2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 towing

283 Towing the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km / h). The electronic key must be in steering lock
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive f lange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with
electronic key in steering lock turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
f lasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off
t h e tow - aw ay a lar m a s we l l as t he ES P .
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking 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.

284 Towing the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking
In the case of power failure the transmission selector
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. to tow the vehicle.To do so, insert a pin (1), e.g. ball point pen, into the
covered opening below the position “D” of the shift
pattern. While pushing the pin down, move selector
lever from position “P”.
Af ter remova l of t he pin f rom th e opening , t he cover will
not close fully. Only after moving the selector lever to
positions “D+” and “D–” does the cover return to its
closed position.

335 Index
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex STEERING GEAR OIL - malfunction and warning
messages ....................................................................249
Steering lock ................................................................... 190
Steering wheel adjustment ............................................ 81
Storage compartments
Above ashtray in center console ............................ 164
Glove box .................................................................... 163
In center console ....................................................... 164
Stowing things in the vehicle ......................................254
Sun visors ....................................................................... 161
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 68
Indicator lamp ...........................................................236
SRS malfunction ......................................................... 70
TTachometer ....................................................................... 91
Technical data ................................................................ 312
Electrical system ....................................................... 316
Main Dimensions ...................................................... 317
Rims and Tires .......................................................... 313
Weights ....................................................................... 316
Tele Aid ........................................................................... 178
Information ................................................................ 183
Initiating an emergency call manually ................. 181Roadside Assistance ................................................. 182
TELE AID - malfunction and
warning messages ................................................... 249
Telephone ........................................................................100
General notes ............................................................. 176
Incoming call ............................................................. 104
Redialing ....................................................................102
Telephone book ......................................................... 100
Telephones and two-way radios ................................... 176
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ................................177
Tires ................................................................................ 206
Driving instructions ................................................ 206
Rims and tires ........................................................... 313
Rotating wheels ........................................................ 267
Tire inflation pressure ............................................. 276
Tire replacement ...................................................... 266
Tire speed rating ...................................................... 208
Tire traction .............................................................. 207
Winter driving instructions .................................... 209
Tow-away alarm ................................................................45
Towing the vehicle ........................................................ 282
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlokking ................................................ 284
Traveling abroad ............................................................ 211
Trip computer .................................................................106
Trip odometer ................................................................... 91