Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 174)

Fording
depth
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC
package
Raised level 20 inches
(50 cm)
Vehicles with the Off-Road
Pro engineering package
Off-road level 3 20 inches
(50 cm)
Off-road level 2 20 inches
(50 cm)
Off-road level 1 23.6 inches
(60 cm)
R Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R
Select the highest possible vehicle level.
R
Select the off-road drive program
(
Y page 206) or the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 206).
R
Select the off-road drive program
(
Y page 206).
R Restrict the shift range to 1 or 2.
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Enter 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.
R
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do 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.
R Water 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.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R
Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply 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
172
Driving tips
Driving and parking