2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML63AMG trailer

radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi), kilopascal (kPa), or bar.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar
Metric unit for air pressure. There are
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has
been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped,
air conditioning and additional optional
equipment, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. The gross vehicle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR for the front
and rear axle indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, equipment, luggage etc.
loaded on the trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo and, if
applicable, trailer tongue load. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passengers,
fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer
tongue load). It is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa
to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure
is bar. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
Load index
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.
240Tires and wheelsOperation
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 240

Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars”
that show across the tread of a tire when only
1 / 16 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
Maximum permissible weight on trailer
tongue.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using U.S.
government testing procedures. The ratings
are molded into the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing
it by two.
Winter driving
General information
Have your vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Vehicles with diesel engine:
Do not cover the radiator, for example with
a winter front. Otherwise the readings of
the on-board diagnostic system may be
inaccurate. Some of theses readings are
required by law and must be accurate at all
times.
Winter tiresGWarning!
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than
1 / 6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
GWarning!
If you use your spare wheel when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with a winter tire at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake imarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESP ®
in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 352).
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle.
242Winter drivingOperation
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 242

RCheck for brush or branches caught in the
underbody.
! Brush or branches could increase the
possibility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/
or brake lines, puncture rubber bellows of
the axles or drive shafts.
R After continued operation in mud, sand,
water or other dirty conditions clean the
brake discs, wheels, brake pads and check
and clean axle joints.
R Conduct a brake test.
Trailer towing
GWarning!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving
technique can result in a loss of vehicle
control when towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions in this manual can result in
vehicle damage and/or serious personal
injury. Follow the guidelines below carefully
to assure safe trailer operation.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
should you require an explanation of
information contained in this manual.
Trailer hitch
R Only install a trailer hitch receiver approved
for your vehicle.
For information on availability and
installation, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers on your vehicle are not
designed for use with clamp-type hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them.
R To reduce the possibility of damage,
remove the hitch ball adapter from the
receiver when not in use.
Electrical connections
The vehicle is prewired to accept the seven-
wire harness included in the Mercedes-Benz
approved trailer hitch receiver kit.
i A four-pole conversion plug is available
from your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as a spare part.
For further information, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight
of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo,
equipment, luggage, etc. loaded on the
trailer. The maximum permissible GTW to be
towed:
R Vehicles with 4MATIC: 7 200 lb (3 265 kg)
R Vehicles without 4MATIC: 4 630 lb
(2 100 kg)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the
maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue:
R Vehicles with 4MATIC: 576 lb (261 kg) limit
for Mercedes-Benz approved hitch receiver
R Vehicles without 4MATIC: 370 lb (168 kg)
limit for Mercedes-Benz approved hitch
receiver
Loading a trailer
R When loading a trailer, you should observe
that neither the permissible GTW, nor the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded. The GVWR is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar ( Y page 227).
Maximum permissible values are listed on
the safety compliance certification labels
for the vehicle and for the trailer to be
towed.
254Driving instructionsOperation
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 254

The lowest value listed must be selected
when determining how the vehicle and
trailer are loaded.
R The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be
added to the rear axle weight to prevent
exceeding the rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is indicated on
the certification label located on the
driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 227).
i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer in such a manner that it has a tongue
weight between 8 % and 15 % of the GTW.
i The weight of other accessories,
passengers and cargo will reduce the
maximum trailer weight and tongue weight
your vehicle can tow.
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
R To assure that the towing vehicle and trailer
are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits, have the loaded
rig (towing vehicle including driver,
passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
R Check the vehicle’s front and rear gross
axle weight, the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
and tongue weight.
The values as measured must not exceed
the weight limits listed under “Vehicle and
trailer weights and ratings” ( Y page 254).
Coupling a trailer GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: While
you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make
sure nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/
or opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer
The chains should be criss-crossed under
the trailer tongue. They must be attached
to the hitch receiver, and not to the
vehicle’s bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
R a separate brake system at various trailer
weights
R a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system.
Check with your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes in
the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
! Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system, as your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes. If
you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the
trailer’s brakes will function properly.
i The provided vehicle electrical wiring
harness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 110).XEngage the parking brake for the vehicle
( Y page 107).XStart the engine ( Y page 103).XVehicles with vehicle level control:
Select the highway level ( Y page 156).XVehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
Set the ADS to AUTO or COMF
( Y page 156).XTurn off the engine ( Y page 108).Driving instructions255Operation164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 255Z

XClose all doors and the tailgate.XAttach the trailer.XPlug in all electrical connectors.
iVehicles with vehicle level control:
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level always remains in the highway setting.
The following applies additionally when
towing a trailer:
R The vehicle is lowered to the highway
level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if not set to highway level.
R The highspeed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also
apply when using accessories that are
connected to the trailer power socket, such
as a bicycle rack.
Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for
where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local
authorities.
Note the following, when driving with a trailer:
R In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free of traffic.
R Before you start driving check the
- trailer hitch
- break-away switch
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lighting
- tires
R Adjust the mirrors ( Y page 89) to permit
unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
R If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
R Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
R When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to make sure the load is secure, and that
trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
R Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
R The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and has a
larger braking distance.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
R If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately.
Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.
R If the transmission shifts between gears on
inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually ( Y page 113). Select 4, 3 ,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
R On very steep inclines, not manageable
with automatic transmission in gear range
1 , switch on off-road driving program
( Y page 155).
R When going down an incline, shift into a
lower gear and use the engine’s braking
effect.256Driving instructionsOperation
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 256

Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating
the vehicle and trailer brakes (if so
equipped).
R If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
is on, turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching
the climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum.
R During a passing maneuver extreme care
must be exercised since your vehicle with
a trailer will require additional passing
distance ahead than when driving without
a trailer.
Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need
to go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Decoupling a trailer GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: While
you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make
sure nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/
or opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 110).XEngage the parking brake for the vehicle
( Y page 107).XStart the engine ( Y page 103).XClose all doors and the tailgate.XEngage the parking brake for the trailer.GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: As
soon as you disconnect the electrical
connection between the trailer and the
vehicle, the vehicle will lower. To help avoid
personal injury, make sure no one is near the
wheel housing or underneath the vehicle
before the electrical connection is
disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
XDisconnect all electrical plug connectors.XDecouple the trailer.XMake sure that the trailer coupling is free
of load.XTurn off the engine ( Y page 108).
Driving abroad
If you plan to drive the vehicle outside the U.S.
or Canada, you should request dealer
network information for your destination from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Control and operation of radio
transmitter
Safety notes
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that
you pull over to a safe location and stop
before placing or taking a telephone call.
Driving instructions257Operation164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 257Z

Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsGTele Aid
Inoperativ
eOne or more main functions of the Tele Aid system are
malfunctioning.XHave the Tele Aid system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.+Restraint
Sys.
Malfunctio
n
Service
RequiredThe system is malfunctioning.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center and have the system checked
immediately.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÁLevel
Selection
Not
PermittedThe selected vehicle level cannot be adjusted, because
R you are driving too fast for the desired vehicle level
R you are towing a trailer
R you are using accessories that are connected to the trailer
power socket, e.g. a bicycle rackXReduce vehicle speed and set the desired vehicle level
again ( Y page 156).XObserve the notes on trailer towing ( Y page 254).ÁMalfunctio
nThe air suspension is malfunctioning.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display285Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 285Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbSwitch
Off LightsYou have removed the SmartKey from the starter switch,
opened the driver’s door and left the headlamps on or
removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle
and left the headlamps on.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to $ or Ã
( Y page 93).
or
XWith the rear fog lamp switched on: Push in the exterior
lamp switch to its stop.bTail Lamp
Left
or
Tail Lamp
RightThe left or right tail lamp is malfunctioning.
Rear lamps with bulbs: A substitute bulb is being used.
Rear lamps with LEDs: This message will only appear if all
LEDs have stopped working.XRear lamps with bulbs: Replace the bulb as soon as
possible ( Y page 311).XRear lamps with LEDs: Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.bCornering
Lamp Left
or
Cornering
Lamp RightThe left or right corner-illuminating front fog lamp is
malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bTrailer
Brake LampThe left or right trailer brake lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible.bTrailer
Tail Lamp
Left
or
Trailer
Tail Lamp
RightThe left or right trailer tail lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible.bTrailer
Turn
Signal
Left
or
Trailer
Turn
Signal
RightThe left or right trailer turn signal lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display295Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 295Z