Crossing Obstacles - Mercedes-Benz 2009 GL320 BlueTEC Operator's Manual

Vehicles with air
1
suspension
program (raised
level)
Vehicles with 14.00 in (35 cm)
BlueTEC
All other vehicles 20.00 in (50 cm)
Vehicles with
1
enhanced off-road
package
Off-road 1 level 20.00 in (50 cm)
Off-road 2 level 20.00 in (50 cm)
Off-road 3 level 23.60 in (60 cm)
Before driving through water, determine its
R
depth.
!
The water depth must not exceed the
respective value listed in the table. The
ground under the water might not be firm
which could result the water being deeper
than expected when driving the vehicle
through it. Please note that the water level
is correspondingly lower for flowing water.
Select the highest vehicle level possible
R
( Y page 186).
Switch to off-road driving program
R
( Y page 185) or LOW RANGE mode
( Y page 142) before driving through water.
Shift automatic transmission into gear
R
range 1 or 2 ( Y page 139).
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Enter and leave the water only at a shallow
R
spot, driving at walking speed.
! Never accelerate before driving into the
water. The bow wave could force water into
the engine and auxiliary equipment, thus
damaging them.
Drive through the water slowly and at a
R
constant speed.
Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
R
water, and do not shut off the engine.
!
Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while driving through water. Water could
otherwise enter the vehicle interior and
damage the vehicle's electronics, as well as
the interior equipment.
Driving instructions
There is a very high level of driving
R
resistance in water. The surface is slippery
and may not be firm, making pulling away
in water difficult and dangerous.
Make sure that only small bow waves are
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formed when driving the vehicle through
water.
Clean mud off the tire tread after driving
R
through water.
To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
R
brake pedal several times while driving
after leaving the water.

Crossing obstacles

!
Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If
Operation
Z
307