2013 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

Driving on wet roads Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if: Ryou drive at low speeds. Rthe tires have adequate tread depth. For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning may occur, you must drive in the following manner: Rlower your speed. Ravoid ruts. Rbrake carefully.

Driving on flooded roads ! Do not drive through flooded areas.

Check the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. This can damage the electronic components in the engine or the automatic transmission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage.

If you have to drive on stretches of road on which water has collected, please bear in mind that: Rthe maximum permissible fording depth in

still water is 24 in (60 cm)

Ryou should drive no faster than at walking

pace.

Off-road fording ! The water depth may not exceed a

maximum of 24 in (60 cm). Note that the possible fording depth is less in flowing water.

! 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.

! 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.

: Fording depth: 24 in (60 cm) The fording depth must not exceed 24 in (60 cm) when the vehicle is loaded and ready to drive. i You may only drive through fresh water. RObserve the safety notes (Y page 164) and the general notes (Y page 164) on off-road driving.

REstablish how deep the water is and the

characteristics of the body of water before fording.

RSwitch off the air-conditioning system. RShift the transfer case to LOW

RANGE(Y page 198).

REngage the differential locks, if necessary

RRestrict the shift range to 1 or

(Y page 201).

2(Y page 150).

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

at a steady walking pace.

RDrive slowly and at an even speed through

the water.

RDo not stop and do not switch off the

engine.

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. 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.

Winter driving General notes G DANGER If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle

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163

becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of fatal injury. If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area around the vehicle are clear of snow. To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not facing into the wind. G WARNING If snow chains are installed to the front wheels, they may drag against the vehicle body or chassis components. This could cause damage to the vehicle or the tires. There is a risk of an accident. To avoid hazardous situations: Rnever install snow chains to the front

wheels

Ralways install snow chains in pairs to the

rear wheels.

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter. Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 320).

Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 320).

Slippery road surfaces G WARNING If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface. G WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.

164 Driving tips

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 If you activate the LOW off-road gear while driving on a slippery road surface, the wheels may lose traction: Rif you remove your foot from the

accelerator pedal when driving

Rif off road ABS intervenes when braking If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no longer be steered. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Never activate the LOW off-road gear while driving on a slippery road surface.

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 321).

Off-road driving Important safety notes 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".

When driving off-road, sand, mud and water, possibly mixed with oil, for example, could get into the brakes. This could result in a reduced braking effect or in total brake failure and also in increased wear and tear. The braking characteristics change depending on the material ingressing the brakes. Clean the brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a reduced braking effect or grinding noises, have the brake system checked in a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. Adapt your driving style to the different braking characteristics. Driving off-road increases the likelihood of damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead to failure of the mechanical assembly or systems. Adapt your driving style to suit the terrain conditions. Drive carefully. Have damage to the vehicle rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

General notes H Environmental note Protection of the environment is of primary importance. Treat nature with respect. Observe all prohibiting signs.

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 62) RTransfer case (Y page 198) RDifferential locks (Y page 201) Observe the following notes: Rstop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the

transfer case to LOW RANGE(Y page 199) before driving off- road.

RAMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case to

LOW RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/ stop function (Y page 142).

Rengage the differential locks, if necessary

(Y page 201)

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. 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 267).

RTo avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure there is always sufficient ground clearance. 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.

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165

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. RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at

appropriate engine speeds (maximum 3,000 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 qualified specialist workshop.

i Do not use the HOLD function when

driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on such surfaces.

Checklist before driving off-road ! 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.

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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.

X Tire-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 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

RANGE(Y page 199).

X Disengage the differential locks

(Y page 201).

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 housings 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 Observe the following rules when driving on sand: RShift the transfer case to LOW

RANGE(Y page 199).

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 ! 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.

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

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167

RObserve the safety notes (Y page 164) and the general notes (Y page 164) on off-road driving.

RShift the transfer case to LOW

RANGE(Y page 199).

RAvoid high engine speeds. RRestrict the shift range to 1(Y page 150). 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.

Traveling uphill Approach/departure angle G WARNING If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a risk of an accident. Always drive on a steep incline in the line of fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the vehicle.

RShift the transfer case to LOW

RANGE(Y page 199).

RAvoid high engine speeds. RObserve the safety notes (Y page 164) and the general notes (Y page 164) on off-road driving.

RRestrict the shift range of the automatic

transmission to 1(Y page 150).

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.

! 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.

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

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G 550
G 63 AMG

34° Value not available at the time of going to print.

29° Value not available at the time of going to print.

RObserve the safety notes (Y page 164) and the general notes (Y page 164) 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 RANGE(Y page 199).

REngage the differential locks, if necessary

(Y page 201). 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 an

appropriate engine speed (maximum 3,000 rpm).

RWhen driving down an incline, make use of

the engine's braking effect. Observe the engine speed; do not overrev the engine.

i Further information on the maximum

engine speed: (Y page 210).

RSelect a shift range appropriate to the

gradient.

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

select shift range 1(Y page 150).

RAlways check the brakes after driving off-

road.

i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling

away on a hill. For more information, see "Hill start assist" (Y page 141).

Maximum gradient-climbing capability On good road surfaces 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. 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.

Hilltops 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 150). This way you use the engine's braking effect to reduce the speed. If this is not sufficient, brake gently. When doing so, 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 168).

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 setting

(Y page 61) enables repeated, brief, precise locking of the front wheels, which leads to the wheels digging 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 G WARNING The brake pedal moves when cruise control brakes the vehicle. A foot in the area under the brake pedal could become trapped. The movement of the pedal, and therefore the vehicle's ability to brake, may be restricted by objects in the area under the brake. There is a risk of an accident and injury. Do not place your foot under the brake pedal. Keep the area under the brake pedal free from obstructions.

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169

If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise control can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control cannot take account of road, weather and traffic conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good time. Adjust your driving style to the traffic conditions. Only engage cruise control when the current road, weather and traffic conditions permit it to be done safely. Drive carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the vehicle in front. Do not use cruise control: Rin traffic conditions that do not allow you

to drive at a constant speed, e.g. heavy traffic, on winding roads or off-road Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or

accelerating could cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle could then skid

Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,

heavy rain or snow

General 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 store any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h). i Cruise control should not be activated

during off-road driving.

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Cruise control lever

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control You can operate cruise control and variable SPEEDTRONIC with the cruise control lever. When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds. The full range of cruise control functions will become available again once you confirm the DEF display message: X Briefly press the V, U, & or

* button on the multifunction steering wheel.

or X Briefly press the reset button on the

instrument cluster.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control lever indicates which system you have selected: RLIM indicator lamp off: cruise control is

selected.

RLIM indicator lamp on: variable

SPEEDTRONIC is selected.

Activation conditions To activate cruise control, all of the following activation conditions must be fulfilled: Rthe parking brake must be released. Ryou are driving faster than 20 mph

(30 km/h).

RESP® must be active, but not intervening. Rthe transmission must be in position D.

Selecting cruise control

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control X Check whether LIM indicator lamp ; is off. If it is off, cruise control is already selected. If it is not, press the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow A. LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control lever goes out. Cruise control is selected.

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171

Storing and maintaining the current speed Storing and maintaining

decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could decelerate unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control 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. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control 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.

i If no speed is stored, cruise control stores

the current speed and maintains it.

Calling up the last speed stored G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it is lower than the current speed, the vehicle

speed, the vehicle could decelerate unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control 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.

i If no speed is stored, cruise control stores

the current speed and maintains it.

172 Driving systems

Calling up the last speed stored Storing and maintaining

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control 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. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.

Calling up the last speed stored G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it is lower than the current speed, the vehicle decelerates. If you do not know the stored

Setting a speed Adjusting

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173

Making adjustments in 1 mph increments (1 km/h increments in Canada)

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control 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.

Adjusting in 5 mph increments (10 km/h increments):

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle accelerates or decelerates to the set speed. X To increase the speed: press the cruise

control lever up :.

X To decrease the speed: press the cruise

control lever down ?.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored.

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed

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A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ? to beyond the pressure point. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

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.

Deactivating cruise control

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

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

forwards B.

or X Brake.

or X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow A. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected. LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control lever lights up.

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: Ryou apply the parking brake. Ryou are driving at less than 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.

SPEEDTRONIC Important safety notes G WARNING If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even cause the braking system to fail. There is a risk of an accident. Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time.

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly

results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, SPEEDTRONIC can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. SPEEDTRONIC cannot take account of road, weather and traffic conditions. SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in lane. Only engage SPEEDTRONIC when the current road, weather and traffic conditions permit it to be

done safely. Drive carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the vehicle in front.

General notes SPEEDTRONIC brakes automatically so that you do not exceed the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, 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. If you need additional braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather than continuously. i The speed indicated in the speedometer

may differ slightly from the limit speed stored.

Cruise control lever

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; LIM indicator lamp = To call up the last speed stored ? To store the current speed or a lower

speed

A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate variable SPEEDTRONIC You can operate cruise control and variable SPEEDTRONIC with the cruise control lever.

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175

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control lever indicates which system you have selected: RLIM indicator lamp off: cruise control is

selected.

RLIM indicator lamp on: variable

SPEEDTRONIC is selected.

You can use the cruise control lever to limit the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while the engine is running.

Selecting variable SPEEDTRONIC

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control If you fail to adapt your driving style, SPEEDTRONIC can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. SPEEDTRONIC cannot take account of road, weather and traffic conditions. SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in lane. Only engage SPEEDTRONIC when the current road, weather and traffic conditions permit it to be done safely. Drive carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the vehicle in front. X Check whether LIM indicator lamp ; is on.

176 Driving systems

Calling up the last speed stored Calling up the last speed stored

If it is on, variable SPEEDTRONIC is already selected. If it is not, press the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow A. LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control lever lights up. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected.

Storing the current speed

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control You can use the cruise control lever to limit the speed to any speed above 18 km/h while the engine is running. X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ?. The current speed is stored and shown in the multifunction display.

i On downhill gradients, the speed can be exceeded despite variable SPEEDTRONIC. If this is the case, you will hear a warning tone and the Limit Exceeded message appears in the multifunction display. Apply the brakes yourself if required.

: To activate or increase speed ; LIM indicator lamp = To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

? To activate or reduce speed A To switch between cruise control and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

B To deactivate cruise control If you fail to adapt your driving style, SPEEDTRONIC can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. SPEEDTRONIC cannot take account of road, weather and traffic conditions. SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in lane. Only engage SPEEDTRONIC when the current road, weather and traffic conditions permit it to be done safely. Drive carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the vehicle in front. X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you =.

i If you call up the stored speed and your current speed is higher, you will hear a warning tone. The Limit Exceeded message appears in the multifunction display.

i If no speed is stored, variable

SPEEDTRONIC stores the current speed and maintains it.

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177

Deactivating variable SPEEDTRONIC

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

forwards B.

or X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow A. LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control lever goes out. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is deactivated. Cruise control is selected.

It is not possible to deactivate variable SPEEDTRONIC by braking. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is deactivated automatically when you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point (kickdown), but only if your current speed does not differ by more than 12 mph from the stored speed.

DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to: Rpeople or animals Rstationary obstacles on the road, e.g.

stopped or parked vehicles

Roncoming and crossing traffic

As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give warnings nor intervene in such situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake. G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly identify other road users and complex traffic situations. In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may: Rgive an unnecessary warning and then

brake the vehicle

Rneither give a warning nor intervene Raccelerate unexpectedly There is a risk of an accident. Continue to drive carefully and be ready to brake, in particular when warned to do so by DISTRONIC PLUS. G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is a risk of an accident. In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive action. G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it differs from the current speed, the vehicle accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take account of

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road, weather and traffic conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in lane. Only engage DISTRONIC PLUS when the current road, weather and traffic conditions permit it to be done safely, and adapt your driving style accordingly. Drive carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the vehicle in front. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a risk of collision but cannot sufficiently decelerate the vehicle in order to maintain the set distance, you will be warned visually and acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot prevent a collision without your intervention. 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 from the vehicle in front, or take evasive action, provided it is safe to do so. DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehicles driving on a different line. Therefore, always pay attention to traffic conditions even when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others. In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is: Rthe sensor is dirty or covered Rsnow or heavy rain Rinterference by other radar sources Rthere is the possibility of strong radar

reflections, for example, in parking garages.

If DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations. This can happen unexpectedly, especially when towing or in a car wash. There is a risk of an accident. In these or similar situations, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS. If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the following activation conditions must be

fulfilled (Y page 179) and the radar sensor system must be operational.

General notes DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, 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. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front. If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control in the speed range between 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of you, it operates in the speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on roads with steep gradients. As DISTRONIC PLUS 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. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper 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 interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Cruise control lever

: To activate or increase speed ; To set the specified minimum distance = LIM indicator lamp ? To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

A To activate or reduce speed B To switch between DISTRONIC PLUS and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

C To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS With the cruise control lever, you can operate DISTRONIC PLUS and variable SPEEDTRONIC.

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X To switch between variable

SPEEDTRONIC and DISTRONIC PLUS: press the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow B.

LIM indicator lamp = on the cruise control lever indicates which function you have selected: RLIM indicator lamp = off: DISTRONIC

PLUS is selected.

RLIM indicator lamp = on: variable

SPEEDTRONIC is selected.

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS Activation conditions In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following conditions must be fulfilled: Rthe engine must be started. It may take up

to two minutes after pulling away before DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.

Rthe parking brake must be released. Rthe differential lock must be deactivated. RESP® must be active, but not intervening. Rthe transmission must be in position D. Rthe driver's door must be closed when you shift from P to D or your seat belt must be fastened.

Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors

must be closed.

Rthe vehicle must not skid. Rthe DISTRONIC PLUS function must be

selected (Y page 179).

Rthe transfer case must be in the HIGH

RANGE transmission position.

Rthe vehicle must not be on an uphill or downhill gradient of more than 22-25%. Rthe radar sensor must be free from dirt

(Y page 297).

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Activating while driving

When driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h) you can activate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display. If the vehicle in front is no longer detected and displayed, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and a tone sounds. X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, or press it up : or down A. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

X Press the cruise control lever up : or

down A repeatedly until the desired speed is set.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front, but only up to the desired stored speed. i If you do not fully release the accelerator pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Passive message appears in the multifunction display. The set distance to a slower- moving vehicle in front will then not be maintained. You will be driving at the speed you determine by the position of the accelerator pedal.

Switching on while stationary This function may be useful if you want to keep up with the traffic flow, e.g. at the end of a tailback. You can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS if: Rthe vehicle in front and Ryour vehicle are stationary X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, or press it up : or down A. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

i DISTRONIC PLUS can be activated at a

standstill at under 20 mph (30 km/h) only if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 218).

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down A until the desired speed is set.

i You can use the cruise control lever to set

the stored speed and the control on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance (Y page 183).

Activating at the current speed/last stored speed G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it differs from the current speed, the vehicle accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first time it is activated, the current speed is

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stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise speed to the previously stored value.

Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Pulling away and driving

X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove

your foot from the brake pedal.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, or press it up : or down A.

or X Accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.

If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is driving faster, it accelerates your vehicle, but only up to the speed you have stored. If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.

Changing lanes If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when: Ryou are driving faster than 40 mph

(60 km/h).

RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the

distance to a vehicle in front.

Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal. RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger

of collision.

If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if changing lanes takes too long or if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small. i When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS

monitors the left lane on left-hand drive vehicles and the right lane on right-hand drive vehicles.

Stopping G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if: Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in

the voltage supply.

RDISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated

with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehicle occupant or from outside the vehicle.

Rthe electrical system in the engine

compartment, the battery or the fuses have been tampered with.

Rthe battery is disconnected. Rthe accelerator pedal has been depressed,

e.g. by a vehicle occupant. There is a risk of an accident. If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary.

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Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated

Distance display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated : Vehicle in front, if detected ; Distance indicator, current distance to

the vehicle in front

= Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable

? Own vehicle You can select the distance display in the Assistance menu (Y page 218) of the on- board computer. X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer.

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains stationary and you do not need to depress the brake. i Depending on the specified minimum

distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is set using the control on the cruise control lever.

On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is a malfunction, the transmission may also automatically be shifted into position P.

Displays in the instrument cluster Displays in the speedometer

Example: DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments ; in the set speed range light up. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, segments ; between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up. i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

Distance display with DISTRONIC PLUS activated in the multifunction display : DISTRONIC PLUS activated ; Own vehicle

= Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected In the Assistance menu (Y page 218) of the on-board computer, you can select the distance display. X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 218).

You will see the stored speed for about five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.

Setting a speed

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; To store the current speed or a lower

speed

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. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed to the new speed stored.

X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph

increments (1 km/h increments): briefly

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press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed