Mercedes-Benz 2009 GL-Class Automobile User Manual


 
Driving instructions
305
Rims
R
Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation
pressure loss and damage the tire beads.
For this reason, check and, if necessary,
change rims before driving off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
R
Check if the vehicle jack (Y page 329) is
functional.
R
In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small plank
(to put under the vehicle jack on sandy soil)
with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
1
Overhang angle, front
2
Overhang angle, rear
Vehicles with air
suspension program
1 2
Raised level 32° 26°
Highway 27° 21°
Vehicles with
enhanced off-road
package
1 2
Off-road-level 3 33° 27°
Off-road-level 2 32° 26°
Off-road-level 1 28° 23°
Highway 27° 21°
R
Comply with the warnings (Y page 303) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 303).
R
Driving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i. e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
R
Shift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 139).
R
Drive slowly.
R
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with
moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm).
R
Utilize the engine’s braking power when
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
i
For maximum engine speed, see
“Instrument cluster” (Y page 32) and see
“Engine” (Y page 423).
R
Check the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.
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
The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see “Hill start assist
system” (Y page 139).
Operation
Z