manual transmission MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2018 Owners Manual

Index ....................................................... 4
Digital Operator's Manual .................. 26
Introduction .......................................... .2 6
Operation ............................................... 26
Introduction ......................................... 27
Protecting the environment .................. .2 7
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .2 7
Operator's Manual ................................. 28
Service and vehicle operation ............... .2 8
Operating safety .................................... 30
QR codes for the rescue card ............... .3 2
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 32
Information on copyright ....................... 35
At a glance ........................................... 36
Cockpit .................................................. 36
Instrument cluster ................................. 37
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 38
Center console ...................................... 39
Overhead control panel ........................ .4 2
Door control panel ................................. 43
Safety ................................................... 44
Panic alarm ............................................ 44
Occupant safety .................................... 44
Children in the vehicle ........................... 59
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 65
Driving safety systems ........................... 66
Protection against theft ........................ .7 5
Opening and closing ........................... 77
SmartKey ............................................... 77
Doors ..................................................... 83
Cargo compartment .............................. .8 4
Side windows ......................................... 88
Sliding sunroof ....................................... 92
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors .... 97
Correct driver's seat position ................ 97
Seats ..................................................... 97
Steering wheel ..................................... 108
Mirrors ................................................. 110 Memory function ................................. 113
Lights and windshield wipers .......... 115
Exterior lighting ................................... 115
Interior lighting .................................... 119
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with LED
headlamps) .......................................... 120
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halo-
gen headlamps) ................................... 120
Windshield wipers ................................ 122
Climate control ................................. 125
Overview of climate control systems ... 125
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 131
Setting the air vents ............................ 136
Driving and parking .......................... 139
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 139
Driving ................................................. 139
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............... 147
Automatic transmission ....................... 148
Refueling ............................................. 155
Parking ................................................ 161
Driving tips .......................................... 164
Driving systems ................................... 174
Towing a trailer .................................... 224
Bicycle rack ......................................... 230
On-board computer and displays .... 233
Important safety notes ........................ 233
Displays and operation ........................ 233
Menus and submenus ......................... 236
Display messages ............................... 248
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 279
Multimedia system ........................... 292
General notes ...................................... 292
Important safety notes ........................ 292
Function restrictions ............................ 292
Operating system ................................ 293
Stowage and features ...................... 300
Stowage areas ..................................... 3002
Contents

AIRMATIC package
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) .. .1 88
Function/notes ............................ .1 88
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 75
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 75
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem ................................................ 191
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 245
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 173
Ashtray ............................................... 311
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 41
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 41
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ....... .3 29
Hiding a service message .............. 329
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 329
Service message ............................ 329
Special service requirements ......... 330
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function .......................................... .7 5
Switching off the alarm .................... 75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 265
Function/notes ............................. 207
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 239
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 260
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 330
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 145
Automatic engine switch-off (EC O
s tart/stop function) .......................... 144
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 115
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 150
Changing gear ............................... 150
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 148
Display message ............................ 275
Drive program ................................ 151
Drive program display .................... 149
Driving tips .................................... 150
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ......... 147
Emergency running mode .............. 155
Engaging drive position .................. 149
Engaging neutral ............................ 149
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 148
Engaging reverse gear ................... 148
Engaging the park position ............ 148
Important safety notes .................. 148
Kickdown ....................................... 151
Manual shifting .............................. 152
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 245
Overview ........................................ 148
Problem (malfunction) ................... 155
Pulling away ................................... 143
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 152
Trailer towing ................................. 151
Transmission position display ........ 149
Transmission positions .................. 150
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 155
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 299
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 395
B
Back button ....................................... 293 Index 5

Switching the ZONE function
on/off ............................................ 133
Coat hooks ......................................... 306
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 36
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ......................................... 382
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
Driving dynamics display ............... 223
COMAND display
Cleaning ......................................... 335
Combination switch .......................... 116
Connecting a USB device
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 236
Controller ........................................... 293
Convenience closing feature .............. 90
Convenience opening feature ............ 90
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 328
Display message ............................ 261
Filling capacity ............................... 391
Important safety notes .................. 390
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 245
Temperature gauge ........................ 234
Warning lamp ................................. 288
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 35
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 260
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 120
Crosswind Assist ................................. 71
Crosswind driving assistance ............ 71
Cruise control
Activating ....................................... 175
Activation conditions ..................... 175
Cruise control lever ....................... 175
Deactivating ................................... 176
Display message ............................ 271
Driving system ............................... 174 Function/notes ............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 174
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 175
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 309
Important safety notes .................. 308
Rear compartment ......................... 309
Temperature controlled ................. 309
Third row of seats .......................... 310
Customer Ass istance Center
(
CAC) ..................................................... 31
Customer Relations Department ....... 31
D Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
Selecting ........................................ 239
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Function/notes ............................. 115
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 243
Declarations of conformity ................. 30
DEF
Adding ........................................... 158
Display message ............................ 264
Filling capacity ............................... 389
Important safety notes .................. 389
Diagnostics connection ...................... 31
Differential lock (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 267
Digital Operator's Manual
Help ................................................. 26
Introduction ..................................... 26
Digital speedometer ......................... 237
DIRECT SELECT lever
Automatic transmission ................. 148
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 329
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 248
Driving systems ............................. 265
Engine ............................................ 261
General notes ................................ 248
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 248
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 2788
Index

Sensor range ................................. 193
Towing a trailer .............................. 192
Warning display ............................. 194
Parking assistance
see Driving system
Parking brake
Applying automatically ................... 163
Applying or releasing manually ...... 163
Display message ............................ 251
Electric parking brake .................... 162
Emergency braking ........................ 164
General notes ................................ 162
Releasing automatically ................. 163
Warning lamp ................................. 287
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Parking Pilot
Canceling ....................................... 199
Detecting parking spaces .............. 196
Display Message ............................ 269
Exiting a parking space .................. 198
Function/notes ............................. 195
Important safety notes .................. 195
Parking .......................................... 197
PASSENGER AIR BAG
Display message ............................ 258
Indicator lamps ................................ 45
Problem (malfunction) ................... 258
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 65
Phone book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 335
Power locks ......................................... 84
Power washers .................................. 331
Power windows
see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(anticipatory occupant
protection)
Display message ............................ 255
Operation ......................................... 58
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS (anticipatory
occupant protection PLUS)
Display message ............................ 255
Operation ......................................... 59 Protection against theft
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Immobilizer ...................................... 75
Protection of the environment
General notes .................................. 27
Pulling away
Automatic transmission ................. 143
General notes ................................ 143
Hill start assist ............................... 143
Trailer ............................................ 143
Q QR code
Mercedes-Benz Guide App ................. 1
Rescue card ..................................... 32
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 31
R RACE TIMER (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .................. 246
Radiator cover ................................... 326
Radio
Selecting a station ......................... 239
Radio mode
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Radio-controlled devices (instal-
ling) ..................................................... 324
Radio-wave reception/transmis-
sion in the vehicle
Declaration of conformity ................ 30
Reading lamp ..................................... 119
Rear bench seat
Folding forwards/back .................. 304
Rear compartment
Exit/entry position (3rd row of
seats) ............................................. 103
Setting the air vents ...................... 137
Setting the temperature ................ 132
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 260
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Rear Seat Entertainment System
AUX jacks ...................................... 299
AUX jacks CD/DVD drive .............. 299 Index 17

SUV
(Sport Utility Vehicle) ....................... 30
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................ .1 35
Switching on media mode
Via the device list .......................... 298
T Tachometer ........................................ 233
Tailgate
Display message ............................ 276
Emergency unlocking ....................... 88
Important safety notes .................... 84
Limiting the opening angle ............... 88
Opening dimensions ...................... 392
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 87
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 86
Opening/closing (from outside) ....... 85
Power closing .................................. 84
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 37
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 386
Information .................................... 384
Tires/wheels ................................. 379
Trailer loads ................................... 395
Vehicle data ................................... 392
Telephone
Accepting a call (multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 240
Authorizing a mobile phone (con-
necting) ......................................... 296
Authorizing a mobile phone via the
device manager (connecting) ......... 297
Connecting a mobile phone
(device manager) ........................... 297
Connecting a mobile phone (gen-
eral information) ............................ 296
Display message ............................ 277
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 240
Number from the phone book ........ 240
Redialing ........................................ 240
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 240 see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Temperature
Coolant (display in the instrument
cluster) .......................................... 234
Coolant (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 245
Engine oil (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 245
Outside temperature ...................... 233
Setting (climate control) ................ 132
Transmission oil (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 245
Through-loading feature ................... 303
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 246
Tire pre ssure
C alling up (on-board computer) ..... 361
Checking manually ........................ 360
Display message ............................ 273
Maximum ....................................... 360
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 342
Notes ............................................. 359
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 343
Recommended ............................... 357
Tire pressure loss warning system
General notes ................................ 360
Important safety notes .................. 361
Restarting ...................................... 361
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 363
Function/notes ............................. 361
General notes ................................ 361
Important safety notes .................. 362
Radio type approval for the tire
pressure monitor ........................... 364
Restarting ...................................... 364
Warning lamp ................................. 291
Warning message .......................... 363
Tire pressure table ............................ 358
TIREFIT kit
Important safety notes .................. 341
Storage location ............................ 339
Tire pressure not reached .............. 342
Tire pressure reached .................... 343
Using ............................................. 341
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 373 Index 21

Aut oma tic engine startThe engin e start s automatically if:R
you switch off th e ECO start/sto p function by
pressing th e ECO butto nR
in transmission position D or N th e brak e
pedal is release d and th e HOLD function is no t
active R
you depress th e accelerato r pedalR
you engage revers e gear RR
you mov e th e transmission out of position PR
you switch to th e Sport Plu s or Sport drive
program (Mercedes-AM G vehicles)R
you activat e manual gearshifting (Mercedes-
AM G vehicles)R
you switch to th e Offroa d drive program
(vehicles without Off-Road Engineering pack-
age) R
you switch to th e Offroa d or Offroa d Plu s
drive program (vehicles wit h Off-Road Engi-
neering package) R
you unfasten your seat belt or open th e driv-
er' s doorR
th e vehicl e start s to rol lR
th e brak e system require s thisR
th e temperature in th e vehicl e interior devi-
ate s from th e set rangeR
th e system detects moisture on th e wind-
shield when th e air-conditioning system is
switched on R
th e battery's condition of charge is to o low
Shifting th e transmission to position P does no t
start th e engine. Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function All vehicles (excep t Mercedes-AM G veh i-
cles) X
To deactivate: press ECO butto n C .
Indicato r lamp D goe s out .X
To activate: press ECO butto n C .
Indicato r lamp D lights up.
If indicator lamp D is off , th e ECO start/sto p
function has been deactivated manually or as
th e result of a malfunction .
Mercedes-AM G veh icles
X
To deactivate: in th e Comfor t drive pro -
gram , press ECO butto n C .
or X
Activat e manual gearshifting ( Y
page 152).
or X
Switc h to th e Sport Plu s or Sport drive pro -
gram ( Y
page 147).
Indicato r lamp D goes out .X
To activate: press ECO butto n C .
Indicato r lamp D lights up. When th e
Sport Plu s or Sport drive program is activa-
ted, th e automatic transmission switches to
th e Comfor t drive program .Driving 145
Driving and parking Z

Individual drive program In th e Individua l driv e program , th e followin g
properties of th e driv e program can be selected:R
th e driv e (engin e and transmission manage-
ment) R
th e transmissionR
th e suspensionR
all vehicles (except Mercedes-AM G vehicles):
th e steeringR
all vehicles (except Mercedes-AM G vehicles):
availabilit y of th e ECO start/sto p function
To select th e gear s in th e Individua l driv e pro -
gram permanentl y usin g th e steering whee l pad-
dle shifters, select th e permanen t manual gear -
shif t program .
Information about configuring th e Individua l
driv e program wit h th e multimedia system can
be foun d in th e Digital Operator's Manual.
Manual gear shifting
General notes You can chang e gear yourself usin g th e steering
whee l paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position [ to do this.
Dependin g on whic h steering whee l paddle
shifte r is pulled , th e automatic transmission
immediately shifts int o th e next gear down or
up, if permitted.
To use manual shifting , you have two options:R
temporar y settingR
permanen t setting
If you activat e manual gearshifting , th e curren t
gear appear s in th e multifunction display
instead of transmission position [ .
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, th e gear s
will be selected automatically. Temporary setting X
To activate: shif t th e DIRECT SELECT lever to
position [ . X
Pull steering whee l paddle shifte r C or D .
The temporar y setting is active for a certain
amoun t of time. Under certain conditions, th e
minimum amoun t of time is extended, e.g. in th e
cas e of lateral acceleration , during overrun
mod e or when driving on steep terrain .X
To deactivate: pull steering whee l paddle
shifte r D and hold it in place.
or X
Use th e DIRECT SELECT lever to switch th e
transmission position .
or X
Use th e DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
chang e th e driv e program .
Permanent setting (all vehicles except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
X
To activate: shif t th e DIRECT SELECT lever to
position [ . X
Press butto n C .152
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion does not shift up automatically even
when the engine limiting speed for the current
gear is reached. When the engine limiting
speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
C
Gear indicatorD
Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X
When the UP message appears in the multi-
function display, pull on the right-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting. X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.154
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Deactivating cruis e contro lThere are severa l ways to deactivat e cruise con-
trol: X
Briefly press th e cruise contro l lever for-
ward s C .
or X
Brake.
Cruise contro l is automatically deactivated if:R
you engage th e electric parking brakeR
you are drivin g at les s than 20 mph (30 km/ h)R
ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
R
you activate DSR R
you activate the Offroad Plus program (vehi-
cles with the Off-Road Engineering package) R
you shift the transmission to position N while
driving
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a
warning tone. You will see the Cruise Con‐
trol Off message in the multifunction display
for approximately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
General notes Distance Pilot DISTRONIC regulates the speed
and automatically helps you maintain the dis-
tance to the vehicle detected in front. Vehicles
are detected with the aid of the radar sensor
system. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes auto-
matically so that the set speed is not exceeded.
You must select a lower gear in good time on
long and steep downhill gradients, especially if
the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effect of the
engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that there is
a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically. Without your intervention, Dis-
tance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot prevent a colli-
sion. An intermittent warning tone will then
sound and the distance warning lamp will light
up in the instrument cluster. Brake immediately
in order to increase the distance to the vehicle in front or take evasive action provided it is safe to
do so.
For Distance Pilot DISTRONIC to assist you
when driving, the radar sensor system must be
operational.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ope rates in the range
b etween 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph
(200 km/h).
Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC while driv-
ing on roads with steep gradients.
Since Distance Pilot DISTRONIC transmits radar
waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of
the responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as
a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor
is intended for use in an automotive radar
system only. Removing, tampering with, or
altering the device will void any warranties,
and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tam-
per with, alter, or use in any non-approved
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Do not tamper with, alter or use in any non-
appro ved w ay.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not react to: R
people or animals R
stationary objects on the road, e.g. stopped
or parked vehicles R
oncoming vehicles and crossing traffic176
Driving system s
Dr ivi ng an d parking

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