k th e tire pressur e when th e vehicl e is
heavily laden and adjust prio r to a trip.
While driving , pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handlin g characteristics , e.g. pull-
ing to on e side . This may indicat e that th e
wheels or tires are damaged. If you suspec t that
a tire is defective, reduce your spee d immedi-
ately. Stop th e vehicl e as soo n as possible to
chec k th e wheels and tires for damage. Hidden
tire damag e could also be causing th e unusual
handlin g characteristics . If you fin d no sign s of
damage, hav e th e tires and wheels checke d at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, mak e sur e that th e
tires do no t get deformed by th e cur b or other
obstacles. If it is necessar y to driv e ove r curbs,
spee d hump s or similar elevations, tr y to do so
slowly and at an obtuse angle. Otherwise, th e
tires , particularly th e sidewalls, may be dam-
aged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
G WARNIN G
Damaged tires can caus e tire inflation pres-
sur e loss . As a result , you could lose control of
your vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of accident.
Chec k th e tires regularly for sign s of damag e
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Chec k wheels and tires for damag e at least once
a month . Chec k wheels and tires after driving
off-road or on roug h roads. Damaged wheels
can caus e a loss of tire pressure.354
Operation
Wheels and tires

Pay particular attention to damage such as: R
Cuts in the tires R
Punctures in the tires R
Tears in the tires R
Bulges on tires R
Deformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width of
all tires ( Y
page 355). If necessary, turn the
front wheels to full lock in order to inspect the
inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect the
valve against dirt and moisture. Do not mount
anything onto the valve other than the standard
valve cap or other valve caps approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle. Do not use any
other valve caps or systems, e.g. tire pressure
monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires par-
ticularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire pres-
sure as necessary ( Y
page 357).
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel ( Y
page 380).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors: R
Driving style R
Tire pressure R
Distance covered
Notes on tire tread
G WARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving con-
ditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at differ-
ent locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for: R
Summer tires:

MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunc-
tion with an active tire pressure loss warning
system or with an active tire pressure monitor
and on wheels specifically tested by Mercedes-
Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with a
flat tire ( Y
page 340).
i Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the fac-
tory. It is therefore recommended that you
additionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT
kit if you mount tires that do not feature run-
flat properties, e.g. winter tires. A TIREFIT kit
may be obtained from a qualified specialist
workshop.
Winter operation
General notes Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y
page 374).
Driving with summer tires At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), the elas-
ticity of summer tires and therefore also the
traction and braking capability are reduced con-
siderably. Change the tires on your vehicle to
M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold tem-
peratures could cause cracks to form, thereby
damaging the tires permanently. Mercedes-
Benz cannot accept responsibility for this type
of damage.
G WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately. M+S tires
G WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than

To avoid hazardous situations: R
never install snow chains to the front
wheels R
always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
! Check the snow chains for damage before
mounting them. Damaged or worn snow
chains may snap and damage the following
components: R
wheel R
wheel housing R
wheel suspension
For this reason, you must use only snow
chains that are free of defects. Observe the
manufacturer's mounting instructions.
! You must drive at raised vehicle level (height
1) if snow chains have been installed. The
vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! Vehicles with ADS (Adaptive Damping
System): do not use the sport mode when
driving with snow chains mounted. The vehi-
cle may otherwise be damaged.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use snow chains that have
been specially approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding
standard of quality. For more information,
please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
Install the snow chains on all driven wheels for
maximum tractive power and driving stability. If
you own snow chains for two driven wheels only,
install the snow chains to the wheels on the rear
axle. The vehicle then remains more stable
under braking.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please bear
the following points in mind: R
Snow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel/tire combinations ( Y
page 379).R
Only use snow chains when driving on roads
completely covered by snow. Remove the
snow chains as soon as possible when you
come to a road that is not snow-covered. R
Local regulations may restrict the use of snow
chains. Observe the appropriate regulations if
you wish to mount snow chains. R
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). R
Never use Parking Pilot when snow chains are
installed ( Y
page 195).
You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
( Y
page 71)
when pulling away with snow chains mounted.
You can thereby allow the wheels to spin in a
controlled manner, achieving an increased driv-
ing force (cutting action).
Information about driving with an emergency
spare wheel ( Y
page 380).
Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tires pose the
following risks: R
the tires may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase. R
the tires may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impair tire
traction. R
the driving characteristics, as well as steer-
ing and braking, may be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and check the pressure of all the tires includ-
ing the spare wheel: R
monthly, at least R
if the load changes R
before beginning a long journey R
under different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
Details on tire pressure can be found at the fol-
lowing positions in the vehicle: R
Tire and Loading Information placard on the
B-pillar on the driver's side R
table for tire pressure on the inside of the fuel
filler flap
The tire pressure monitor does not warn you of: Tire pressure 357
Wheels and tires Z

R
incorrectly set tire pressure R
sudden loss of tire pressure, e.g. from a for-
eign object that has penetrated the tire
The data on the Tire and Loading Information
placard and tire pressure table shown here are
examples. Tire pressure specifications are vehi-
cle-specific and may deviate from the data
shown here. The tire pressure specifications
that are valid for your vehicle can be found on
the Tire and Loading Information placard and
tire pressure table on the vehicle.
General notes The recommended tire pressures for the tires
mounted at the factory can be found on the
labels described here.
Operation with emergency spare wheel:
information on operation with the emergency
spare wheel can be found under "Emergency
spare wheel" ( Y
page 380).
Operation with a trailer: the applicable value
for the rear axle is the maximum tire pressure
value stated in the table inside the fuel filler flap.
Further information on tire pressures can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.
Tire and Loading Information placard
C
Recommended tire pressures
The Tire and Loading Information placard is on
the B-pillar on the driver's side ( Y
page 364).
The Tire and Loading Information placard con-
tains the recommended tire pressures for cold
tires. The recommended tire pressures are valid
for the maximum permissible load and up to the
maximum permissible vehicle speed. Tire pressure table The tire pressure table is on the inside of the fuel
filler flap. It shows the tire pressure for all tires
permitted at the factory for this vehicle; see
illustration (example).
The tire pressure table contains the recommen-
ded pressures for cold tires for various operat-
ing conditions, i.e. differing load and speed con-
ditions.
If a tire size precedes a tire pressure, the fol-
lowing tire pressure information is only valid for
that tire size; see illustration (example).
The load conditions "partially laden" and "fully
laden" are defined in the table for different num-
bers of occupants and amounts of luggage. The
actual number of seats may differ.358
Tire pressure
Wheels and tires