356 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the ground only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be em-
ployed.
!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. Use the towing eyes.
Switch off the ESP (
page 86),
tow-away alarm (
page 89) and the
automatic central locking
(
page 141).
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in position N and the
SmartKey must be in starter switch
position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, 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).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle
raised (observe instructions regarding
flexible drive shaft and propeller
shafts), the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position1).
Otherwise, the 4-ETS may become en-
gaged which may cause loss of towing
control.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.Warning!
G
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.
Always tow with a tow bar if:
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
388 IndexAlarm system
Anti-theft 88
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 379
Antilock brake system (ABS) 381
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 88
Canceling alarm 89
Disarming 89
Anti-theft systems 88
Anti-theft alarm system 88
Tow-away alarm 89
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment below 191
Storage compartment in front of 191
Ashtrays 194
Aspect ratio 271
At the gas station 235
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 244
AUDIO menu 128
Selecting radio station 129
Auto-dimming for rear view mirror 160
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 141Automatic climate control
Deactivating 170
Automatic headlamp mode 111
Automatic locking when driving 98
Automatic transmission 148
Accelerator position 153
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 153
Fluid level 244
Gear ranges 150
Gear selector lever position 148, 151
Gear shifting malfunctions 153
Kickdown 153
Manual shifting 149
One-touch gearshifting 149
Transmission fluid 244B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 74, 381
Compatible child seats 74, 381
Self-test 75
Backup lamps 334
Bulbs 334
Replacing bulbs 342
Bar 271
BAS 80, 82, 381
Messages in display 298
Batteries
SmartKey (replacing) 331
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 95
Checking 95
Battery box
Fuse box in 360
Battery discharged
Jump starting 354
Battery, vehicle 247, 351
Charging 351
Disconnecting 352
Messages in display 302, 303
Reconnecting 353
