2006 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS500 tow

435 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Use only jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.!Jump starting must only be performed
on the main battery installed in the
trunk.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine
using a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

437 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 only so
far as necessary to have the vehicle moved
to a safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.!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 (if
equipped) and the automatic central
locking
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1). Otherwise the ESP
® will immedi-
ately 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 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 dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).
!To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.

438 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system


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.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that 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,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical power
to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Brakes may only be applied to
the front wheels. Stopping distance is in-
creased! Adapt your driving style according-
ly. For more information, refer to
“Electro-hydraulic brake system”
(page 89).
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the steering system. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is nec-
essary to steer the vehicle. Adapt your driv-
ing accordingly.
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn
signal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.

439 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
Front of vehicle
1Cover on right side of front bumper
To remove cover:
Press mark on cover in direction of ar-
row.

Lift cover off to reveal the threaded
hole for towing eye bolt.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button in position2, the ve-
hicle doors lock if the left front wheel
as well as the right rear wheel are turn-
ing at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (if
equipped) (
page 95).
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (page 122).
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 the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.
iThe selector lever will remain locked in
positionP and the SmartKey will not
turn in the starter switch if the battery
is disconnected or discharged. For
more information see “Battery”
(page 431) or “Jump starting”
(page 435).
Manual unlocking of the transmission
selector lever (
page 404).


440 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleThe towing eye bolt is supplied with the
tool kit (located in the storage compart-
ment under the trunk floor).
Screw towing eye bolt in to its stop and
tighten with lug wrench.
To reinstall cover:

Fit cover and snap into place.
Rear of vehicle
2Cover on right side of rear bumperTo remove cover:

Press mark on cover in the direction of
the arrow.

Fold cover down to reveal the threaded
hole for the towing eye bolt.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
tool kit (located in the storage compart-
ment under the trunk floor).

Screw towing eye bolt in to its stop and
tighten with lug wrench.
To reinstall cover:

Fit cover and snap into place.


479 Index
A
ABS 84
Indicator lamp 352
Messages in display 365
Accelerator position 180
Accessory weight 332
Accident 57
Active head restraint 74, 124
Adjusting 39
Air bags 65
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 471
Children 78
Children in the vehicle 66
Front, Driver 69
Front, Passenger 69
Safety guidelines 68
Side impact 70
Window curtain 70
Air conditioning, Cooling 209
Air distribution 204
Air pressure 332Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric 428
Air recirculation mode 206
Air vents 197
Rear passenger compartment 210
Air volume 205
Airmatic DC
Message in display 396, 397
Airmatic DC (Dual Control) 238
Alarm
Audible 83
Canceling 95
Visual 93
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 399, 425
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 468
Antilock brake system see ABS
Anti-theft systems 93
Anti-theft alarm system 93
Immobilizer 93
Tow-away alarm 95
Aquaplaning see HydroplaningAshtrays 257
Aspect ratio 332
At the gas station 290
AUDIO menu 153
Audio system
CD mode 154
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 191
Automatic central locking, control
system 168
Automatic climate control
4-zone automatic climate
control 196
Automatic climate control (4-zone) 196
Air recirculation mode 206
Deactivating 201
Maximum cooling MAX COOL 206
Rear air conditioning 210
Rear window defroster 195
Setting the temperature 203
Automatic headlamp mode 135
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 141

486 IndexHood 293
Message in display 384
HVAC see 4-zone automatic climate
control
Hydroplaning 283
I
Identification labels 446
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) 446
Ignition 36, 38, 50
Immobilizer 93
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Infant and child restraint systems see
Children in the vehicle
Information
About service and warranty 10
Button for Tele Aid 267
Inside door handle 111
Inside rear view mirror
Antiglare 191Installing
Infant and child restraint systems 80
Towing eye bolt 439
Wiper blades 418
Instrument cluster 24, 144, 474
Cleaning 349
Coolant temperature gauge 145
Illumination 144
Multifunction display 147
Outside temperature indicator 146
Interior lighting 141
Delayed switch-off 167
Interior rear view mirror 44
J
Jack 398, 399
Jacking up the vehicle 425
Jump starting 435K
Key, Mechanical 402
Key, SmartKey
Changing batteries 408
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing batteries 409
KEYLESS-GO* 110, 474
Activating ignition with 38
Closing
Trunk 117
Factory setting 107
Global locking 107
Global unlocking 107
Important notes 105
Remote controls 103
Starting the engine 50
Turning off engine 60
Unlocking and opening, trunk 110
Unlocking with 35
Kickdown 180, 474
Kilopascal 333

490 IndexParktronic* 475
Cleaning system sensors 347
Malfunctioning 245
Warning sounds 245
Parts service 444
Passenger compartment
Interior lighting 141
Interior rear view mirror 44
Main fuse box 442
Parcel net in the front passenger
footwell 254
Passenger safety see occupant safety 64
Pedals 279
Phone number*
Redialing 175
Plastic parts, cleaning 349
Poly-V-belt drive 475
Layout 447
Positions (Memory function*)
Recalling from memory 132
Storing into memory 132
Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated
tires 321
Power assistance 280
Power outlet 259Power seat
Adjusting backrest tilt 40
Adjusting head restraint height 41
Adjusting head restraint tilt 41
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 40
Adjusting seat height 40
Memory function 131
Seat fore and aft adjustment 40
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 219
Messages in display 392
Opening/closing 219
Opening/closing in an
emergency 406
Stopping 220
Synchronizing 221
Power train 476
Power washer 343
Power windows 214
Automatic opening/automatic
closing 216
Cleaning 347
Operating 214
Rear door window, Blocking
operation 82
Side windows 214
Synchronizing 216Practical hints 352
Problems
While driving 56
With vehicle 17
Product information 9
Production options weight 333
Program mode selector switch 476
Automatic transmission 182
PSI 333
PULSE function (Massage function) 128
Push-start see Tow-start
R
Radio
Selecting satellite radio stations*
(USA only) 154
Selecting stations 153
Radio transmitters 287
Range (distance to empty) 172
Rear door window
Blocking operation 82
Rear fog lamp
Switching on 138
Rear lamp 412
Rear lamps see Tail lamps