2011 Mercedes-benz GL Class Owners Manual

remove the key from the ignition lock.

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Once off-road level 2 has been reached, you will see a message in the multifunction display, for example:

X Start the engine. X Turn the selector wheel clockwise :.

The vehicle is raised.

or X Turn the selector wheel counter-

clockwise ; . The vehicle is lowered.

Indicator lamps = for the desired off-road level flash: ROff-road level 1: the lower indicator lamp

flashes

ROff-road level 2: the lower and center

indicator lamps flash

ROff-road level 3: all three indicator lamps

flash

The vehicle adjusts to the off-road level selected. As soon as an off-road level is reached, the corresponding indicator lamp stops flashing and lights up constantly. While the adjustment is taking place, a message appears in the multifunction display, e.g.:

Lower and center indicator lamps = are on. If you have not previously selected the off- road menu (Y page 220) in the on-board computer, the message disappears after about five seconds. The Max. Speed 12 MPH (20 Km/h) message draws your attention to the maximum speed permitted for off-road level 3. While the adjustment from off-road level 2 to off-road level 3 is taking place, you will see a message such as the following in the multifunction display:

Once off-road level 3 has been reached, you will see a message in the multifunction display, for example:

The vehicle rises from off-road level 1 to off- road level 2. If you press the V, U, & or * button on the multifunction steering wheel, the message will disappear.

If you drive above 12 mph (20 km/h) in off- road level 3, you will see the following message in the multifunction display:

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(88 km/h), off-road level 2 is canceled. The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 1. You will see a message in the multifunction display, for example:

Off-road level 3 is canceled. If you then increase the speed again, the message remains in the multifunction display. The newly set level is not displayed until the vehicle has been set to a level suitable for the current speed. If you maintain or reduce your speed, you will see a message such as the following in the display while the vehicle is being lowered:

If you drive faster than 60 mph (96 km/h), off- road level 1 is canceled. The vehicle is lowered to highway level. You will see a message in the multifunction display, for example:

Depending on the ADS setting (Y page 194), the vehicle is lowered to high-speed level at higher speeds. When you drive at under 25 mph (40 km/h) again, the vehicle is raised to highway level again. Highway/high-speed level ! Make sure that there is enough ground

clearance when the vehicle is being lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground, damaging the underbody.

The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 2. Once off-road level 2 has been reached, you will see a message in the multifunction display, for example:

If you select an off-road level when driving at too high a speed, the Level Selection Not Permitted message appears in the multifunction display. You can select from the following: ROff-road level 1 up to 60 mph (96 km/h) ROff-road level 2 up to 40 mph (64 km/h) ROff-road level 3 up to 12 mph (20 km/h) If you drive at speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h) or for approximately 20 seconds between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 55 mph

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If you have not previously selected the off- road menu (Y page 220) in the on-board computer, the message disappears after about five seconds. The vehicle automatically selects highway level if you are driving faster than 60 mph (115 km/h). Depending on the ADS setting (Y page 194), the vehicle is lowered to high- speed level at higher speeds. i If you are towing a trailer, the vehicle is

not lowered to high-speed level.

ADS (Adaptive Damping System) General notes ADS is continuously electronically controlled. It adapts the damping characteristics to the current operating and driving situation. Damping is controlled separately for each wheel. This increases driving safety and tire comfort. This depends on: Ryour driving style Rthe road surface conditions Rthe ADS setting Rthe vehicle level setting Your selection remains stored even if you remove the key from the ignition lock.

: To raise the level ; To lower the level = Indicator lamps X Start the engine. If one or more indicator lamps = are on: X Turn the selector wheel

counterclockwise ; until all indicator lamps = that are lit start to flash. The vehicle is lowered to highway level. As soon as the next lowest level is reached, the indicator lamp stops flashing and goes out.

While the adjustment is taking place, a message appears in the multifunction display, e.g.:

If you press the V, U, & or * button on the multifunction steering wheel, the message will disappear. Once highway level has been reached, all indicator lamps = go out. You will see a message in the multifunction display, for example:

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need for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical maneuvers always remains with the driver. G Warning! Make sure no persons or animals are in or near the area in which you are parking/ maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be injured.

PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an object. PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when you: Rswitch on the ignition. Rshift the transmission to position D, R or

N.

Rrelease the parking brake. PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above 11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower speeds. PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

Vehicles without the extended Off-Road Pro engineering package

Vehicles with the extended Off-Road Pro engineering package You can choose between the following ADS settings: RAUTO for normal driving situations; indicator lamps ; and = are off. RSPORT for sporty driving; indicator

lamp ; is on. In comparison to AUTO or COMF, the vehicle is 0.6 in (15 mm) lower.

RCOMF for a more comfortable ride;

indicator lamp = is on.

X Start the engine. X Press button : repeatedly until the

desired setting is selected.

PARKTRONIC Important safety notes G Warning! The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system. It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the

: Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand

side (example)

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 303).

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Side view

Minimum distance Center Corners

Approx. 8 in (20 cm) Approx. 6 in (15 cm)

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

Warning displays The warning displays show the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display for the front area is located on the dashboard above the center air vents. The warning display for the rear area is in the roof lamp in the rear compartment.

Top view Front sensors Center Corners

Rear sensors Center Corners

Approx. 40 in (100 cm) Approx. 24 in (60 cm)

Approx. 48 in (120 cm) Approx. 32 in (80 cm)

! When parking, pay particular attention to objects above or below the sensors, such as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC 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, a truck's compressed-air brakes or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC to malfunction.

Warning display for the front area : Segments on the left-hand side of the

vehicle

; Segments on the right-hand side of the

vehicle

= Segments showing operational readiness The warning display for each side of the vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow segments showing operational readiness = light up. The selected transmission position determines which warning display is active when the engine is running.

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Transmission position R or N

Warning display

Front area activated Rear and front areas activated No areas activated

One or more segments light up as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehicle's distance from the obstacle. From the: Rsixth segment onwards, you will hear an

intermittent warning tone for approximately two seconds.

Rseventh segment onwards, you will hear a

warning tone for approximately two seconds. This indicates that you have now reached the minimum distance.

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC

Vehicles without Advanced Off-Road-Package : To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC ; Indicator lamp

Vehicles with Advanced Off-Road-Package : To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC ; Indicator lamp If indicator lamp ; lights up, PARKTRONIC is deactivated.

Towing a trailer PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area when you establish an electrical connection between your vehicle and a trailer. ! Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow

hitch is not required. PARKTRONIC measures the minimum detection range to an obstacle from the bumper, not the ball coupling.

! Vehicles with an exterior spare wheel:

Remove the detachable ball coupling if the trailer tow hitch is not required. PARKTRONIC measures the minimum detection range to an obstacle from the bumper, not the ball coupling.

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Problems with PARKTRONIC

Problem Only the red segments in the PARKTRONIC warning displays are lit. You also hear a warning tone for approximately two seconds. PARKTRONIC is deactivated after approximately 20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the PARKTRONIC button lights up.

Only the red segments in the PARKTRONIC warning displays are lit. PARKTRONIC is deactivated after approximately 20
seconds.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off. X If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified

specialist workshop.

The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 303). X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultrasound waves. X See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.

Rear view camera Important safety guidelines The rear view camera is an optical parking aid. It shows the area behind your vehicle in the COMAND APS display. G Warning! Make sure no persons or animals are in or near the area in which you are parking/ maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be injured.

The rear view camera is located in the handle strip of the tailgate.

: Rear view camera

View through the camera The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.

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G Warning! The rear view camera is only an aid and may display obstacles Rfrom a distorted perspective Rinaccurately Rmay not display obstacles at all The rear view camera does not relieve you of the responsibility to be cautious. Take care and pay careful attention. The rear view camera may not show objects which are Rvery close to the rear bumper Runder the rear bumper Rabove the tailgate handle You are responsible for safety at all times and must continue to pay attention to the immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering. This includes the area behind, in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise you could endanger yourself and/or others. G Warning! The rear view camera either will not function or will not function to its full capability if Rthe tailgate is open Rit is raining very hard, snowing or foggy Rit is night or you are parking/maneuvering your vehicle in an area where it is very dark Rthe camera is exposed to a very bright white

light

Rthe immediate surroundings are

illuminated with fluorescent light (the display may flicker)

Rthere is a sudden change in temperature, e.g. if you drive into a heated garage from the cold (lens condensation)

Rthe camera lens is dirty or covered Rthe rear of your vehicle is damaged

In this case, have the position and setting of the camera checked by a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you contact a Mercedes- Benz Center for this purpose.

Do not use the rear view camera in these situations. Otherwise you could injure yourself or others and/or damage property including your vehicle while parking/ maneuvering.

Activating the rear view camera X Make sure that the key is in position 2 in

the ignition lock.

X Make sure that the "rear view camera"

function is selected in COMAND APS; see the separate operating instructions for COMAND APS.

X Engage reverse gear.

The area behind the vehicle is shown in the COMAND APS display with guide lines.

Guide lines in the COMAND APS display G Warning! Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if you are color-blind or have impaired color vision. Only use rear view camera if you can see and distinguish all colored guidelines shown by rear view camera on the COMAND system display. G Warning Please note that objects that do not touch the ground may appear to be further away than they actually are, for example: Rthe bumper of a vehicle parked behind you Rthe trailer drawbar Rthe ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch Rthe rear end of a truck Ra slanted post In such cases, you should not use the guide lines to judge the distance. You may misjudge the distance, which increases the risk of impacting the objects. Even if the object you approach is directly on the ground, do not approach the object any closer than the red guide line.

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Monitoring may be affected by dirty sensors, strong spray or poor visibility caused by snow, rain or mist, for example. In this case, vehicles are detected late or not at all. Always pay attention to traffic conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.

i USA only:

This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System." The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, tampering with, or altering the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not 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.

For Blind Spot Assist to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be switched on (Y page 224) and operational.

Monitoring range of the sensors Blind Spot Assist monitors the area up to 10 ft (3 m) behind your vehicle and directly next to your vehicle as shown in the diagram.

Guide lines ; and = show the approximate distance from the rear of the vehicle. Yellow guide line ; indicates a distance of approximately 3 ft (1 m) and red guide line = indicates a distance of approximately 10 in (0.25 m). The distance only applies to objects at ground level. Blue line : depicts the width required for the vehicle. It is used to align the vehicle with the edge of the road, e.g. the curb.

Blind Spot Assist Important safety guidelines Blind Spot Assist uses a radar sensor system to monitor the areas on both sides of your vehicle. It is active at speeds above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). A warning display in the exterior mirrors draws your attention to vehicles in the monitored area. If you then indicate a turn towards that side before changing lane, you will also receive visual and audible collision warnings. For this purpose, Blind Spot Assist uses sensors in the rear bumper. G Warning Blind Spot Assist is only an aid designed to assist driving. It may fail to detect some vehicles and is no substitute for attentive driving. Blind Spot Assist cannot detect road and traffic conditions. It may fail to detect narrow vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles, or may only detect them too late.

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G Warning Blind Spot Assist monitors certain areas in the immediate vicinity of your vehicle. Vehicles that approach and drive past at high speeds are not detected. There is no display and no warning. If the lanes are very wide, it may not be possible to monitor the complete width of the neighboring lane. For this reason, vehicles in the next lane may not be detected, especially if they are driving in a staggered formation. This may be the case if vehicles are driving at that edge of their lane which is furthest away from your vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.

If the lanes are narrow, the system may be unable to distinguish the neighboring lane from the one beyond it. For this reason, the system may indicate vehicles in the farther lane, especially if the vehicles are driving in a staggered formation in different lanes. In particular, this may be the case if the vehicles are driving at that edge of their lane which is nearest your vehicle. Due to the nature of the system: Rwarnings may be issued unnecessarily when driving close to crash barriers or similar solid lane borders.

Rthe warning may be interrupted when

traveling next to long vehicles for extended periods.

The two sensors for Blind Spot Assist are integrated into the sides of the rear bumper. Make sure that the bumper is free of dirt, ice or slush around the sensors. For example, the radar sensors must not be covered by bicycle racks or overhanging loads. In the event of a severe impact or damage to the bumpers, have the function of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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201

Blind Spot Assist may otherwise not work properly.

Information and warning display

: Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp If Blind Spot Assist is switched on, indicator lamps : in the exterior mirrors light up yellow up to a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h). At speeds above 20 mph (30 km/h), the indicator lamp goes out and Blind Spot Assist is operational. If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring range of Blind Spot Assist at speeds above 20 mph (30 km/h), warning lamp : on the corresponding side lights up red. This warning is always emitted when a vehicle enters the blind spot monitoring range from behind or from the side. When you overtake a vehicle, the warning only occurs if the difference in speed is less than 7 mph (12 km/h). The yellow indicator lamp goes out if the reverse gear is engaged. In this event, Blind Spot Assist is no longer active. The brightness of the indicator/warning lamps is adjusted automatically according to the ambient light. G Warning Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds under approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). The indicator lamps in the exterior mirrors are yellow. Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not indicated. Always pay attention to traffic conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to

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recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.

Collision warning If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the turn signal, a double warning tone sounds. Red warning lamp : flashes. If the turn signal remains on, detected vehicles are indicated by the flashing of red warning lamp :. There are no further warning tones.

Switching on Blind Spot Assist X Make sure that the radar sensor system

(Y page 224) and Blind Spot Assist (Y page 226) are activated in the on-board computer.

X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition

lock. Warning lamps : light up red in the exterior mirrors for approximately 1.5
seconds and then turn yellow.

Towing a trailer When you attach a trailer, make sure you have correctly established the electrical connection. This can be accomplished by checking the trailer lighting. In this event, Blind Spot Assist is deactivated. The indicator lamp lights up yellow in the exterior mirrors and the message: Blind Spot Assist Currently Unavailable See Operator's Manual appears in the multifunction display. i The indicator lamps in the exterior mirrors

can be switched off. To do this, you must deactivate Blind Spot Assist when: Rthe key is in position 2 in the ignition

lock.

Rthe engine is not running. Rthe electrical connection to the trailer

has been established.

Off-road driving systems 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. The 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 key 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

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dynamometer, please consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center beforehand. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system. Information on "Off-road driving"; see (Y page 173).

DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) Important safety guidelines DSR is an aid to assist you when driving downhill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed selected on the on-board computer. The steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driving on flat stretches of road or on an uphill gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or non-existent. The speed is set to 4 mph (6 km/h) at the factory; you can adjust this in the on-board computer (Y page 226). G Warning! Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The system setting must be appropriate to the topographical and weather conditions encountered, which can change quickly. The driver is responsible for the vehicle speed and for safe brake operation at all times. Depending on the programmed speed, actual vehicle speed and gradient, switching on DSR while driving can cause the vehicle to slow down rapidly, and you may hear a sound, caused by the activation of the vehicle's brake system through DSR. Sudden and unexpected deceleration can result in loss of vehicle control, causing an accident and/or serious personal injury to you and others. Do not switch on DSR in a situation where rapid deceleration could result in a loss of vehicle control.

DSR controls the set speed when it is active and the automatic transmission is in the D,

R or N position. You can drive at a higher or a lower speed than that set on the on-board computer at any time by accelerating or braking. G Warning! If you depress the accelerator pedal with DSR activated, the vehicle can drive faster than the programmed set speed. You should therefore drive downhill with particular caution as it could lead to an accident and/or serious injury to you or others. Keep in mind that as soon as you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal with DSR switched on, DSR will start regulating the vehicle's speed including use of brakes if required. Depending on the programmed set speed, actual vehicle speed and gradient, DSR can cause the vehicle to slow down rapidly. Sudden and unexpected deceleration can result in loss of vehicle control, causing an accident and/or serious personal injury to you and others.

Information on "Off-road driving"; see (Y page 173).

Activating/deactivating DSR Activating You can only activate DSR when driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h).

Vehicles without the Off-Road Pro engineering package

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10 mph (Canada: between 4 km/h and 18 km/h) while the vehicle is in motion.

Vehicles with the Off-Road Pro engineering package X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

The DSR symbol and a message such as the following appear in the multifunction display:

If the vehicle's speed is too high, the DSR symbol and the Max. Speed 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) message are shown in the multifunction display. Deactivating X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; goes out. The DSR symbol appears in the multifunction display with the Off message.

DSR switches off automatically when you drive at speeds over 21 mph (Canada: 35 km/h). The DSR symbol appears in the multifunction display with the Off message. You also hear a warning tone.

Changing the set speed while the vehicle is in motion When DSR is switched on, you can change the set speed to a value between 3 mph and

X To increase or reduce the set speed in

1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments: briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point, up : for a higher set speed or down ; for a lower set speed. The set value appears in the multifunction display.

X To increase or reduce the set speed in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments: briefly press the cruise control lever past the pressure point, up : for a higher set speed or down ; for a lower set speed. The set value appears in the multifunction display.

Off-road drive program i The off-road drive program is only

available on vehicles without the Off-Road Pro Engineering package.

The off-road drive program assists you when driving off-road. The engine's performance characteristics and the gearshifting characteristics of the automatic transmission are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP® and 4ETS programs especially adapted to off-road driving are also activated. Do not use the off-road drive program on roads that are snowy or icy or if your vehicle has snow chains mounted. For information on driving off-road, see (Y page 173).

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Shift ranges

HIGH RANGE Road position for all

normal driving situations

LOW RANGE Off-road position for driving off-road and fording The gear ratio between the engine and wheels is only approximately one third of that in the HIGH RANGE road position. The drive torque is correspondingly higher as a result. Do not use LOW RANGE: Ron slippery road

surfaces, e.g. in the case of slush

Ron snow or ice-covered

roads

Rif you have mounted snow chains to your vehicle

G Warning! Always wait until the procedure of shifting from HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE – and from LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE – has been entirely completed. During this procedure do not turn off the engine or shift the automatic transmission into another gear. If you do not wait until the shifting procedure has been entirely completed then it might not be correctly performed. The transfer case might be in neutral, thus interrupting the transfer of power between the engine and the drive axle. The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a gear has been selected, and could unintentionally be set into motion – particularly on up – or downhill grades. This could lead to an accident and cause injury to yourself and others. Please observe related messages appearing in the multifunction display.

X To activate: press off-road button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. Off-road indicator = appears in the multifunction display.

X To deactivate: press off-road button :. Indicator lamp ; and off-road indicator = go out.

LOW RANGE General notes The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you in driving off-road and when fording. When LOW RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance characteristics and the gearshifting characteristics of the automatic transmission are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP® and 4ETS programs especially adapted to off-road driving are also activated. For information on "Off-road driving", see (Y page 173). You will find information about driving safety systems in conjunction with LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section (Y page 65).

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indicator = in the multifunction display go out.

From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE ! Only carry out the gear change process if:

Rthe engine is running Rthe transmission is in position N Ryou are not driving faster than

25 mph (40 km/h)

X Press LOW RANGE button :.

Indicator lamp ; flashes. LOW RANGE indicator = appears in the multifunction display. When the gear change is complete, indicator lamp ; lights up.

While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can cancel the gear change by pressing LOW RANGE button : again. From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE ! Only carry out the gear change process if:

Rthe engine is running Rthe transmission is in position N Ryou are not driving faster than 43 mph

(70 km/h)

X Press LOW RANGE button :.

Indicator lamp ; flashes. If the gear change process has taken place, indicator lamp ; and LOW RANGE

While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can cancel the gear change by pressing LOW RANGE button : again. Messages in the multifunction display If a gear change process has not been successful, the following messages may be displayed in the multifunction display: Max. Speed 25 Mph (Canada: 40 Km/h): you have been driving faster than 25 mph (40 km/h). Indicator lamp ; also flashes. X Drive more slowly to carry out the gear change process. Shift briefly into N: the transmission is in position D and you are driving slower than 25 mph (40 km/h). X Shift the transmission to N to complete the gear change process. Shifting Process Canceled Reactivate: the shifting process has not been completed. X Ensure that all gear change conditions are

fulfilled and carry out the gear change process again. Stop vehicle, engage parking brake: a warning tone is also heard. The gear change process has not been completed. LOW RANGE is in the neutral position. There is no connection between the engine and the drive wheels. ! Do not drive any further, otherwise you

could damage the vehicle’s drive train. X Stop the vehicle. Take into account the

road and traffic conditions when doing this.

X Depress the parking brake. X Carry out the gear change process again. If the gear change process has been carried out, the Stop vehicle, engage parking brake message disappears.

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Differential lock General notes i Differential locks are available only in

vehicles with the Off-Road Pro engineering package.

Your vehicle is equipped with the following: RA differential lock for the transfer box: this controls the balance between the front and rear axles.

RA differential lock for the rear axle: this

controls the balance between the wheels and the rear axle.

Differential locks improve the vehicle's traction. 4ETS (Y page 67)controls the balance between the wheels on the front axle. Information on "Off-road driving"; see (Y page 173).

Information about the differential and differential locks When the vehicle is driving around a curve, the wheels on the outside of the curve have to cover a greater distance and therefore have to turn faster than the wheels on the inside. The differential, a transmission in the drive train, balances these different rotational speeds out, making cornering possible. The disadvantage of a differential: the wheels with the least grip are driven the hardest. Example: one wheel on a driven axle is on a snow-covered surface and therefore has no traction. This wheel has the most driving force, since the differential distributes most of the force to the wheel with the least resistance. The wheel on the opposite side of this axle, which is on a solid surface and could therefore enable traction, does not have any driving force. 4ETS eliminates this disadvantage and ensures good steerability by braking the spinning wheel automatically and thereby directing more force to the wheel that is on a solid surface and can provide traction.

ESP® and 4ETS are traction systems that are ideally suited to road driving and driving on easily negotiable off-road terrain. The LOW RANGE off-road gear also improves off-road capability. Difficult off-road conditions require additional measures, such as locking one or more differentials. Your vehicle has two differential locks: one (central) differential lock for the transfer case and one differential lock for the rear axle. Both differential locks can be activated using the selector wheel on the center console. When the (central) differential for the transfer case is locked, the speed of the front wheels is the same as the speed of the rear wheels. When the differential for the rear axle is locked, both of the rear wheels turn at the same speed, independent of their individual torques. Note that activating the differential locks significantly reduces the steerability of the vehicle. For your safety, the safety of others and to prevent damage to the vehicle, the differential locks must not be activated on paved roads. Note that the differential function is necessary when driving on paved roads and that the differentials must never be locked on paved roads. Otherwise, the vehicle can no longer be steered. The differential locks must therefore only be activated when driving off-road, and then only if activating the other driving systems (4ETS, ESP® and LOW RANGE off-road gear) is no longer sufficient.

Engaging the differential locks ! Drive off slowly when the differential

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

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! The differential locks must not be

activated when the vehicle is being towed or while the wheels are spinning.

Only engage the differential locks manually if traction in automatic mode is insufficient. At speeds of up to 19 mph (30 km/h), you can engage the differential locks manually. X Start the engine. X Turn selector wheel : to desired position

= or ?. The indicator lamp in selector wheel : lights up at the corresponding symbol. The engaged differential appears in the multifunction display:

A The differential lock for the transfer case

is locked.

If you have not previously selected the off- road menu (Y page 220) in the on-board computer, the message disappears after about five seconds. The differential locks are not controlled automatically. The steerability of the vehicle is restricted considerably. Drive carefully and accelerate gently for optimum traction. ! If the differential locks are activated manually, the wheels scuff on the road when cornering since the rotation difference between the wheels is no longer balanced out.

You can switch back to automatic mode at any time. For safety reasons, the differential locks disengage automatically at speeds above 31 mph (50 km/h). If you stop the vehicle and switch off the ignition for longer than ten seconds, the differential locks switch back to automatic mode.

Automatic mode Use automatic mode ; for all driving situations, including driving off-road or when fording. In automatic mode, the differential locks are engaged and disengaged according to driving requirements. This guarantees sufficient traction for most driving situations with unrestricted vehicle steerability. X Start the engine.

The differential locks are in automatic mode. The indicator lamp in selector wheel : lights up above symbol for automatic mode ;.

Engaging manually G Warning! Never drive on a paved surface with the center and rear axle differential locks manually engaged. Ability to steer the vehicle is greatly reduced when the differential locks are manually engaged, increasing the risk of an accident. For safety reasons, the locks are automatically released at a vehicle speed above 31 mph (50 km/h). Nevertheless, you should only manually lock the differential if absolutely necessary because engaged locks will restrict the vehicle drivetrain while cornering and cause the vehicle to chatter. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

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Message in the multifunction display Diff. Lock System Overheated - Wait briefly. The differential lock system has overheated and briefly disengaged. X Continue driving.

The differential locks cool off and are soon available once again.

Towing a trailer Notes on towing a trailer Important safety instructions G Warning! Failure to use proper equipment and driving technique can result in a loss of vehicle control when towing a trailer. Improper towing or failure to follow the instructions in this manual can result in vehicle damage and/or serious personal injury. Follow the guidelines below carefully to assure safe trailer operation. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center should you require an explanation of information contained in this manual.

General information ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on

your vehicle. Further information on availability and on installation is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not

suitable for installing detachable trailer couplings.

RDo not install hired trailer couplings or

other detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers of your vehicle.

RTo reduce the risk of damage to the ball

coupling, remove it from the ball coupling recess when not in use.

Coupling up a trailer G Warning! While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or opens or closes doors or the tailgate. The vehicle’s level could change and you could endanger yourself and/or others as a result. Make sure that you do not operate the ADS button or the vehicle level control system when coupling/decoupling the trailer.

Observe the maximum permissible trailer dimensions (width and length). Most federal states and all Canadian provinces require by law: Rsafety chains between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The chains should be cross- wound under the trailer drawbar. They must be fastened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to the bumper or the axle. Allow for enough play in the chains to facilitate turning tight corners.

Ra separate brake system for certain types

of trailer.

Ra safety switch for braked trailers. Check the specific legal requirements applicable to your federal state. If the trailer detaches from the towing vehicle, the safety switch applies the trailer's brakes.

! Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result in a loss of function of the brake systems of both the vehicle and the trailer.

i The vehicle's wiring harness features a

line to the brake indicator lamp.

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X Make sure that the automatic transmission

is set to position P.

stopping and reversing in a traffic-free location.

X Apply the vehicle's parking brake. X Start the engine. X Select highway level. X Vehicles with the adaptive damping system: set ADS to AUTO or COMF.

X Switch off the engine. X Close all doors and the tailgate. X Couple up the trailer. X Establish all electrical connections. i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: with a trailer attached, the vehicle will always remain at highway level. When coupling up a trailer, please observe the following: Rif highway level has not been set

manually, the vehicle will automatically sink to highway level as soon as it reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h).

Rhigh-speed level is not available. These restrictions apply to all accessories powered through a connection to the trailer power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle carrier.

Towing a trailer There are numerous legal requirements concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/ trailer combination complies with the local requirements not only in your area of residence but also at any location to which you are traveling. The police and local authorities can provide reliable information. Please observe the following when towing a trailer: RTo acquaint yourself with driving with a trailer and with the resulting changes to handling, you should practice cornering,

RBefore driving, check: the trailer coupling the safety switch for braked trailers the safety chains the electrical connections the lights the wheels

RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an

unobstructed view of the rear section of the trailer.

RIf the trailer features electronically

controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/ trailer combination carefully, manually brake using the brake controller, and check the brakes for correct function.

RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in motion.

RIf you couple up a trailer, regularly check the cargo for secure fastening and make sure that the trailer lamps and (if applicable) the trailer brakes are functioning correctly.

RBear in mind that the handling will be less

stable when towing a trailer than when driving without one. Avoid sudden steering movements.

RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier, accelerates more slowly, has a decreased gradient climbing capability and a longer braking distance. It is more susceptible to side winds and requires more careful steering.

RIf possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress the brake pedal moderately at first, so that the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then increase the pressure on the brake pedal. RIf the automatic transmission continues to

shift back and forth between two gears when driving up or downhill, restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1. A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk of engine failure.

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ROn long and steep gradients that are difficult to drive down in shift range 1, switch to the off-road drive program or engage the LOW GEAR off-road gear.

RWhen driving downhill, shift to a lower gear

to utilize the engine's braking effect. Avoid continuous brake application as this may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if installed, the trailer brakes.

RIf the coolant temperature increases

dramatically while the air-conditioning system is switched on, switch off the air- conditioning system. Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated by opening the windows and by setting the blower fan and the interior temperature to maximum.

RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention

to the extended length of your vehicle/ trailer combination. Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer combination, you will have to travel an additional distance beyond the vehicle you are overtaking before returning to the previous lane.

Decoupling a trailer G Warning! While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or opens or closes doors or the tailgate. The vehicle’s level could change and you could endanger yourself and/or others as a result. Make sure that you do not operate the ADS button or the vehicle level control system when coupling/decoupling the trailer.

X Make sure that the automatic transmission

is set to position P.

X Apply the vehicle's parking brake. X Start the engine.

X Close all doors and the tailgate. X Apply the trailer's parking brake. G Warning! As soon as you disconnect the electrical connection between the trailer and the vehicle, the vehicle will lower. To help avoid personal injury, make sure no one is near the wheel housing or underneath the vehicle before the electrical connection is disconnected. When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is temporarily raised because the springs are relieved of load. Be especially careful during this process, as you could otherwise injure yourself and/or others. Make sure that any persons remaining in the vehicle do not press the switches for vehicle level control or the ADS.

X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the

trailer.

X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the

trailer.

X Switch off the engine.

Permissible trailer load and drawbar noseweight Weight specifications The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the combined weight of the trailer together with the cargo and equipment loaded on the trailer. Permissible gross weight: 7500 lb (3402 kg). The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight permitted on the trailer drawbar: 600 lb (272 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer couplings.

Loading a trailer RWhen loading a trailer, please note that

neither the permissible gross trailer weight nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight

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Trailer power supply The trailer power socket of your vehicle is designed for connecting the 7-pin connector supplied as part of the Mercedes-Benz- approved trailer coupling. i Depending on your trailer, you may need

an adapter to connect your trailer to the vehicle.

Further information is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is specified on the type plate located on the B-pillar on the driver's side of your vehicle. You can find the maximum permissible values on the type plates of your vehicle and the trailer. Always observe the lowest respective value when determining the maximum weight with which you can load the vehicle and the trailer.

RThe drawbar noseweight acting on the ball coupling has to be added to the rear axle weight in order to prevent the permissible Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) from being exceeded. The permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is specified on the type plate located on the B-pillar on the driver's side of your vehicle.

i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the

trailer so that the drawbar noseweight remains between 8% and 15% of the permissible gross trailer weight.

i The weight of additional accessories,

passengers, and cargo reduces the permissible trailer load and drawbar noseweight for your vehicle.

Checking the vehicle and trailer weight RTo check that the weights of the towing vehicle and the trailer comply with the maximum permissible values, have the vehicle/trailer combination (including the driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated weighbridge.

RCheck the permissible axle weight of the

front and rear axle, the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), and the drawbar noseweight. Check the permissible axle weight of the front and rear axle, the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), and the drawbar noseweight.

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Vehicle equipment ............................ 214
Important safety notes .................... 214
Displays and operation .................... 214
Menus and submenus ...................... 217
Display messages ............................. 229
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ............................ 254

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Vehicle equipment

i This manual describes all the standard and optional equipment of your vehicle which was available at the time of purchase. Country-specific differences are possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle may not feature all functions described here. This also refers to safety-related systems and functions.

Important safety notes

You will find an illustration of the instrument cluster in the "At a glance" section (Y page 28). 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 indicated 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 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.

Outside temperature display The outside temperature display is in the multifunction display. G Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not