233 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Suspension for sporty driving style 
The setting for sporty driving is selected 
when indicator lamp2 is on.
Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.
Suspension for regular driving style 
The setting for regular driving is selected 
when indicator lamp2 is off.
Press button1. 
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
Parktronic system* (Parking assist)
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid 
with ultrasonic sensors. It is designed to 
assist the driver during parking maneu-
vers. It visually and audibly indicates the 
relative distance between the vehicle and 
an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically 
activated when you switch on the ignition, 
release the parking brake, or place the 
gear selector lever in position D, R, or N.
Warning!G
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is 
not intended to, nor does it replace, the 
need for extreme care. The responsibility 
during parking and other critical maneuvers 
always remains with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects 
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes 
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road 
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by 
the system and can damage the vehicle.
The operational function of the Parktronic 
system can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice. See 
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors” 
(
page 337).
Warning!G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the 
area in which you are maneuvering. Other-
wise you run the risk of causing injury.
!Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash, or the 
air brakes of trucks) can cause the system to 
send erratic indications, and should be taken 
into consideration. 
434 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the 
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel 
lift/dolly equipment.
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 equipment 
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 100) and 
the automatic central locking (
page 166).
Warning!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
This is necessary to adequately control the 
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on 
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey 
is in starter switch position2.
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 are only applied to the 
front wheels. Stopping distance is 
increased! Adapt your driving style 
accordingly. For more information, see 
“Electro-hydraulic brake system” 
(
page 94).
With the engine not running, there is no 
power assistance for the brake and steering 
systems. In this case, it is important to keep 
in mind that a considerably higher degree of 
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.