Ads MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2018 Service Manual

When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-
mission is automatically shifted to position ]
if: R
the driver's door is open and the driver's seat
belt is unfastened R
the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activated
when the vehicle is stationary and: R
a system malfunction occurs R
the power supply is insufficient
On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also be
automatically shifted to position ] .
AIRMATIC package
General notes AIRMATIC is an air suspension system with var-
iable damping for improved driving comfort.
Level control ensures the best possible suspen-
sion and constant ground clearance, even with a
laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is
lowered automatically to improve driving safety
and to reduce fuel consumption. There is also
the option to manually adjust the vehicle level.
AIRMATIC consists of: R
level settings R
level control and R
ADS or ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping Sys-
tem)
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): your vehicle may also be equipped with
the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM ( Y
page 189).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: your vehicle is equip-
ped with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
( Y
page 189).
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
( Y
page 225).
The vehicle level can be set using the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller ( Y
page 147) or the level but-
ton ( Y
page 190). The setting always corre-
sponds to the last selected function. Important safety notes
G WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.
If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the
vehicle begins to compensate for load discrep-
ancies while still parked. However, for signifi-
cant level changes, such as after the vehicle has
been stationary for a long period, the engine
must be on. For safety reasons, the vehicle is
only lowered when the doors are closed. Low-
ering is interrupted if a door is opened, and it
continues once the door has been closed.
ADS and ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping
System)
General notes The Adaptive Damping System automatically
controls the calibration of the dampers. The
damping characteristics adapt to the current
operating and driving situation.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface conditions R
the drive program selected R
the vehicle level setting
Selecting Comfort mode188
Driving systems
Driving and parking

In the Comfort drive program, the driving char-
acteristics of your vehicle are more comforta-
ble. Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Also select the
Comfort drive program when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of high-
way. X
Select the Comfort drive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller C .
The vehicle is adjusted to normal level
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): in the Comfort drive program, the vehicle
is: R
lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm) if you drive at
speeds above 78 mph (125 km/h) R
raised again if you drive at speeds below
50 mph (80 km/h)
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: in the Comfort drive
program, the vehicle is: R
lowered by 0.4 in (10 mm) if you drive at
speeds above 112 mph (180 km/h) R
raised again if you drive at speeds below
87 mph (140 km/h)
Selecting Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
the Sport drive program ensures even better
contact with the road. Select this drive program
when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
DSR is not available in the Sport drive program.
For further information on DSR, see
( Y
page 218). X
Select the Sport drive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller C .
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the vehicle is lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm)
compared to the normal level. Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the vehicle
remains at the normal level.
Selecting Sport Plus tuning (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
The very firm setting of the suspension setting in
the Sport Plus drive program ensures the best
possible contact with the road. Select this drive
program when employing a sporty driving style,
e.g. on winding country roads or primarily when
driving on race circuits.
DSR is not available in the Sport Plus drive pro-
gram. For further information on DSR, see
( Y
page 218). X
Select the Sport Plus drive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller C .
The vehicle is lowered by 0.4 in (10 mm) com-
pared to the normal level.
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM uses active stabil-
izers to optimize both driving comfort and vehi-
cle dynamics. Depending on the drive program
selected ( Y
page 151), the ACTIVE CURVE SYS-
TEM also changes the setting.
If you have selected the Comfort drive program:R
rolling movement is reduced in the event of
changing surface undulations R
the roll angle when cornering is reduced R
the driving is dynamic
If you have selected the Sport drive program:R
the roll angle is reduced significantly R
the driving is even more dynamicDriving systems 189
Driving and parking Z

Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
Sport mode ensures even better contact with
the road. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads. X
Press button C repeatedly until indicator
lamp

Range of the sensors General notes Parking Assist PARKTRONIC does not take into
account obstacles located: R
below the detection range, such as persons,
animals or objects R
above the detection range, such as overhang-
ing loads, truck overhangs or loading ramps
C
Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand side
(example)
The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or slush.
They can otherwise not function correctly. Clean
the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch
or damage them ( Y
page 334). Range
C
Approx. 24 in (approx. 60 cm) (corners) D
Approx. 32 in (approx. 80 cm) (corners)

Parking tips: R
On narrow roads, drive as close to the parking
space as possible. R
Parking spaces that are littered or overgrown
might be identified or measured incorrectly. R
Parking spaces that are partially occupied by
trailer drawbars might not be identified as
such or be measured incorrectly. R
Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately. R
Pay attention to the warning messages of
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC during the park-
ing procedure ( Y
page 192).R
You can intervene to correct the steering pro-
cedure at any time. Parking Pilot will then be
canceled. R
When transporting a load that protrudes from
your vehicle, you must not use Parking Pilot. R
Never use Parking Pilot when snow chains are
mounted. R
Make sure that the tire pressures are always
correct. This has a direct influence on the
parking characteristics of the vehicle.
Use Parking Pilot for parking spaces that are: R
parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel R
on straight roads, not bends R
on the same level as the road, e.g. not on the
pavement
Detecting parking spaces Objects located above the detection range of
Parking Pilot will not be detected when the park-
ing space is measured. These are not taken into
account when the parking/exiting procedure is
calculated, e.g. overhanging loads, tail sections
or loading ramps of trucks. Parking Pilot may
therefore guide you into the parking space too
early.
G WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range: R
Parking Pilot may steer in too early R
the vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Parking Pilot. Further information about the detection range
( Y
page 193).
Parking Pilot does not assist you parking in
spaces at a right angle to the direction of travel
if: R
two parking spaces are located directly next
to one another R
the parking space is directly next to a low
obstacle such as a low curb R
you park forwards
Parking Pilot does not assist you parking in
spaces parallel with or at a right angle to the
direction of travel if: R
the parking space is on a curb R
the system reads the parking space as being
blocked, for example by foliage or grass pav-
ing blocks R
the area is too small for the vehicle to maneu-
ver into R
the parking space is bordered by an obstacle,
e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer
C
Detected parking space on the left D
Parking symbol

Important safety notes
G WAR NING
Blin d Spo t Assist does not react to:R
veh icle s overtaken too closely on the side ,
plac ing them in the blin d spot areaR
veh icle s whic h appr oach wit h a large speed
diff erential and overtake your veh icle
As a result, Blin d Spo t Assist may not give
warnings in such situations. There is a risk of
an acc iden t.
Always observe the traff ic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral dist ance.
Blin d Spo t Assist is on ly an aid. It may fail to
detect some vehicles and is no substitute for
attentive driv ing. Always ensure that there is
suff icie nt dist ance to the side for other road
users and obstacles.
i USA only:
This device has been appr oved by the FCC as
a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor
is intended for use in an automotive radar
system only. Removing, tampering wit h, or
altering the device will void any warranties,
and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tam-
per wit h, alter, or use in any non- appr oved
way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipm ent.
Radar sensors The radar sensors for Blin d Spo t Assist are inte-
grated into the rear bumper. Make sure that the
bumpers are free from dirt , ice or slush. The
sensors must not be covered, for example by
cyc le r acks or overhanging loads. Fol l
owin g a
severe impact or in the event of damage to the
bumpers, have the function of the radar sensors
checked at a qualif ied spec ialist worksho p.
Blin d Spo t Assist may no longer work properly.
Monitoring area
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if: R
there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors R
there is poor vis ibilit y, e.g. due to fog, heavy
rain, snow or spray R
there are narrow vehicles, e.g. motorcycles or
bic ycles R
the road has very wide lanesR
the road has narrow lanes R
you are not driving in the middle of the laneR
there are barriers or similar lane borders
Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not
indicated.
At a distance of around 1.6 ft (0.5 m) D from the
vehicle, Blind Spot Assist monitors the area up
to 10 ft (3 m) next to

Drivin g Assistance Plu s package
General notes The Driving Assistanc e Plus package consist s of
Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONIC ( Y
page 176), Active
Blin d Spot Assis t ( Y
page 213) and Active Lan e
Keepin g Assis t ( Y
page 215).
Active Blind Spot Assist General notes Active Blin d Spot Assis t monitors th e areas on
either sid e of th e vehicle that are no t directl y
visible to th e driver wit h tw o lateral, rear-facin g
radar sensors. A warnin g lamp lights up in th e
exterio r mirrors and draws your attention to
vehicles detecte d in th e monitored area. If you
then switch on th e correspondin g turn signal to
chang e lanes, you will also receiv e a visual and
audible collision warning. If a ris k of latera l col-
lision is detected, corrective braking may hel p
you avoid a collision . Before a course-correcting
brake application , Active Blin d Spot Assis t eval-
uates th e spac e in th e direction of trave l and at
th e sides of th e vehicle. Fo r this, Active Blin d
Spot Assis t uses th e forward-facin g radar sen -
sors.
Active Blin d Spot Assis t supports you from a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safet y notesActive Blin d Spot Assis t is only an aid and is no t
a substitute fo r attentive driving.
G WARNING
Active Blin d Spot Assis t doe s no t react to :R
vehicles overtaken to o closely on th e side,
placin g them in th e blin d spo t are aR
vehicles whic h approac h wit h a larg e speed
differential and overtak e your vehicle
As a result , Active Blin d Spot Assis t may nei-
ther giv e warnings no r interven e in suc h sit -
uations. There is a ris k of an accident.
Always observ e th e traffic condition s care-
fully, and maintain a saf e latera l distance.
i US A only: Thi s devic e has bee n approved by
th e FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended fo r use in an auto-
motive radar syste m only. Removal, tamper-
ing, or altering of th e devic e will void any war- ranties, and is no t permitte d by th e FCC. Do
no t tampe r with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
An y unauthorized modification to this devic e
could void th e user's authorit y to operat e th e
equipment.
i Canada only: Thi s devic e complies wit h
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subjec t to th e followin g tw o conditions:
1. Thi s devic e may no t cause interference,
and
2. Thi s devic e mus t accept any interf erenc e
re c
eived, includin g interferenc e that may
cause undesired operation of th e device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of th e devic e
will void any warranties , and is no t permitted.
Do no t tampe r with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
An y unauthorized modification to this devic e
could void th e user's authorit y to operat e th e
equipment.
Rada r sensor sThe Active Blind Spot Assis t radar sensor s are
integrated into th e fron t and rea r bumper s and
behin d a cover in th e radiator trim. Mak e sur e
that th e bumper s and th e cover in th e radiator
grill are free of dirt, ic e or slush. The sensor s
mus t no t be covered, fo r example by cycle racks
or overhangin g loads. Followin g an acciden t or
in th e event of damage to th e bumpers, hav e th e
function of th e radar sensor s checke d at a quali-
fie d specialis t workshop . Active Blin d Spot
Assis t may otherwise no longer wor k properly.
Monitoring area
G WARNING
Active Blind Spot Assis t doe s no t detec t all
traffic situation s and road users. There is a
ris k of an accident.
Always mak e sur e that there is sufficien t dis -
tanc e on th e sid e fo r other traffic or obstacles.Driving systems 21 3
Driving an d parking Z

appears in the multifunction display. The last
active drive program is selected again.
Do not use the Offroad program on roads that
are snow-covered or icy or if you have installed
your vehicle with snow chains.
Selecting the Offroad program
Selecting the Offroad program X
To select drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller C until indicator lamp D
lights up.
The Drive Program "Offroad1" Max.
Speed 60 mph message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
The vehicle is raised by +2.4 in (60 mm).
The vehicle is lowered to normal level again if
you: R
drive at speeds above 37 mph (60 km/h) (all
vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
drive at speeds above 43 mph (70 km/h)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
drive at speeds between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 43 mph (70 km/h) for approximately
20 seconds (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
The vehicle changes from the Offroad drive pro-
gram to the Comfort drive program if you drive
faster than 70 mph (112 km/h).
The Drive More Slowly message appears in
the multifunction display.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
( Y
page 170). Off-road programs (vehicles with Off-
Road Engineering package) General notes The Offroad and Offroad Plus drive programs
assist you when driving off-road. The engine's
performance characteristics and the gearshift-
ing characteristics of the automatic transmis-
sion are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and 4ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are activated. An accelerator pedal
curve suitable for the terrain is selected, i.e. the
accelerator pedal must be depressed further to
accelerate.
Do not use the Offroad or Offroad Plus drive
programs on roads that are snow-covered or icy,
or if you have installed your vehicle with snow
chains.
Offroad drive program
C
DYNAMIC SELECT controller D
Offroad program indicator lamp
Select the Offroad program for easily negotia-
ble off-road terrain, e.g. dirt tracks, gravel or
sandy surfaces. The engine's torque is restric-
ted to a limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning wheels produce a cutting
effect for better traction. ABS, ESP ®
and 4ETS
programs especially adapted to off-road driving
are activated. A gentle accelerator pedal curve
is also selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal must
be depressed much further in order to acceler-
ate.
You can select the Offroad drive program at
speeds below 60 mph (96 km/h). The Drive
Program "Offroad" Max. Speed 60 mph
message appears in the multifunction display. If
you drive at speeds above 60 mph (96 km/ h)
and select the Offroad drive program, the
Drive More Slowly message appears in the220
Driving systems
Driving and parking

General notes
C
LOW RANGE offroad gear buttonD
LOW RANGE offroad gear indicator lamp
HIGH RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGE
Offroad position for driving
off-road and fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only approx-
imately one third of that in
the HIGH RANGE road posi-
tion. Drive torque is thus
proportionately higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE: R
on slippery road surfaces,
e.g. in the case of slush R
on snow or ice-covered
roads R
if you have mounted snow
chains to your vehicle
The LOW RANGE offroad gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting character-
istics of the automatic transmission are adapted
for this purpose.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
( Y
page 170). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section ( Y
page 66). From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if: R
the engine is running. R
the transmission is in position NR
you are driving at a speed below 40 km/h X
Press LOW RANGE button C .
Indicator lamp D flashes.
When the gear change is complete, indicator
lamp D lights up. LOW RANGE indicator
appears in the multifunction display and in the
status indicator.
While indicator lamp D is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button C again.
i You cannot activate LOW RANGE if the
SPORT drive program is activated. The LOW
RANGE Not in Drive Program "Sport"
message then appears in the multifunction
display.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if: R
the engine is running. R
the transmission is in position NR
you are driving at a speed below 70 km/h
X
Press LOW RANGE button C .
Indicator lamp D flashes.
When the gear change is complete, indicator
lamp D goes out. In the multifunction dis-
play, the LOW RANGE Off message appears
and the status indicator goes out.
While indicator lamp D is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button C again.222
Driving systems
Driving and parking

R
is affected more by strong crosswinds R
demands more sensitive steering R
has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the cooling system and drive train
may be necessary, depending on the vehicle
type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame. R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
More information on availability and installa-
tion can be obtained at any qualified special-
ist workshop. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
( Y
page 372).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 192)R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 209)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 215) On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 395).
Driving tips Also observe the notes on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 143).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is for your trailer. Observe the
legally permissible maximum speed in the rele-
vant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
( Y
page 395). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the maximum
permissible speed for car/trailer combinations
is greater than 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side: X
Do not accelerate. X
Do not counter-steer. X
Brake if necessary.Towing a trailer 225
Driving and parking Z