suspension MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2018 Owners Manual

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

AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 191
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 207
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 209
Cruise control ................................ 174
Display message ............................ 265
Driving Assistance Plus package ... 213
HOLD function ............................... 187
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 211
Level control (vehicle with the Off-
Road Engineering package) ........... 184
Rear view camera .......................... 199
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 208
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 150
Brakes ........................................... 166
Break-in period .............................. 139
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 182
Downhill gradient ........................... 166
Drinking and driving ....................... 165
Driving in winter ............................. 169
Driving on flooded roads ................ 168
Driving on sand .............................. 172
Driving on wet roads ...................... 168
Driving over obstacles ................... 173
Exhaust check ............................... 165
Fuel ................................................ 164
General .......................................... 164
Hydroplaning ................................. 168
Icy road surfaces ........................... 169
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 167
Off-road driving .............................. 170
Off-road fording ............................. 169
Snow chains .................................. 356
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 139
Tire ruts ......................................... 172
Towing a trailer .............................. 225
Traveling uphill ............................... 173
Wet road surface ........................... 167
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 267
Function/notes ............................. 218
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 239
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292 DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Automatic transmission ................. 147
E EASY-ENTRY feature
Activating/deactivating ................. 244
Function/notes ............................. 109
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 110
Function/notes ............................. 109
Switching on/off ........................... 244
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 251
Function/notes ................................ 72
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 165
On-board computer ....................... 237
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 145
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 144
Deactivating/activating ................. 145
General information ....................... 144
Important safety notes .................. 144
Introduction ................................... 144
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 59
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 84
Vehicle ............................................. 84
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 380
Important safety notes .................. 380
Removing ....................................... 381
Storage location ............................ 381
Stowing .......................................... 381
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 56
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 88
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 28
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 28810
Index

Opening/closing .............................. 93
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 96
Resetting ......................................... 94
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 80
Changing the programming ............ .7 9
Checking the battery ...................... .8 0
Convenience closing feature ............ 91
Convenience opening feature .......... 90
Dis play message ............................ 278
Door central locking/unlocking ...... .7 7
Important safety notes .................... 77
KEYLESS-GO start function .............. 79
Loss ................................................ .8 1
Mechanical key ................................ 79
Overview .......................................... 77
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 140
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 81
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Smartphone
Starting the engine ........................ 142
SMS
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Snow chains
Information .................................... 356
Sockets
Center console .............................. 312
General notes ................................ 312
Luggage compartment .................. .3 13
Rear compartment ......................... 312
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 293
Special seat belt retractor .................. 60
Specialist workshop ............................ 31
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 237
In the Instru ment
cluster ................. 37
Segments ...................................... 233
Selecting the display unit .............. .2 43
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Switching on/off ........................... 116 Start/Stop button
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 141
STEER CONTROL .................................. 75
Steering
Display message ............................ 277
Steering Pilot
Activating/deactivating ................. 241
Display message ............................ 271
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 109
Adjusting (manually) ...................... 108
Button overview ............................... 38
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 234
Cleaning ......................................... 336
Important safety notes .................. 108
Steering wheel heating .................. 109
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 113
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 109
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 152
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 246
Stowage areas ................................... 300
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 301
Center console .............................. 302
Center console (rear) ..................... 302
Cup holders ................................... 308
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 302
Glove box ....................................... 301
Important safety information ......... 300
Stowage net ................................... 302
Stowage net ....................................... 302
Summer tires
In winter ........................................ 356
Sun visor ............................................ 310
Suspension setting
AIRMATIC ...................................... 188
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 191
Suspension tuning
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 24620
Index

to detect and rectify malfunctions and to opti-
mize vehicle functions. Most of these data are
volatile and processed only in the vehicle itself.
Only a small part of the data is stored in event or
malfunction memories.
When you use services, the technical data from
the vehicle can be read out by service network
employees or third parties. Services can include
repair services, maintenance processes, war-
ranty cases and quality assurance measures.
The data is read out via the legally prescribed
diagnostics connection in the vehicle. The rele-
vant offices in the service network or third par-
ties collect, process and use the data. These
data document the vehicle's technical states,
are used to help in finding malfunctions and
improving quality and are sent to the manufac-
turer where necessary. In addition, the manu-
facturer is subject to product liability. The man-
ufacturer needs technical data from vehicles for
this purpose.
Malfunction memories in the vehicle can be
reset by a service center during repair or service
work.
You can incorporate data into the vehicle's com-
fort and infotainment functions yourself as part
of the s elected equipment.
T
hese include, for example: R
multimedia data such as music, films or pho-
tos for playback in an integrated multimedia
system R
address book data for use in conjunction with
an integrated hands-free system or an inte-
grated navigation system R
navigation destinations that have been
entered R
data about using Internet services
These data can be saved locally in the vehicle or
are located on a device that you have connected
to the vehicle. If this data is saved in the vehicle,
you can delete it at any time. These data are sent
to third parties only at your request, particularly
when you use online services in accordance with
the settings that you have selected.
You can save and change comfort settings/
customizations in the vehicle at any time.
Depending on the piece of equipment in ques-
tion, these can include, for example: R
seat and steering wheel position settings R
suspension and climate control settings R
custom settings such as interior lighting If your vehicle is equipped appropriately, you
can connect your smartphone or another mobile
end device to the vehicle. You can control this by
means of th e control elements integrated in the
ve
hicle. The smartphone's picture and sound
can be output via the multimedia system. Spe-
cific items of information are also sent to your
smartphone.
Depending on the type of integration, this can
include: R
general vehicle information R
position data
This allows the use of selected smartphone
apps, such as navigation or music player apps.
There is no additional interaction between the
smartphone and the vehicle, particularly active
access to vehicle data. The type of additional
data processing is determined by the provider of
the app being used. Whether you can configure
settings for it and, if so, which ones, depends on
the app and your smartphone's operating sys-
tem.
Service provider
Wireless network connection If your vehicle has a wireless network connec-
tion, data can be exchanged between your vehi-
cle and other systems. The wireless network
connection is made possible by the vehicle's
own transmitter and receiver or by mobile devi-
ces that you have brought into the vehicle (e.g.
smartphones). Online functions can be used via
this wireless network connection. These include
online services and applications/Apps provided
by the manufacturer or other providers.
Services provided by the manufacturer In the case of the manufacturer's online serv-
ices, the manufacturer describes the functions
in a suitable place and the associated informa-
tion subject to data protection legislation. Per-
sonal data can be used in order to provide online
services. The data exchange for this takes place
via a secure connection, e.g. with the manufac-
turer's IT systems intended for the purpose. Col-
lecting, processing and using personal data
beyond the provision of services is permitted
only on the basis of a statutory permit or decla-
ration of consent.Dat a stored in the vehicle 33
Introduction Z

Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration .X
Depress th e accelerato r pedal beyon d th e
pressur e point.
The automatic transmission shift s to a lower
gear depending on th e engin e speed.X
Eas e off th e accelerato r pedal once th e
desire d speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shift s bac k up.
Rocking the vehicle free Shifting bac k and forth between transmission
position s [ and ^ can help to free up th e
vehicl e if it get s stuck in mud or snow. The vehi-
cle's engin e managemen t system limits th e
speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h) when
shifting bac k and forth . To shift repeatedly
between transmission position s [ and ^ ,
mov e th e DIRECT SELECT lever up and down
past th e poin t of resistance.
Towing a trailer X
Drive in th e middle of th e engin e spee d range
on uphil l gradients .X
Dependin g on th e uphil l or downhill gradient,
use th e left-han d steering whee l paddl e
shifter ( Y
page 152) to select a lower gear ,
eve n if cruise control or Distanc e Pilo t
DISTRONI C are activated.
Drive programs
Slippery drive program The Slipper y drive progra m has th e followin g
characteristics :R
reduce d engin e and transmission setting s for
optimum propulsion on slipper y or snow-cov-
ere d roads.R
optimized ES P ®
stabilit y control on slipper y or
snow-covered roads. R
th e vehicl e has improved drivin g stabilit y on
slipper y or snow-covered roads, for example. Comfort drive program The Comfor t drive progra m has th e followin g
characteristics : R
comfort-oriented engin e and transmission
settings. R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from th e
automatic transmission shifting up sooner. R
th e vehicl e pullin g away mor e gentl y in
forward and revers e gears, unless th e accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully. R
th e automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This result s in th e vehicl e bein g driven
at lower engin e speeds and th e wheels bein g
less likely to spin .
Sp ort drive program The Sport drive progra m has th e followin g char-
acteristics : R
sport y engin e and transmission settings. R
th e automatic transmission shifting up later.
th e fuel consumption possibl y bein g higher as
a result of th e later automatic transmission
shift points . R
th e suspension exhibits sport y damping (vehi-
cle s wit h AIRMATIC) .
Drive program Sp ort Plus (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) The Sport Plu s drive progra m has th e followin g
characteristics : R
th e vehicl e exhibits particularly sport y drivin g
characteristics . R
th e vehicl e pullin g away in first gear .R
th e automatic transmission shifting up later.
th e fuel consumption possibl y bein g higher as
a result of th e later automatic transmission
shift points . R
th e suspension exhibits particularly fir m
springing and damping setting s (vehicles wit h
AIRMATIC) . R
th e ECO start/sto p function is deactivated, it
can , however , be activated again usin g th e
ECO butto n ( Y
page 145).Automatic transmission 15 1
Driving an d 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

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

Vehicles with a trailer coupled: below a speed
of 19 mph (30 km/h), you can choose between
the normal and raised vehicle level.
Setting the raised vehicle level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is not lit:X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D flashes while the vehicle is
being raised, and lights up continuously as
soon as the vehicle reaches the desired level.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the vehicle is raised by 2.4 in (60 mm)
compared to the normal level.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the vehicle is
raised by 2 in (50 mm) compared to the nor-
mal level.
The Vehicle Rising
message appears in the
multifunction display.
The message remains until the raised level is
reached.
If you press the 8 or v button on the
multifunction steering wheel, the message will
disappear.
The raised vehicle level setting is canceled in the
following cases: R
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): you are driving faster than 37 mph
(60 km/h). R
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: you are driving
faster than 43 mph (70 km/h). R
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: You drive for
approximately 20 seconds between 40 mph
(64 km/h) and 43 mph (70 km/h). R
You drive with a trailer at speeds greater than
19 mph (30 km/h).
The raised vehicle level remains saved when you
are not driving within these speed ranges. Setting the normal vehicle level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being lowered.
It could otherwise hit the ground, damaging
the underbody. X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is lit: X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D flashes while the vehicle is
being lowered, and goes out as soon as the
desired vehicle level is reached.
Vehicles with no trailer coupled: the vehi-
cle is adjusted to the height of the selected
drive program ( Y
page 147).
Vehicles with a trailer coupled: the ve hicle
i s adjusted to normal level regardless of the
drive program selected ( Y
page 147). The
vehicle remains at the normal level, even if the
drive program is changed.
During the adjustment, the Lowering mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
If you press the 8 or v button on the
multifunction steering wheel, the message will
disappear.
AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem
General notes The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface condition, e.g. bumps R
your individual selection of Sport, Sport+ or
Comfort
The suspension setting can be adjusted using
button C in the center console or the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller ( Y
page 147).
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, Comfort mode is
activated. For further information about starting
the engine, see ( Y
page 141).Driving systems 191
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