252 OperationEngine compartment
Engine compartmentHood
Opening
1Hood release
Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked and handle2 
will extend out of the radiator grille. 
2Handle for opening the hood
Pull handle2 to its stop out of the 
radiator grille.
Pull up on the hood (do not pull up on 
the handle) 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 
vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the hood 
could be forced open by passing air flow. 
!To avoid damage to the windshield 
wipers 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 
approximately 30 seconds or even restart 
after the engine has been turned off. Stay 
clear of fan blades. 
329 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the 
vehicle be transported with all wheels off 
the ground using flatbed or appropriate 
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is 
preferable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the 
recommended towing methods, the 
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on 
the ground or front wheels raised (except 
vehicles with 4MATIC) only so far as 
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a 
safe location where the recommended 
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with SmartKey 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 81) and deactivate the auto-
matic central locking (
page 131).
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.!Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing 
so could damage the transfer case, 
which is not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground. 
Observe instructions for towing the 
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front 
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles 
with 4MATIC), the engine must be shut 
off (SmartKey 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 gear selector lever 
must be in positionN and the 
SmartKey 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 
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and 
at a speed not to exceed 30 mph 
(50 km/h).