2012 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

! The water depth must not exceed 20 in

(50 cm). Note that the possible fording depth is less in flowing water.

i You may only drive through freshwater. RObserve the safety notes (Y page 134) and the general notes (Y page 135) on off-road driving.

REstablish how deep the water is and the

characteristics of the body of water before fording.

RSwitch off the auxiliary heating and the air-

conditioning system.

RShift the transfer case to

LOW (Y page 145).

REngage the differential locks, if necessary

RRestrict the shift range to 1 or 2

(Y page 148).

(Y page 121).

RAvoid high engine speeds. REnter and exit the water at a flat place and

at a steady walking pace.

! Under no circumstances should you

accelerate before entering the water. The bow wave could cause water to enter and damage the engine and other assemblies. RDrive slowly and at an even speed through

the water.

RDo not stop and do not switch off the

engine.

! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while fording. Otherwise, water could get into the vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's electronics and interior equipment.

RWater offers a high degree of resistance,

and the ground is slippery and in some cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and dangerous to pull away in the water.

REnsure that a bow wave does not form as

you drive.

RClean any mud from the tire tread after

fording.

RApply the brakes to dry them after fording.

134 Driving tips

Winter driving General notes G WARNING If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow, ensure that snow is kept away from the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as long as the engine is running. Otherwise, poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness and even death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind.

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter. Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 244).

Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 244).

Slippery road surfaces G WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. G WARNING On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of control loss. Do not engage the transfer case in position LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle

steering is adversely affected by the Off-road ABS.

Drive particularly carefully on slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control. If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed: X Shift the transmission to position N. X Try to bring the vehicle under control using

corrective steering.

i For more information on driving with

snow chains, see (Y page 245). G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.

Off-road driving Important safety notes G WARNING Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other abrasive materials can enter the brake system. This can lead to excessive wear and unpredictable braking efficiency. After the brakes have been exposed to dirty conditions, have them checked and cleaned at a qualified specialist workshop. Otherwise, there is a risk that braking power may be insufficient in the event of an emergency, or that the braking effect may be unpredictable. G WARNING Do not load items on the basic carrier bars. It may cause instability during some maneuvers which could result in an accident. Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will make it easier to recognize unexpected obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle. To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle

cannot complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear. Do not drive along the side of a slope. The vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing so the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity (straight up or downhill). Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle. You may lose control of the vehicle if you use only the service brake. For information on driving downhill, see "Driving downhill". G WARNING Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure before driving through sand. However, if you do so, remember to correct the tire inflation pressure before continuing your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation pressure increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and rolling over.

General notes Read this section carefully before driving your vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more gentle off-road terrain first. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your vehicle and the gear shift operation before driving through difficult terrain. The following driving systems are specially adapted to off-road driving: R4ETS (Y page 56) Rtransfer case (Y page 145) Rdifferential locks (Y page 148) Observe the following notes: Rstop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW (Y page 145) before driving off-road.

Rengage the differential locks, if necessary

(Y page 148).

i ABS, 4ETS, ESP® and BAS are deactivated when the differential locks are activated. This allows the front wheels to lock briefly, so that these can dig into a loose surface.

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135

However, please note that locked wheels skid and can no longer steer.

RCheck that items of luggage and loads are

stowed safely and are well secured (Y page 192).

RMake sure there is always sufficient ground

clearance to prevent damage to the vehicle.

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear

when driving on a downhill gradient.

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear

when driving on a slope.

RDrive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a

walking pace.

REnsure that the wheels are in contact with

the ground at all times.

RDrive with extreme care on unknown off-

road routes where visibility is poor. For safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first and survey the off-road route.

RCheck the depth of water before fording

rivers and streams.

RWhen fording, do not stop and do not

switch off the engine.

RLook out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,

tree stumps and furrows.

RAlways keep the doors, rear door, side windows and the sliding sunroof closed while the vehicle is in motion.

RSwitch off cruise control. RDo not stray from marked routes or paths. RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher, steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower your speed should be. RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not form as you drive.

ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig itself into the sand.

RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will

interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.

136 Driving tips

RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at

appropriate engine speeds (maximum 3000 rpm).

RDo not shift the automatic transmission to

transmission position N.

RAlways check the vehicle for damage after

off-road driving.

i Information about retrofitting special all-

terrain tires is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. H Environmental note Protection of the environment is of primary importance. Treat nature with respect. Observe all prohibiting signs.

Checklist before driving off-road X Engine oil level: check the engine oil level

and add oil if necessary. Only then does the engine receive enough oil when the vehicle is standing on a steep incline.

! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up

while the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Check the engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp warning must not be ignored. Continuing the journey while the symbol is displayed could lead to engine damage. X Wheel-changing tool kit: check that the jack is working and make sure you have the lug wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding spade in the vehicle.

X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread

depth and tire pressure.

X Check for damage and remove any foreign

objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/tires.

X Replace any missing valve caps. X Replace dented or damaged wheels. X Carry a sound spare wheel.

Checklist after driving off-road G WARNING If you notice sudden significant vibrations or unusual handling performance or if you suspect that damage has occurred to the vehicle, you should activate the hazard warning lamps, gently reduce speed and carefully head for an area that is located at a safe distance from the road. Check the tires and the underside of the vehicle for damage. If the vehicle seems unsafe, have the vehicle towed away to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer to be repaired.

Driving over rough terrain places greater demands on your vehicle than driving on normal roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and other road users. X Shift the transfer case to HIGH

X Disengage the differential locks

(Y page 145).

(Y page 148).

X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and

check for damage.

X Clean the front and rear license plates. X Clean the wheels and tires with a water jet

and remove any foreign objects.

X Clean the wheels, tires, wheel arches and

the vehicle underside with a water jet; check for any foreign objects and damage.

X Check whether twigs or other parts of

plants have become trapped. These increase the risk of fire and can damage fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bellows of the axle joints and propeller shafts.

X After the trip, examine without fail the

entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes, bodywork structure, steering, chassis and exhaust system for damage.

X After driving for extended periods across sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty conditions, have the brake discs, wheels, brake pads/linings and axle joints checked and cleaned.

X If you notice strong vibrations after off-road

driving, check for foreign objects in the wheels and drive train and, if necessary, remove them. Foreign objects can disturb the balance and cause vibrations.

X Test the brakes.

Driving on sand G WARNING Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure before driving through sand. However, if you do so, remember to correct the tire inflation pressure before continuing your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation pressure increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and rolling over.

Observe the following rules when driving on sand: Rshift the transfer case to

LOW (Y page 145).

Ravoid high engine speeds. Rlimit the shift range of the automatic

transmission according to the off-road conditions.

Rdrive quickly to overcome the rolling

resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig itself into the sand.

Rdrive in the tracks of other vehicles if

possible. Make sure that the ruts are not too deep, that the sand is firm enough and that your vehicle has sufficient ground clearance.

Tire ruts and gravel roads Observe the following rules when driving along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with loose gravel:

Driving tips

137

! Check that the ruts are not too deep and that your vehicle has sufficient clearance. Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or bottom out and get stuck.

Rshift the transfer case to

LOW (Y page 145).

Ravoid high engine speeds. Robserve the safety notes (Y page 134) and the general notes (Y page 135) on off-road driving.

Rrestrict the shift range of the automatic

transmission to 1 (Y page 121).

Rdrive slowly. Rwhere ruts are too deep, drive with the wheels of one side on the center grassy area, if possible.

Driving over obstacles

! Obstacles could damage the floor of the vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask passengers for guidance when driving over large obstacles. The passenger should always keep a safe distance from the vehicle when doing so in order to avoid injury as a result of unexpected vehicle movements. After driving off-road or over obstacles, check the vehicle for possible damage, especially to the underbody and the components of the chassis.

Observe the following rules when driving over tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:

138 Driving tips

Robserve the safety notes (Y page 134) and the general notes (Y page 135) on off-road driving.

Rshift the transfer case to

LOW (Y page 145).

Ravoid high engine speeds. Rselect shift range 1 (Y page 121). Rmake sure that you have enough ground

clearance before driving across an obstacle.

Rdrive very slowly. Rtry to drive straight over the center of obstacles: front wheel first, then rear wheel.

! Drive with particular care when driving over an obstacle while driving up or down a steep slope. The vehicle could otherwise tilt and slide sideways or tip over.

Traveling uphill Approach/departure angle

: Approach/departure angle, front ; Approach/departure angle, rear

G 550
G 55 AMG

: ; 31° 37° 33° 28°

RObserve the safety notes (Y page 134) and the general notes (Y page 135) on off-road driving.

RDo not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines or gradients, but instead follow the direct line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing capability of your vehicle is 80%, which corresponds to an approach/departure angle of 38°. Note that the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability depends on the off-road conditions.

RBefore driving on extreme uphill and

downhill gradients, shift the transfer case to LOW (Y page 145).

REngage the differential locks, if necessary

(Y page 148). RDrive slowly. RAccelerate gently and make sure that the

wheels are gripping.

RAvoid high engine speeds, except when driving on sandy and muddy routes with high driving resistance.

RAvoid high engine speeds – drive at

appropriate engine speeds (no more than 3000 rpm).

RUse the braking power of the engine when driving down a slope. Observe the engine speed; do not overrev the engine.

i Further information on the maximum

engine speed can be found in the "Tachometer" and "Technical data" sections.

RSelect a shift range appropriate to the

gradient.

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

select shift range 1 (Y page 121).

RCheck the brakes after driving off-road for

a long time. G WARNING Never turn the vehicle around on steep inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear.

i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling

away on a hill. For further information, see "Hill start assist" (Y page 117).

Maximum gradient-climbing capability On good road surface conditions, the maximum gradient-climbing capability is 80%, which corresponds to an approach/ departure angle of 38°. Note that the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability depends on the off-road conditions. Accelerate carefully and make sure that the wheels do not spin when driving on steep terrain. i If the load on the front axle is reduced

when pulling away on a steep uphill slope, the front wheels have a tendency to spin. 4ETS detects this and brakes the wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque is increased, making it easier to drive off.

Brow of hill When driving on an uphill gradient, reduce pressure slightly on the accelerator immediately before reaching the top of the hill (do not shift the transmission to position N). Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive over the top of the hill. This style of driving prevents: Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the

brow of a hill

Rloss of traction Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down

the other side

Driving downhill RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

select shift range 1 (Y page 121). This way you use the engine's braking effect to reduce the speed. If this is not sufficient, brake gently. When doing so,

Driving systems

139

make sure that the vehicle is facing in the direction of the line of fall.

RObserve the notes on driving in

mountainous terrain (Y page 139).

RDrive slowly. RDo not drive at an angle down steep

inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive with the front wheels aligned straight. Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and roll over.

RCheck that the brakes are working normally

after a long downhill stretch.

i The special off-road ABS(Y page 54) enables accurate, brief and repeated locking of the front wheels, causing them to dig into the loose ground. Note that when the front wheels are fully braked, they slide easily over the surface of the ground, making it difficult to steer.

Driving systems Cruise control Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can set any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h). G WARNING The cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always

140 Driving systems

remain responsible for the vehicle's speed and for safe brake operation. Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic, and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. RThe use of the cruise control can be

dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.

RThe use of the cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

RDeactivate the cruise control when driving

in fog.

The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Cruise control lever

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; To store the current speed or a lower

speed

= To deactivate cruise control ? To call up the last speed stored When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds.

Storing and maintaining the current speed You can store the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h). X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired

speed.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ;.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Cruise control is activated. The vehicle automatically maintains the stored speed. i Cruise control may be unable to maintain

the stored speed on uphill and downhill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient levels out.

Calling up the last speed stored G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Cruise control is activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored.

Setting a speed G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments. Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and unexpected acceleration or deceleration

Driving systems

141

of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored.

i Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.

Making adjustments in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise control: X Briefly press the cruise control lever

forwards =.

or X Brake. Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: Ryou apply the parking brake. Ryou are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h). RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®. Ryou shift the transmission to position N

while driving.

i The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) 4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are permanently driven. Together with ESP® and 4ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip. G WARNING If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient traction: RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as

possible.

RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator

pedal.

RAdapt your speed and driving style to the

prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

! Never tow the vehicle with one axle

raised. This may damage the transfer case. Damage of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must remain either on the ground or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full contact with the ground.

i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum

effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains if necessary.

! When testing the parking brake, operate the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer. When doing this, turn the SmartKey to position 0 or 1 in the ignition. Failure to do this can cause damage to the drive train or the brake system.

! Function or performance tests may only be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

142 Driving systems

beforehand. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system.

Information about driving off-road (Y page 134).

Ultrasonic backing-up aid Important safety notes G WARNING The ultrasonic backing up aid is only designed to assist you and may not detect all obstacles. It is not a substitute for paying attention. You are always responsible for safety and must continue to pay attention to your immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering. Otherwise, you could endanger yourself and others. G WARNING Make sure that no persons or animals are in the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they could be injured.

The ultrasonic backing up aid is an electronic parking aid. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between the rear area of your vehicle and an object. The ultrasonic backing up aid is activated automatically when you switch on the ignition and engage reverse gear. The ultrasonic backing up aid monitors the rear area of your vehicle using four sensors in the rear bumper.

Range of the sensors The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and slush; otherwise they may not function correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch or damage them (Y page 220).

Side view

Top view Sensors

Center

Corners

Approx. 59 in (approx. 150 cm) Approximately 40 in (approximately 100 cm)

! When parking, pay particular attention to objects above or below the sensors, such as flower pots or trailer towbars. The ultrasonic backing up aid does not detect such objects when they are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or the objects. Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, the compressed air-brakes on a

: Sensors in the rear bumper

Driving systems

143

From the: Rfourth segment you will hear an

intermittent warning tone

Rfifth segment you will hear a faster

intermittent warning tone

Rsixth segment you will hear a very fast

intermittent warning tone. This indicates that you have now reached the minimum distance.

truck or a pneumatic drill could cause the ultrasonic backing up aid to malfunction.

Minimum distance

Center

Corners

Approximately 8 in (approximately 20 cm) Approximately 8 in (approximately 20 cm)

If there is an obstacle within this range, all warning displays flash and a warning tone sounds. If the distance falls below the minimum, the distance may no longer be shown.

Warning displays The warning display shows the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display is in the rear compartment next to the rear door.

The warning display is divided into four yellow and two red segments :. The ultrasonic backing up aid is ready for use when you hear a warning tone and segment ; lights up briefly. One or more segments : light up as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending on the distance from the obstacle.

144 Driving systems

Problems with the ultrasonic backing-up aid

Problem You hear a warning signal when backing up.

You hear a warning tone when backing up or you do not hear a warning tone and none of the segments light up.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The ultrasonic backing up aid sensors are dirty or there is interference. X Clean the ultrasonic backing up aid sensors (Y page 220). X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultrasound waves. The ultrasonic backing up aid is switched off. X See if the ultrasonic backing up aid functions in a different

location.

The ultrasonic backing up aid has malfunctioned and has switched itself off. X Have the ultrasonic backing up aid checked at a qualified

specialist workshop as soon as possible.

Rear view camera Important safety notes The rear view camera is an optical parking aid. It shows the area behind your vehicle in the COMAND display. G WARNING Make sure that no persons or animals are in the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they could be injured.

The rear view camera is in the tailgate above the rear window wiper.

: Rear view camera

View through the camera The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a mirror-inverted manner, as in the rear-view mirror. G WARNING The rear view camera is only an aid and may show a distorted view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all. The rear view camera is not a substitute for paying attention. The camera cannot show objects in the following areas:

Off-road driving systems

145

separate operating instructions for COMAND).

X Engage reverse gear.

The area behind the vehicle is shown in the COMAND display.

Off-road driving systems Transfer case General information The vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive. Power is always transmitted to both axles. For further information on driving off-road, see (Y page 134).

Rvery close to the rear bumper Runder the rear bumper Runder the spare wheel Rbehind and close to the spare wheel You are always responsible for safety and must continue to pay attention to your immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering. This applies to the areas behind, in front of and beside the vehicle. Otherwise, you could endanger yourself and others. G WARNING Under the following circumstances, the rear view camera will not function, or will function in a limited manner: Rthe tailgate is open Rin heavy rain, snow or fog Rat night or in very dark places Rif the camera is exposed to very bright light Rif the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED

lighting (the display may flicker)

Rif there is a sudden change in temperature,

e.g. when driving into a heated garage in winter

Rif the camera lens is dirty or obstructed Rif the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this event, have the camera position and setting checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Do not use the rear view camera in these types of situation. You could otherwise injure others or damage objects and your vehicle while you are parking.

Activating the rear view camera X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position

2 in the ignition lock.

X Make sure that the "rear view camera"

function is selected in COMAND (see the

146 Off-road driving systems

Shift ranges

HIGH Position for all normal on-road driving conditions. LOW Low-range position for driving off- road. Also for use on steep uphill or downhill gradients, especially when towing a trailer. ! When the transfer case is in the

off-road driving position LOW range, the automatic transmission does not shift up, even when the engine has reached the overrevving limit. There is then a risk of engine damage. Make sure that you do not exceed the maximum permissible engine speed.

The vehicle travels around half the speed of on-road driving range HIGH. The tractive power is correspondingly higher. Neutral Neutral position. No power is transmitted to the drive wheels.

Shifting the transfer case General information G WARNING If you do not wait for the gear change process to complete, it may not be correctly implemented. The transfer case may then be in neutral and the power transmission between the engine and the drive axles may be disengaged. The vehicle can then move freely, even if a gear is engaged, and may inadvertently start moving, particularly if it is on a slope. There is therefore a risk of an accident.

Always wait for the gear change process from HIGH to LOW and from LOW to HIGH to complete. Do not turn off the engine while changing gear and do not shift the automatic transmission to another gear. Observe the relevant messages in the multifunction display.

: Current shift range ; Current transfer case position Current shift range : and transfer case position ; are shown in the instrument cluster multifunction display. The switch for the transfer case is on the lower section of the center console.

Transfer case switch From HIGH to LOW ! Only carry out the gear selection if:

Rthe engine is running. Rthe vehicle is rolling.

Rthe automatic transmission is in selector

lever position N.

Ryou are driving no faster than 25 mph

(40 km/h).

You could otherwise damage the transfer case.

X Push the transfer case switch to LOW. When the shift procedure is complete, the L transfer case position appears in the multifunction display.

X Shift the transmission to position D. From LOW to HIGH ! Only carry out the gear selection if:

Rthe engine is running. Rthe vehicle is rolling. Rthe automatic transmission is in selector

lever position N.

Ryou are driving no faster than 43 mph

(70 km/h).

You could otherwise damage the transfer case.

X Push the transfer case switch to HIGH. When the shift procedure is complete, the H transfer case position appears in the multifunction display.

If the gear change is not completed, the following messages could appear in the display: RTC shift conditions not fulfilled You have not met one or more shift conditions. RTC in neutral The transfer case has canceled the gear change process and is in N. The N transfer case position appears in the multifunction display. G WARNING If the transfer case is in Neutral, the park position P of the automatic transmission will

Off-road driving systems

147

not hold the vehicle. The parking brake must be engaged to hold the vehicle in place. RTC shift procedure canceled The transfer case has not performed the gear change process.

X Carry out the gear change process again.

Make sure to meet all conditions for changing gears. RTransfer case Consult workshop There is a malfunction in the transfer case.

X Do not shift the transfer case. X Have the vehicle checked as soon as

possible at a qualified specialist workshop.

Shifting to neutral G WARNING If the transfer case is in Neutral, the park position P of the automatic transmission will not hold the vehicle. The parking brake must be engaged to hold the vehicle in place.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

X Apply the parking brake. X Depress the brake pedal. X Move the selector lever to position N (Y page 120).

X Push the transfer case switch to LOW for

about 30 seconds. When the shift procedure is complete, the N transfer case position appears in the multifunction display.

i If the transfer case is in N, the SmartKey is in the ignition lock and you open the driver's door, the TC in neutral message appears in the multifunction display. If you then release the parking brake, a warning tone will sound.

148 Off-road driving systems

Differential locks General information Differential locks improve the traction of the vehicle. G WARNING Never drive on firm road surfaces with differential locks engaged. Never drive on narrow bends with front-axle differential locks engaged. With differential locks engaged, the vehicle's ability to steer is severely restricted and the danger of accidents is therefore higher. Do not engage or disengage differential locks while driving on a bend. The vehicle may otherwise make a jerking movement. You could thus lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. If you select a differential lock, ABS, 4ETS, ESP® and BAS will be deactivated.

Your vehicle is equipped with a differential lock for: Rthe transfer case: this controls the balance

between the front and rear axles.

Rthe rear axle: this controls the balance between the wheels on the rear axle.

Rthe front axle: this controls the balance between the wheels on the front axle.

! In order to avoid damage to the transfer

case, you must operate the vehicle on a dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) only if: Rthe axle not driven on is jacked up

or

Rthe corresponding propeller shaft is

disconnected and

Rthe differential lock of the transfer case

is engaged.

Otherwise, the transfer case can be damaged.

Information about differentials and differential locks When the vehicle drives around a corner, the wheels on the outside of the bend must cover a greater distance. Therefore, the wheels turn more rapidly than on the inside. The differential, a transmission in the drivetrain, balances out the different rotational speeds and therefore enables driving through bends. The disadvantage of a differential is that more power is transferred to the wheels that have the least grip. Example: a wheel on a driven axle stands on snow-covered ground and thus has no traction. This wheel receives the strongest driving power from the differential, as the force progression takes the path of least resistance. The opposite wheel on this axle, however, which stands on firm ground and could therefore allow propulsion, receives no driving power. 4ETS eliminates this disadvantage. It provides good steerability by automatically braking the spinning wheel. As a result, 4ETS directs more driving power to the wheel standing on firm ground, which is therefore able to provide propulsion. ESP® and 4ETS are traction systems that are ideal for road driving and suitable for light off- road driving. Off-road gear LOW likewise improves off-road capabilities. Moreover, the more difficult conditions in off- road driving require further measures such as locking one or several differentials. Your vehicle is equipped with three differential locks: Ra central differential lock for the transfer

case,

Ra differential lock for the front axle and Ra differential lock for the rear axle. Each differential lock can be engaged with the respective switch on the center console. When the central differential lock for the transfer case is locked, the speed of the front wheels is equal to that of the rear wheels. When the differential for the rear axle is locked, both rear wheels turn equally fast,

independent of their respective torques. Keep in mind that by engaging the differential locks, vehicle steerability is severely restricted. For your own safety, the safety of others and to prevent damage to your vehicle, the differential locks must not be activated on paved roads. Keep in mind that when driving on firm road surfaces, the function of the differentials is necessary and therefore they must never be locked on firm road surfaces. The steerability of the vehicle would otherwise be lost and steering would no longer be possible. For this reason, the differential locks must be engaged exclusively during off-road driving, and only when activating the other driving systems (4ETS, ESP® and LOW range off-road gear) is no longer sufficient.

Activating the differential lock General information G WARNING Never drive on firm road surfaces with differential locks engaged. Never drive on narrow bends with front-axle differential locks engaged. With differential locks engaged, the vehicle's ability to steer is severely restricted and the danger of accidents is therefore higher. Do not engage or disengage differential locks while driving on a bend. The vehicle may otherwise make a jerking movement. You could thus lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. If you select a differential lock, ABS, 4ETS, ESP® and BAS will be deactivated.

Activate the differential locks: Roff-road Rto deactivate ABS, 4ETS, ESP® and BAS

while off-road Rwhen fording For further information on driving off-road, see (Y page 134).

Off-road driving systems

149

The switches are located on the center console.

: Function indicator lamps (red) ; Differential lock for the front axle = Differential lock for the transfer case ? Differential lock for the rear axle A Activation indicator lamps (yellow)

! Only activate the differential locks when:

Ryou are driving at walking pace. Rthe driven wheels are not spinning. Ryou are not driving on a firm road surface. i You can only engage the differential locks when the transfer case is in LOW range off- road gear (Y page 145).

i You can activate the differential locks in

the following order =, ?, ;.

Differential lock for the transfer case X To engage: switch the transfer case to off-

road gear LOW(Y page 145).

X Press switch =.

The yellow activation indicator lamp under switch = lights up when the transfer case is in off-road gear LOW. The å warning lamp in the instrument panel lights up. The red function indicator lamp above switch = lights up when the differential is locked. In the multifunction display you see the:

150 Off-road driving systems

multifunction display and the å, ! and ÷ warning lamps in the instrument cluster go out.

X Switch the transfer case to road gear

HIGH(Y page 145).

i If red function indicator lamps : do not go out when you disengage the differential locks, bring the vehicle to a stop, while paying attention to road and traffic conditions, then begin driving again. The load change can disengage the differential locks. G WARNING Always remember to disengage the differential locks when returning to drive on paved roads, see "A few words about differentials and differential locks".

ABS not available Differential Locked message. The å!÷ warning lamps light up in the instrument cluster. The differential lock for the transfer case is engaged. 4ETS, ESP®, BAS and ABS are deactivated.

The vehicle's ability to steer is severely restricted. Drive carefully and accelerate gently for optimum traction. i You can now engage differential lock for the rear axle ? and differential lock for the front axle ; as desired.

Differential lock for the rear axle X To engage: press switch ?.

First, the yellow activation indicator lamp lights up, followed by the red function indicator lamp. The differential lock for the rear axle is engaged.

Differential lock for the front axle X To engage: press switch ;.

First, the yellow activation indicator lamp lights up, followed by the red function indicator lamp. The differential lock for the front axle is engaged.

Deactivating the differential lock You can deactivate the differential locks in the reverse order: ;, ?, =. X To simultaneously deactivate all differential locks: press switch =. Yellow activation indicator lamps A go out. Red function indicator lamps : go out once the differential locks have disengaged. After approximately three seconds of normal driving, ABS, 4ETS, ESP® and BAS are activated. The ABS not available Differential Locked message disappears from the

Useful information ............................ 152
Important safety notes .................... 152
Displays and operation .................... 152
Menus and submenus ...................... 155
Display messages ............................. 165
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ............................ 178

151

152 Displays and operation

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 20).

Important safety notes

You will find an illustration of the instrument cluster in the "At a glance" section (Y page 25). G WARNING A driver's attention to the road and traffic conditions must always be his/her primary focus when driving. For your safety and the safety of others, selecting features through the multifunction steering wheel should only be done by the driver when traffic and road conditions permit it to be done safely. Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every second. G WARNING No messages will be displayed if either the instrument cluster or the multifunction display is inoperative. As a result, you will not be able to see information about your driving conditions, such as Rspeed Routside temperature Rwarning/indicator lamps

Rmalfunction/warning messages Rfailure of any systems Driving characteristics may be impaired. If you must continue to drive, do so with added caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center as soon as possible. G WARNING Malfunction and warning messages are only displayed for certain systems and are intentionally not very detailed. The malfunction and warning messages are simply a reminder with respect to the operation of certain systems. They do not replace the owner's and/or driver's responsibility to maintain the vehicle's operating safety. Have all required maintenance services and safety checks performed on the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to address the malfunction and warning messages.

Displays and operation Tachometer The red band in the tachometer indicates the engine's overrevving range. ! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as

this could damage the engine.

The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine when the red band is reached.

Displaying the coolant temperature G WARNING Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned. Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening

Displays and operation 153

the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.

The coolant temperature gauge is in the instrument cluster on the left-hand side. Under normal driving conditions, with the correct anti-corrosion and antifreeze additive concentration, the reading may rise to 248 ‡(120 †). ! If the coolant temperature exceeds

248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will otherwise be damaged.

Outside temperature display The outside temperature display is in the multifunction display (Y page 154). G WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges.

Changes in the outside temperature are displayed after a short delay.

Operating the on-board computer The on-board computer is activated as soon as you turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the ignition lock. You can control the multifunction display and the settings in the on-board computer using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

: Multifunction display

; WX

Selects submenus in the Settings menu Changes values Adjusts the volume

= ~

Rejects or ends a call Exits phone book/redial memory Makes or accepts a call Switches to the redial memory

? VU

Selects a menu: scrolls back and forth

154 Displays and operation

For further information on displaying the transmission position, see (Y page 120).

A &*

Press briefly: Scrolls back and forth within a menu In the Audio menu: selects a stored station, an audio track or a video scene In the Telephone menu: switches to the phone book and selects a name or a telephone number

&* Press and hold: In the Audio menu: selects the previous/next station or selects an audio track using rapid scrolling In the Telephone menu: starts rapid scrolling through the phone book

Multifunction display To activate the multifunction display: Rswitch on the ignition. Rswitch on the lights. Ropen the door. Rpress the reset button on the instrument

cluster.

The multifunction display shows you values and settings as well as possible messages.

: Display area for menus or submenus ; Status bar with outside temperature or

speed (Y page 159)

= Transfer case position ? Selector lever position/shift range

Menus and submenus

155

Menus and submenus Overview of menus The number of menus shown depends on the optional equipment in the vehicle.

Function Standard display menu (Y page 156) Rtire pressure monitor (Y page 249) Rservice interval display (Y page 215) RG 55 AMG: oil level (Y page 211) Audio menu (Y page 156) Navigation menu (Y page 158) Message memory9 menu (Y page 165) Settings menu (Y page 158) Trip computer menu (Y page 162) Telephone menu (Y page 163)

9 The menu is only visible when there is a display message.

156 Menus and submenus

Standard display menu Standard display X Press the V or U button on the steering wheel to select the standard display.

Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges.

Standard display : Trip odometer ; Odometer You can select the following functions in the Standard display menu using the & or * button: Rtire pressure monitor (Y page 249) Rdigital speedometer or outside

temperature (Y page 156)

RService display (Y page 215) RG 55 AMG: oil level (Y page 211) X To reset the trip odometer: press and hold the reset button in the instrument cluster until the trip odometer is reset.

Displaying the digital speedometer or outside temperature If you have selected the digital speedometer as the status line (Y page 159), the outside temperature is displayed here10. G WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device