171 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood release
Pull hood release1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.
2Lever for opening the hood
Push lever2 on the hood upwards.
Open the hood (do not pull up on the 
lever) and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held 
open at shoulder height by gas-filled 
struts. 
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could 
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the 
wiper arms are folded forward away 
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of 
moving parts when the hood is open and the 
engine is running. Make sure the hood is 
properly closed before driving. When closing 
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch 
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay 
clear of fan blades. 
249 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the 
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel 
lift/dolly equipment.When circumstances do not permit the 
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the 
ground or front wheels raised only so far as 
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a 
safe location where the recommended 
towing methods can be employed.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
Do not tow-start vehicle.!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with key in starter switch turned 
to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. 
Towing with sling-type equipment over 
bumpy roads will damage radiator and 
supports.
To prevent damage during transport, 
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or 
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm 
(page 72) and the automatic central 
locking (
page 78).
!If the vehicle is towed with the front 
axle raised, the engine must be shut off 
(key in starter switch position0 or1). 
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be 
engaged and will apply the rear wheel 
brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels 
on the ground, the selector lever must 
be in positionN (manual transmission: 
gears disengaged) and the key must be 
in starter switch position2. 
When towing the vehicle with all wheels 
on the ground or the front axle raised, 
the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a 
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 
km/h).
Towing of the vehicle should only be 
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable, 
tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, 
frame or suspension parts.