2012 Mercedes-benz GL Class Owners Manual

X Lift up the trunk floor (Y page 314).

X Turn DEF cap : counter-clockwise and

remove it.

X Unscrew the covering cap from DEF refill

bottle =.

X Place DEF refill bottle = on the filler neck

as shown and screw on clockwise hand- tight.

! Only screw on the DEF refill bottle hand-

tight. It could otherwise be damaged.

X Press DEF refill bottle = down.

The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to one minute.

i If the DEF refill bottle is no longer pressed

down, the filling process stops and the partially emptied bottle can be removed.

X Release DEF refill bottle =. X Turn DEF refill bottle = counter-clockwise

and remove it.

X Place DEF filler cap ; on the filler neck and

turn it clockwise.

166 Parking

X Insert DEF cap : as shown and turn it

clockwise as far as it will go.

X Fold the cargo compartment floor down. X Close the tailgate. X Drive at a speed above 10 mph (16 km/h). The Check Additive See Operator's Manual message goes out after approximately one minute. i If the Check Additive See Operator's Manual message remains shown in the multifunction display, add an additional bottle of DEF.

i Then, have the DEF supply checked at a

qualified specialist workshop and completely refilled if necessary.

Parking Important safety notes G WARNING Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible materials can come into contact with the hot exhaust system. Do not park the vehicle on dry grassland or harvested grain fields. Combustible materials, such as grass, hay or leaves could be ignited by the hot exhaust system and cause a vehicle fire. Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury or damage to the vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce such risks, always do the following before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle: Rkeep your right foot on the brake pedal. Rengage the parking brake. Rshift the automatic transmission to park

position P.

Rslowly release the brake pedal. Rwhen parked on an incline, always turn the

front wheels towards the road curb.

Rturn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to

position 0 and remove the SmartKey from

the ignition lock, or press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.

Rtake the SmartKey with you and lock the

vehicle when leaving.

Switching off the engine Important safety notes G WARNING Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle. G WARNING Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone only will shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N automatically. Always shift the automatic transmission into park position P before turning off the engine. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

i If you cannot turn off the engine as

described here, see "Engine emergency stop" (Y page 335).

Vehicles with automatic transmission X Apply the parking brake firmly. X Shift the transmission to position P. Using the SmartKey X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the

ignition lock and remove it. The immobilizer is activated.

i If you turn off the engine with the

SmartKey and then remove it from the ignition lock or open a front door, the automatic transmission shifts to P automatically.

Using KEYLESS-GO X Press the Start/Stop button (Y page 149).

The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go out. i When the driver's door is closed, this

corresponds to SmartKey position 1. When the driver's door is open, it corresponds to SmartKey position 0 or "SmartKey removed".

i If you use the Start/Stop button to switch off the engine, the automatic transmission shifts to N automatically. If you then open the driver's or front-passenger door, the automatic transmission shifts to P.

i In an emergency, the engine can be

turned off while the vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/Stop button for three seconds.

Parking brake G WARNING Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle's brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or shift the automatic transmission out of park position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Parking 167

X To apply: depress parking brake ; firmly. When the engine is running, the $ (USA only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster.

X To release: depress the brake pedal and

keep it depressed.

X Pull release handle :.

When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the $ (USA only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instrument cluster.

Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than four weeks, the battery may be damaged by exhaustive discharge. X Connect a trickle charger. i You can obtain information about trickle

chargers from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.

If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a result of lack of use. X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and

seek advice.

168 Driving tips

Driving tips General driving tips Important safety notes G WARNING Always remember that you must concentrate primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's concentration must always be directed primarily at road traffic. For your own safety and that of others, we recommend that you stop the vehicle at a safe place and in accordance with the traffic conditions before making or accepting a phone call. Comply with all legal requirements if you use the telephone while driving. Use the hands- free system and only use the telephone when road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers to use mobile phones while driving. Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) in compliance with all legal requirements and when the road, weather and traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise not be able to observe the traffic conditions, endangering yourself and others. Remember that your vehicle covers a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second when it is traveling at only 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h).

Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X The tires should always be inflated to the

recommended tire pressure. X Remove unnecessary loads. X Remove roof carriers when they are not

needed.

X Remove basic carriers when they are not

needed.

X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X Have all maintenance work carried out as

indicated by the service intervals in the

Service Booklet or by the service interval display.

Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic and in mountainous terrain.

Drinking and driving G WARNING Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident are greatly increased when you drink or take drugs and drive. Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow anyone to drive who has been drinking or taking drugs.

Pedals G WARNING Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals' range of movement. Keep the driver's footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure that the pedals still have sufficient clearance. During sudden driving or braking maneuvers, the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury.

Rolling with the engine switched off G WARNING There is no power assistance for the steering and the brake when the engine is not running. Steering and braking requires significantly more effort and you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a result. Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is in motion.

Driving tips

169

Exhaust check G WARNING Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open at all times.

Certain engine systems are designed to keep the level of poisonous components in exhaust fumes within legal limits. These systems only work at peak efficiency when they are maintained exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. For this reason, all work on the engine must be carried out only by qualified and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians. The engine settings must not be changed in any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific service work must be carried out at regular intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Service Booklet.

Engine oil ! Vehicles with a diesel particle filter:

If the vehicle is mostly driven for short distances, it is possible that malfunctions may occur during the automatic cleaning of the diesel particle filter. This can lead to engine damage. Therefore, if you frequently drive short distances, make sure to drive on highways or inter-urban roads for 20
minutes at least every 310 miles (500 km).

Brakes Important safety notes G WARNING On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of control loss. Do not engage the transfer case in position LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle steering is adversely affected by the Off-road ABS. G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.

Downhill gradients ! On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overheating and excessive wear of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.

Heavy and light loads G WARNING Depressing the brake pedal constantly results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads. It may also cause the brakes to overheat, seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may then not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an accident.

If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but

170 Driving tips

drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.

Wet roads G WARNING After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.

After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly and protecting them against corrosion.

Limited braking performance on salt treated roads G WARNING The layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the braking effect, resulting in a significantly longer braking distance, which could lead to an accident. To avoid this danger, you should: Roccasionally brake carefully, without

putting other road users at risk, when you are driving on salted roads. This helps to remove any salt that may have started to build up on the brake discs and the brake pads/linings.

Rmaintain a greater distance to the vehicle

ahead and drive with particular care.

Rcarefully apply the brakes at the end of a trip and immediately after commencing a new trip, so that salt residues are removed from the brake discs.

Servicing the brakes ! If the brake warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and you hear a warning tone even though the parking brake has been released, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning messages in the multifunction display. The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately. Have this work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. All checks and maintenance work on the brake system must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. This work should be carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Have the brake pads and brake fluid installed or replaced at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. G WARNING If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired. This could result in an accident.

! A function or performance test should

only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are planning to have the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further information first. Otherwise, you could damage the drive train or the brake system.

! As the ESP® system operates

automatically, the engine and the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) while the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).

Driving tips

171

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 can occur you must drive in the following manner: Rreduce 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.

i Set the raised level before driving through

a stretch of standing water.

Off-road fording

Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.

If your brake system is subject only to moderate loads, you should test the functionality of your brakes at regular intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal at high speeds. This improves the grip of the brake pads. G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.

You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) on (Y page 69).

Parking brake If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into the parking brake. In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction in the braking power of the parking brake, observe the following: RGently depress the parking brake from time

to time before beginning the journey.

RDrive a distance of approximately 110 yds (100 m) with a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). G WARNING While performing this procedure please assure that the vehicle is stopped before applying the parking brake. Otherwise the rear wheels could lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle's brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when you engage the parking brake.

: Fording depth

172 Driving tips

Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package

Raised level

Vehicles with the Off-Road Pro engineering package

Off-road level 3

Off-road level 2

Off-road level 1

Fording depth

20 inches (50 cm)

20 inches (50 cm) 20 inches (50 cm)

23.6 inches

(60 cm)

REstablish how deep the water is and the

characteristics of the body of water before fording.

RSelect the highest possible vehicle level. RSelect the off-road drive program

(Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 206).

RSelect the off-road drive program

(Y page 206).

RRestrict the shift range to 1 or 2. RAvoid high engine speeds. REnter and exit the water at a flat place and

at a steady walking pace.

! Under no circumstances should you

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

the water.

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

RWater offers a high degree of resistance,

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

REnsure that a bow wave does not form as

you drive.

RClean any mud from the tire tread after

fording.

RApply the brakes to dry them after fording.

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

At the onset of winter, have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not

cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective cover. The measuring function of the Onboard Diagnosis System may otherwise provide inaccurate values. Some of these values are required by law and must therefore always be accurate.

Winter tires At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of tire are identified by the M+S marking. Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake symbol in addition to the M+S marking provide the best possible grip in wintry road

Driving tips

173

conditions. Only these tires will allow driving safety systems such as ABS and ESP® to function optimally in winter, as these tires have been designed specifically for driving on snow. Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on all wheels to maintain safe handling characteristics. G WARNING M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced immediately. They are no longer suitable for use in winter.

Always observe the maximum permissible speed specified for the M+S tires you have mounted. Once you have mounted the winter tires: X Check the tire pressures (Y page 345). X Restart the tire pressure monitor

(Y page 347). G WARNING If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires are mounted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics impairs cornering ability and reduces driving stability. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Have the spare wheel replaced by a normal wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.

Snow chains For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use snow chains which have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding standard of quality. ! Vehicles with the Adaptive Damping

System (ADS): do not drive in ADS SPORT mode if snow chains have been mounted. The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.

! There is not enough space for snow

chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the information under "Tires and wheels" in the

"Technical Data" section to avoid damage to the vehicle or the wheels.

ROnly use snow chains when driving on

roads completely covered by snow. Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow chains as soon as possible when you are no longer driving on snow-covered roads.

RLocal regulations may restrict the use of snow chains. Applicable regulations must be observed if you wish to mount snow chains.

RSnow chains must not be mounted on

emergency spare wheels.

If you intend to mount snow chains, please bear the following points in mind: Ryou may not attach snow chains to all

wheel-tire combinations; see the information under "Wheel and tire combinations" in the "Wheels and tires" section.

Rmount snow chains only in pairs and only

to the rear wheels. Observe the manufacturer's installation instructions.

! If snow chains are mounted on the front

wheels, the snow chains could grind against the bodywork or components of the chassis. This could result in damage to the vehicle or the tires.

! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish to install snow chains to steel wheels, make sure that you remove the respective wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.

i You may wish to deactivate

ESP®(Y page 69) when pulling away with snow chains mounted. This way you can allow the wheels to spin in a controlled manner, achieving an increased driving force (cutting action).

174 Driving tips

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

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

snow chains, see (Y page 173). G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.

Off-road driving Important safety notes G WARNING Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other abrasive materials can enter the brake

system. This can lead to excessive wear and unpredictable braking efficiency. After the brakes have been exposed to dirty conditions, have them checked and cleaned at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise, there is a risk that braking power may be insufficient in the event of an emergency, or that the braking effect may be unpredictable. G WARNING Do not load items on the crossbars. It may cause instability during some maneuvers which could result in an accident. Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will make it easier to recognize unexpected obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle. To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear. Do not drive along the side of a slope. The vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing so the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity (straight up or downhill). Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle. You may lose control of the vehicle if you use only the service brake. For information on driving downhill, see "Driving downhill". G WARNING Please be aware that by raising the vehicle level, the center of gravity also rises. Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle level is as low as possible. With higher ride height the ESP® may activate earlier in certain situations. G WARNING Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure before driving through sand. However, if you do so, remember to correct the tire inflation pressure before continuing your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation pressure increases

the risk of losing control of the vehicle and rolling over.

General information 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: Roff-road drive program (for vehicles without

Off-Road Pro engineering package) (Y page 206)

RLOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 206) Roff-road ABS (Y page 69) Roff-road 4ETS (Y page 70) Roff-road ESP®(Y page 71) Rhill start assist Rdifferential locks (Y page 208) RDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)

(Y page 204)

Observe the following notes: RStop your vehicle and, if necessary, select the off-road drive program (Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 206) before driving off-road.

RSelect a vehicle level suitable for the off- road terrain. Make sure there is always sufficient ground clearance to prevent damage to the vehicle.

RActivate the differential locks. RCheck that items of luggage and loads are

stowed safely and are well secured (Y page 272).

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear

when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate DSR (Y page 204).

RAlways keep the doors, tailgate, windows and sliding sunroof closed while driving.

Driving tips

175

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.

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.

RLook out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,

tree stumps and furrows.

RCheck the depth of water before fording

rivers and streams.

RWhen fording, do not stop and do not

switch off the engine.

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.

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear

when driving on a slope.

RDo not shift the automatic transmission to

transmission position N.

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

top it up if necessary. The vehicle can only guarantee a smooth supply of oil on steep stretches if there is a sufficient level of engine oil.

! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up

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

176 Driving tips

wheelbrace, a robust tow cable and a folding spade in the vehicle.

X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. A table with the recommended tire pressures can be found on the B-pillar on the driver's side of your vehicle.

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 Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss of tire pressure and damage the tire bead. Therefore, check your rims before driving off-road and replace them as required.

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

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

(Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 206).

X Deactivate DSR (Y page 204). X Set the differential lock setting to AUTO on

the selector wheel (Y page 208).

X Lower the vehicle level again to a level

suitable to the road conditions, e.g. to the highway/high-speed level.

X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and

check for damage.

X Clean the front and rear license plates. X Clean wheels/tires, wheel mounting and

underbody with a water jet, check them for foreign objects and damage and rectify this as required.

X After the trip, examine without fail the

entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes, bodywork structure, steering, chassis and exhaust system for 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 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 detect strong vibrations after off-road

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

X Test the brakes.

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

Observe the following rules when driving on sand: Rselect a higher vehicle level. Ravoid high engine speeds. Rselect a shift range appropriate to the

terrain.

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.

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

Rselect the off-road drive program

(Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 206).

Rselect a higher vehicle level. Ravoid high engine speeds. Rselect shift range 1. Rdrive slowly. Rwhere ruts are too deep, drive with the wheels of one side on the center grassy area, if possible.

Driving tips

177

Driving over obstacles

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

Observe the following rules when driving over tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles: Rselect the off-road drive program

(Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 206).

Ravoid high engine speeds. Rselect shift range 1. Rdrive very slowly. Rtry to drive straight over the center of obstacles: front wheel first, then rear wheel.

178 Driving tips

Traveling uphill Approach/departure angle

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

Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package Raised level Highway level

Vehicles with extended off-road package Off-road level 3
Off-road level 2
Off-road level 1
Highway level

31° 26°

32° 31° 28° 26°

26° 21°

27° 26° 23° 21°

RComply with the rules for 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 100%, which corresponds to an approach/departure angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability depends on the off-road conditions.

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients, select shift range 1. RDrive slowly. RAvoid high engine speeds – drive at a suitable engine speed (maximum 3000 rpm). RUse the braking power of the engine when driving down a slope. Observe the engine speed,

do not overrev the engine.

RCheck the brakes after driving off-road for a long time.

Driving systems

179

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

i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling away on a hill. For more information, see "Hill start assist" (Y page 151).

Maximum gradient-climbing capability For good road surface conditions, the maximum gradient-climbing capability is 100%, which corresponds to an approach/ departure angle of 45°. 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 recognizes this and brakes the wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque is increased, making it easier to drive off.

i Vehicles with the Enhanced Off-Road Package have a differential lock for the transfer case and a differential lock for the rear axle to improve vehicle traction.

Brow of hill When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly reduce pressure on the accelerator immediately before reaching the brow of the hill. 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 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 rollover.

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

select shift range 1.

RActivate DSR. 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.

RCheck that the brakes are working normally

after a long downhill stretch.

i The special off-road ABS setting enables a precise, brief and repeated locking of the front wheels, causing them to dig into the loose earth. Be aware that the front wheels easily skid across the ground surface if completely braked and therefore lose their ability to steer.

Driving systems Cruise control Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding 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.

180 Driving systems

Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can set any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h). G WARNING The cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always remain responsible for the vehicle's speed and for safe brake operation. Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic, and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. RThe use of the cruise control can be

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

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

RDeactivate the cruise control when driving

in fog.

The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed. G WARNING When cruise control brakes, the brake pedal is pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The area around the pedal must not be blocked by obstacles: RDo not place any objects in the footwell. REnsure that floormats and carpets are fixed securely. In particular, do not place several floormats on top of one another.

RDo not place your foot under the brake

pedal, as it could become trapped.

Non-compliance could lead you to cause an accident in which you and/or others could be seriously injured.

i Cruise control should not be activated

during off-road driving.

Cruise control lever

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; To store the current speed or a lower

speed

= To deactivate cruise control ? To store the current speed or to call up

the last stored speed

When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the status indicator of the multifunction display: RUSA only: e.g. Cruise 55 Miles RCanada only: e.g. ¯90 Km/h Storing and maintaining the current speed You can store the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h). X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired

speed.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ; to the pressure point. 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 gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient evens out. Cruise control maintains the

Driving systems

181

stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.

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

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. The first time cruise control is activated, it stores the current speed or regulates the speed of the vehicle to the previously stored speed.

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

X Press the cruise control lever to the

pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored.

i Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For

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

Making adjustments in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever

beyond the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

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

forwards =.

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

while driving. If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise Control Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. i The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

182 Driving systems

DISTRONIC Important safety notes DISTRONIC regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding 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 a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front, DISTRONIC causes your vehicle to brake and maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front. G WARNING The Distronic requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system. G WARNING When DISTRONIC brakes, the brake pedal is pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The area around the pedal must not be blocked by obstacles: Rdo not place any objects in the footwell. Rensure that floormats and carpets are fixed securely. In particular, do not place several floormats on top of one another.

Rdo not place your foot under the brake

pedal, as it could become trapped.

Non-compliance could lead you to cause an accident in which you and/or others could be seriously injured. G WARNING The Distronic is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is

intended to make cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care. The responsibility for the vehicle's speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and, most importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver. The Distronic cannot take street and traffic conditions into account. Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by the Distronic. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings.

If there is no vehicle driving in front of you, DISTRONIC functions like cruise control at a speed range between 20 mph (30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of you, it functions at a speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h). Do not use DISTRONIC while driving on roads with steep gradients. G WARNING DISTRONIC distance control is not a substitute for the driver's active involvement. It does not react to pedestrians or stationary objects and cannot detect or predict the road's course and the movements of the vehicles in front. DISTRONIC can only brake using 40% of the vehicle's maximum possible braking force. The driver must always pay attention to road, weather and traffic conditions. He must steer, brake and drive the vehicle so that he maintains control over it. High-frequency sources such as toll stations, velocity measurement systems, etc. may cause DISTRONIC to malfunction. G WARNING The Distronic cannot take road and traffic conditions into account. Only use the Distronic if the road, weather and traffic

Driving systems

183

conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. G WARNING Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control. The Distronic does not function in adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not use the Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. G WARNING The Distronic cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off the Distronic or do not switch it on if: Rroads are slippery or covered with snow or

ice. The wheels could lose traction while braking or accelerating, and the vehicle could skid.

Rthe Distronic system sensor cover is dirty or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance control system functionality could be impaired. Always pay attention to surrounding traffic conditions even while the Distronic is switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize dangerous situations until it is too late. This could cause an accident in which you and/or others could be injured. G WARNING The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed. G WARNING Close attention to road and traffic conditions is imperative at all times, regardless of whether or not the Distronic is activated. Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.

The Distronic will not react to stationary objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The Distronic will also not respond to oncoming vehicles. Switch off the Distronic Rwhen changing from the left to the right

lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in the left lane

Rwhen entering a turn lane or highway off

ramp

Rin complex driving situations, such as in

highway construction zones

In these situations, the Distronic will continue to maintain the set speed unless deactivated. The Distronic is designed and intended only to maintain a set speed and keep a set distance from moving objects in front of it.

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.

184 Driving systems

Cruise control lever

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; To store the current speed or a lower

speed

= To deactivate DISTRONIC ? To store the current speed or to call up

the last stored speed

Switching on DISTRONIC, storing and maintaining the current speed G WARNING The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC is activated. For this reason, deactivate DISTRONIC if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).

You can activate DISTRONIC in the following circumstances: Rif the engine has been started and you have

been driving for up to two minutes Rwhile driving, except if you brake Rif the parking brake is not applied Rif ESP® is activated Rif the transmission is in position D Activating while driving When driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display. If the vehicle in front is not shown in the multifunction display and is no longer being

detected, because it has changed lanes, for example, DISTRONIC is deactivated and you hear a warning tone. X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ? or press it up : or down ; to the pressure point. DISTRONIC is activated.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down ; 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 You can use the cruise control lever to set the stored speed and the thumbwheel on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance (Y page 186). i If you do not fully release the accelerator pedal, the DISTRONIC Override 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.

Driving If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC operates in the same way as cruise control. If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front, DISTRONIC causes your vehicle to brake and maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front. If DISTRONIC detects a faster-moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed, but only up to the desired speed you have stored. G WARNING If you depress the brake pedal, DISTRONIC is deactivated. DISTRONIC will then no longer brake your vehicle. In such cases, control the distance from vehicles traveling in front with the brake alone. You could otherwise cause an accident and thereby injure yourself and others. The driver remains fully responsible

Driving systems

185

for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the speed being driven and for braking in good time.

Stopping G WARNING DISTRONIC must never be operated, activated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle.

If DISTRONIC detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary. 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 thumbwheel on the cruise-control lever.

DISTRONIC is deactivated automatically when stopping: Ron flat stretches of road or on downhill gradients when the vehicle is stationary Rwhile the vehicle is still moving on uphill

gradients, to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly rolling back when DISTRONIC is deactivated

If DISTRONIC is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. X To prevent the vehicle from rolling away,

apply the foot brake or parking brake.

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

X Press the cruise control lever to the

pressure point, 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 is activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed to the new speed stored.

Making adjustments in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever

beyond the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

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

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. DISTRONIC is activated and accepts the current speed if it is activated for the first

186 Driving systems

time, or adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored.

DISTRONIC displays in the speedometer

Setting the specified minimum distance You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC by varying the time span between one and two seconds. This time span determines the distance that DISTRONIC should maintain from the vehicle in front, depending on the road speed. You can see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 187). G WARNING It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select the appropriate setting given road conditions, traffic, driver's preferred driving style and applicable laws and driving recommendations for safe following distance.

X To increase: turn thumbwheel ; towards

=. DISTRONIC then maintains a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

X To decrease: turn thumbwheel ;

towards :. DISTRONIC then maintains a shorter distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

i Make sure that you maintain the

minimum distance to the vehicle in front as required by law. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.

When DISTRONIC is activated, one or two segments in the set speed range light up. i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC.

If DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in front, segments ; between the speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up. G WARNING An intermittent warning sounds and the distance warning lamp · in the instrument cluster is illuminated if the Distronic system calculates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current speed indicate that the Distronic will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision. Immediately brake the vehicle to increase your distance to the preceding vehicle. The warning sound is intended as a final caution in which you should intercede with your own