Page 225 of 377

Trailer towing*
22
2
specification, it is greased or dry (without
grease) when used. Notes on towing a trailer
G
Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached .
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R The permitted trailer drawbar nose-
weight
R The permitted trailer load
R The permitted rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R The maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues which must not be exceeded in the
vehicle documents. You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle in
the “Technical data” section.
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the weight must not exceed the fig-
ure given on the trailer hitch and trailer iden-
tification plates. The lowest weight applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not connect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
! Do not uncouple a trailer with overru n
brake between the bumper and drawbar,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged
by the spring action of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer .
X Establish the electrical connectio n
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tip s In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
!
A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle /
trailer combinations.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in compariso n
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capabilit yOperation
* optional
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa,
2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 222
Page 226 of 377

Trailer towing*
22
3
R
has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fue l
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission*, select
the shift range 1,2 or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control* or Speedtronic*.
This uses the braking effect of the engine and
you will not have to brake to such an exten t
to maintain the same speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking ,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continu -
ously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g.
never cause the brakes to rub by applying
constant slight pedal pressure. This causes
the brake system to overheat, increases
the braking distance and can lead to the
brakes failing completely. Driving tips
R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine
and with it its gradient-climbing capability
decrease with increasing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. G
Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to dra w
the vehicle/trailer combination out by
increasing speed. Folding in the ball couplin
g
i Fold in the ball coupling when you are not
using the trailer tow hitch . G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are
in the pivoting range of the ball coupling.
Otherwise, they could be injured .
The release wheel is located behind the side
trim panel in the boot/luggage compartment. Saloon
1 Handl e
2 Cove r Operation
* optional
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa,
2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 223
Page 227 of 377
Trailer towing*
22
4 Estate
1
Handl e
2 Cove r
X To open: turn handle 1anti-clockwise.
X Fold cover 2down. 1
Indicator lamp
2 Release wheel for the trailer tow hitch
X Pull out release wheel 2.
X Turn release wheel 2anti-clockwise.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
from under the rear bumper. Indicator lamp
1 flashes. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow by hand until it engages behind
the bumper.
Indicator lamp 1goes out and the mes-
sage in the multi-function display disap-
pears. Operation
* optional
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa,
2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 224
Page 228 of 377

Trailer towing*
22
5 Trailer power suppl
y
When delivered from the factory, your vehi-
cle's trailer socket outlet is equipped with a
permanent power supply and a power supply
that is switched on via the ignition lock .
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin
10.
! You can connect consumers with a power
rating of up to 240 W to the permanen t
power supply and up to 180 W to the power
supply that is switched on via the ignition
lock .
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer electrics from a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Ben z
Service Centre.
X To switch the switched power supply on
or off: turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2or 0, respectively. Trailer with 7-pin connector
If your trailer has a 7-pin connector, you can
connect it to the 13-pin socket on the ball
coupling using an adapter or, if necessary, an
adapter cable. Both of these can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Fitting the adapter 1
Connector with lug
2 Socket with groove
X Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug 1into
groove 2on the socket and turn the con-
nector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage. X
If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
! Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering. Operation
* optional
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa
, 2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 225
Page 229 of 377

Service
226 Service
Active Service System
ASSYST PLUS, the Active Service System,
tells you when the next service is due.
Services that are due appear in the multi-
function display:
Next service A in ... days
Next service A in ... km
Service A due Service message in a vehicle with a luxury multi-
function steering wheel*
The letter indicates which service must be
carried out. Astands for a minor service and
B for a major service. A number or another
letter may be displayed after the letter. This
figure indicates any necessary additiona l
maintenance work to be performed. If you
report this displayed information to a quali-
fied specialist workshop, for example aMercedes-Benz Service Centre, they can
inform you of the costs the service will incur.
ASSYST PLUS does not record any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted. In order to maintain the time-dependent
service schedule, you should call up the
service due date and make a note of it befor
e
you disconnect the battery. The other option
is to subtract the battery-disconnection peri-
ods from the service date shown on the dis-
play.
Fading out the service message X
Multi-function steering wheel (4 but-
tons) :press í.
X Luxury multi-function steering wheel*
(12 buttons): pressL.
or
X Press the #button.
Missing the service due dat e One of the following messages, for example,
will appear in the multi-function display:
Service A overdue by ... days
Service A overdue by ... kmA qualified specialist workshop, e.g.
a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the
service indicator after the necessary service
work has been carried out.
i If you fail to have the service performed
by the specified date, you may be contra-
vening the relevant laws, your warranty
may be invalidated and ex gratia claims and
MobiloLife services may be refused .
Calling up the service due date Multi-function steering wheel (4 buttons)
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Select the ASSYST PLUS menu by pressing
è .
Vehicles with a luxury multi-function
steering wheel* (12 buttons)
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press (or& to select the Service
menu.
X Press $or% to select the ASSYST
PLU Ssubmenu and confirm with #.
The service due date appears in the display .Operation
* optional
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa,
2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 226
Page 230 of 377

Car
e 227Care
Notes on care
Regular and proper care maintains the value
of your vehicle.
i It is advisable to use Mercedes-Benz care
products.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop immediately, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Repair damage caused by loose chippings
and remove the following substances imme-
diately, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard:
R Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off afterwards .
R Soak bird droppings with water and rins e
off afterwards.
R Remove tree resin, oils, fuels and grease by
rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in clean-
ing or lighter fluid .
R Use silicone remover to remove wax.
R Use tar remover to remove tar stains. H
Environmental not
e
Dispose of empty packaging, cleaning
cloths and polishing wads in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner.
! Do not affix :
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar
to painted surfaces, otherwise you could
damage the paintwork. Vehicle care
! Do not park the vehicle for a long perio d
of time directly after cleaning, especially if
the wheels have just been cleaned with a
wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
rapid corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. After cleaning, park
the vehicle when it is at normal operatin g
temperature.
Automatic car wash You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start,!
Do not use high pressure car wash sys-
tems. The strong water jet could damage
painted parts or attachments.
! Do not use a brush-free automatic car
wash that uses chemical agents to wash
the vehicle.
but preferably one without brushes.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it befor e
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. There is otherwise a risk of dam-
age to the exterior mirrors.
! Make sure the side windows are com-
pletely closed, the ventilation/heater
blower is fully turned off and the wind-
screen wiper switch is set to 0. The rai n
sensor may otherwise be activated, for
instance, leading to inadvertent wiper
sweeps being triggered. This could cause
damage to the vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen. Operation
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa,
2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 227
Page 231 of 377

Car
e 228
High-pressure cleaners G
Risk of accident
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with cir-
cular-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean
your vehicle or - especially - the tyres. Yo u
could otherwise damage the tyres and
cause an accident.
! Observe the instructions issued by the
equipment manufacturer concerning the
distance to be maintained between the
nozzle of the high-pressure cleaner and the
vehicle (at least 30 cm).
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle .
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R Tyres
R Door joint
R Electrical components
R Batter y
R Connectors
R Bulbs
R Seals
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to failures or leaks .Cleaning the wiper blades and the out
-
side of the windscreen G
Risk of injury
Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock before cleaning the windscreen or the
wiper blades. There is otherwise a risk of
the windscreen wipers being set in motion
and causing injury.
! Only fold the windscreen wipers away
from the windscreen when vertical, other-
wise you will damage the bonnet.
X Fold the wiper arms away from the wind-
screen until you feel them engage.
X Clean the windscreen and the wiper blades .
X Fold the windscreen wipers back agai n
before the ignition is switched on.
! Do not clean the wiper blades too often,
as otherwise the coating may come off.
This could cause wiper noise.
Cleaning the windows !
Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows. Clean the insides of the windows with
a
damp cloth or commercially-available glass
cleaner. Avoid touching the inside of the
rear windscreen and the side windows with
hard objects, e.g. ice scrapers or rings. You
could otherwise cause damage to the win-
dows, rear window heating or aerial on the
rear window.
i Anti-glare film retrofitted to the insides of
the windows could interfere with radio or
mobile phone reception, especially if it is
conductive or metal-coated film. Informa -
tion about anti-glare film can be obtained
from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Cleaning the headlamps X
Clean the headlamp lenses with a wet
sponge.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable
for plastic lenses. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of th e
headlamps.
Therefore, do not use the following:
R Dry cloths
R Abrasive cleaning agents Operatio
n
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa,
2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 228
Page 232 of 377

Car
e 229
R
Solvents
R Cleaning agents containing solven t
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surface of the lenses.
Plastic trim !
Do not use dry, coarse or hard cloths and
do not scrub. Doing so will scratch or dam-
age the surfaces.
X Wipe plastic parts with a damp, lint-free
cloth (e.g. a microfibre cloth).
X Light soiling: use a low-foaming soap (e.g .
a light liquid hand soap) diluted in water.
X Heavy soiling: use a cleaning agent that is
solvent-free and non-corrosive. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz cleaning product for this
purpose.
Cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard X
Moisten a clean lint-free cloth with water.
X Clean the plastic parts and the dashboard.
X If particularly dirty, use a mild detergent. G
Risk of injury
Do not use cleaners and cockpit care
sprays containing solvents to clean the
cockpit and steering wheel boss. Cleaners
containing solvents cause the surface to
become porous and in the event of an air-
bag being triggered, plastic parts that have
become loose could cause considerable
injuries.
Leather upholstery* !
Cleaning
R Clean genuine leather covers using a
damp cloth, then wipe these down after -
wards using a dry cloth. When doing this,
make sure that the leather does not
become soaked. For leather care, you
should use leather care foam A 001 98 6
59 71 10. You can purchase this at any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
R Clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e. g. Pril).
R Clean fabric covers with a micro-fibr e
cloth moistened with a solution contain-
ing 1% detergent (e .g. Pril). When clean-
ing, take care not to rub too vigorously and always wipe entire seat sections to
avoid leaving visible lines. Leave the sea
t
to dry afterwards. Cleaning results
depend on the type of dirt and how long
it has been there.
R Clean Alcantara covers with a damp
cloth. Make sure you wipe entire seat
sections to avoid leaving visible lines.
i Note that leather covers are subject to a
natural ageing process because they are a
natural product and may react in different
ways (e.g. increased formation of wrinkles)
to certain environmental influences (such
as high humidity, intense heat).
Note that regular care is essential to ensure
that the quality (both appearance and com-
fort) of the covers is retained in the long
term .
Cleaning the wooden trim* X
Moisten a clean lint-free cloth with water.
X Clean the wooden trim.
X If particularly dirty, use a mild detergent. Operation
* optional
204_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
mkalafa
, 2007-06-26T23:11:51+02:00 - Seite 229