Driving
tips 183
X
Vehicles with manual transmission: engage
neutral.
X Vehicles with AUTOTRONIC*: shift the
selector lever to N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control using
corrective steering. Driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off
G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehi-
cle is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steer-
ing and the service brake when the engine
is not running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore
lose control of the vehicle and cause an
accident. Braking
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This
could cause the drive wheels to lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking. Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill stretches, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift to a lower gear in good time or,
on vehicles with AUTOTRONIC*, select shift
range
1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control* or Speedtronic*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Heavy and light loads If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
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 Operation
* optional
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4
2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 183 ZDateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
Trailer towing*
186 Trailer towing*
Fitting the ball coupling
X Make a note of the ball coupling key num-
ber.
i You can use this number to obtain a
replacement key from a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. G
Risk of injury
If the ball coupling does not engage cor-
rectly when it is mounted, the vehicle/
trailer combination is not secured and the
trailer could come loose. This could cause
an accident. Fit the ball coupling carefully
and make sure that it engages in position
correctly.
Vehicles without ECO start/stop func-
tion: the attachable ball coupling is on the
right of the stowage compartment in the lug-
gage compartment (Y page 160).
X Open the stowage compartment on the
right-hand side of the luggage compart-
ment.
X Fold the trim downwards. Vehicles without ECO start/stop function
1
Ball coupling
2 Retainer strap
X Undo retainer strap 2.
X Remove ball coupling 1from the ball cou-
pling recess.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function*:
the attachable ball coupling is in the ball cou-
pling recess in the stowage well underneath
the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 202).
X Open the luggage compartment floor. Vehicles with ECO start/stop function
1
Ball coupling
2 Ball coupling recess
X Remove ball coupling 1from the ball cou-
pling recess.2 1
Protective cap Operation
* optional
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 186Dateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
Trailer towing*
187
X
Pull protective cap 1down in the direction
of the arrow out of the ball coupling recess.
X Place protective cap 1into the ball cou-
pling recess. 1
Key
2 Protective cap
X Pull protective cap 2off the lock in the
handwheel.
X Insert key 1into the ignition lock.
The red mark on the handwheel must be
aligned with the green area on the ball cou-
pling (fitting position). If this is not the case:
X Turn key 1in the direction of the arrow.
The key is released. 3
Ball coupling recess
4 Handwheel
X Pull handwheel 4away from the ball cou-
pling and turn it clockwise until it engages.
The green area on the ball coupling is
aligned with the red mark on the hand-
wheel.
X Insert the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow into ball coupling recess 3until
it engages.
Handwheel 4turns so that green mark
5 on the handwheel is aligned with green
area 6on the ball coupling. 1
Key
2 Protective cap
5 Green mark on the handwheel
6 Green area on the ball coupling
X Turn key 1to the stop in the direction of
the arrow to lock.
X Remove key 1.
X Press protective cap 2onto the lock.
i You can store the key in the ball coupling
stowage compartment in the luggage com-
partment. Operation
* optional
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 187 ZDateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
Trailer towing*
1881
Trailer power socket
X Fold trailer power socket 1down. G
Risk of accident
The ball coupling is only securely mounted
when the green mark on the handwheel is
aligned with the green area on the ball cou-
pling and the key can be removed. If the ball
coupling is not securely mounted, it may
come loose.
The ball coupling must be locked and the
key must be removed when towing a trailer.
This is the only way to guarantee that the
ball coupling is secured and cannot come
loose while the vehicle is in motion. If the
ball coupling cannot be locked and the key
cannot be removed, remove the ball cou-
pling and clean it. If the ball coupling can still not be fitted
(locked) after it has been cleaned, remove
the ball coupling. The trailer coupling must
then not be used to tow a trailer, as safe
operation is not guaranteed.
Have the entire trailer coupling checked at
a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop. 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 permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the tow-
ing 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.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 289).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the actual drawbar load must not
exceed the value given on the trailer coupling
and trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do Operation
* optional
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 188Dateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
Trailer towing*
189
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 disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer. Driving tips In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
G
Risk of accident
A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations. This lowers the risk of
an accident.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select a lower gear in good time, or in
vehicles with AUTOTRONIC*, select shift
range 1,2or 3. i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control* or Speedtronic*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating 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, Operation
* optional
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4
2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 189 ZDateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
Trailer towing*
190note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing 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 draw
the vehicle/trailer combination out by
increasing speed. Removing the ball coupling
X Pull the protective cap off the lock in the
handwheel.
X Insert the key into the lock in the hand-
wheel.
X Turn the key clockwise.
The lock is unlocked.
X Hold the ball coupling. Pull the handwheel
away from the ball coupling and turn it
clockwise until it engages.
The green area on the ball coupling is
aligned with the red mark on the hand-
wheel. X
Pull out the ball coupling downwards.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
X Vehicles without ECO start/stop func-
tion*: open the stowage compartment on
the right of the luggage compartment.
X Fold the trim downwards.
X Vehicles with start/stop function*:
open the luggage compartment floor.
X Remove the protective cap from the ball
coupling recess.
X Press the protective cap into the ball cou-
pling recess until it engages.
Storing the ball coupling X
Store the ball coupling with the key inser-
ted in the ball coupling recess.
X Vehicle without ECO start/stop func-
tion: Secure the ball coupling in place using
the retainer strap. G
Risk of accident
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured
by the ball coupling being thrown around if
you: R
brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket outlet is equipped with a per-
manent 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 permanent
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.
The trailer's turn signal lamps are only guar-
anteed to function when bulbs are used.
You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer electrics from a qualified Operation
* optional
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 190Dateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
199
Where will I find...?
...........................200
Display messages ............................. 202
Troubleshooting ................................ 222
Locking/unlocking in an emer-
gency ................................................. 241
Changing the batteries .....................243
Changing bulbs ................................. 244
Replacing the wiper blades ..............250
Flat tyre ............................................. 252
Battery ............................................... 263
Jump-starting .................................... 266
Towing and tow-starting ..................267
Fuses .................................................. 270 Practical advice
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann
, Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 199Dateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight
Where will I find...?
200 Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit, jack and folding
wheel chock
The vehicle tool kit, the folding wheel chock
and the jack are in the left-hand stowage
compartment behind the rear seat backrest. G
Risk of injury
The jack is designed only to raise and hold
the vehicle for a short time while a wheel
is being changed.
You must use axle stands if you are carrying
out work on the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack is placed on a firm,
non-slip, level surface. Do not use wooden
blocks or similar objects as a jack underlay.
Otherwise, the jack will not be able to ach-
ieve its load-bearing capacity due to the
restricted height.
Do not start the engine at any time while a
wheel is being changed.
Do not lie under the vehicle when it is being
supported by the jack. If you do not raise
the vehicle as described, it could slip off the
jack (e.g. if the engine is started or if a door
or the tailgate is opened or closed) and you
could be seriously injured. i
When using the jack, you should also
observe the safety notes in the "Flat tyre"
section (Y page 252).
X Fold down the left-hand rear seat backrest
(Y page 149).
X Push cover up and fold it to the side. 1
Jack
2 Vehicle tool kit
3 Folding wheel chock
Setting up the foldable wheel chock The folding wheel chock serves as an addi-
tional measure for securing the vehicleagainst rolling away, e.g. when a wheel is
being changed.
1
To fold the plates upwards
2 To fold out the lower plate
3 To insert the plate
X Fold both plates 1upwards.
X Fold out lower plate 2.
X Guide the lugs on the lower plate fully into
openings in base plate 3.Practical advice
245_AKB; 2; 7, en-GB
wdomann,
Version: 2.11.4
2008-10-17T11:22:31+02:00 - Seite 200 Dateiname: 6515_1640_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight