
Trailer towing
210
Safety check
– Check that the green marking ⇒ page 209, fig. 168 on the
knob is inside the black zone marked on the ball joint.
– Check that the knob is directly against the ball joint, so that there is no gap between the knob and the ball joint -arrow-.
– Check that the ball joint is locked and the key is removed so that the knob cannot be pulled out ⇒.
– Check that the ball joint fits tightly in the mounting fixture (try moving it about to check).
To w i n g s o c k e t
– To plug in the electrical connection for the trailer, pull down the socket below the bumper ⇒ page 209, fig. 169.If the safety check is not satisfactory, the ball joint must be fitted again prop-
erly.
WARNING
To avoid accidents, the ball joint must meet all the safety requirements
listed in the safety check. The towing bracket must not be used if any one
of these requirements is not met. If this is the case, you should contact a
qualified workshop.
Removing the ball joint– Insert the key in the lock ⇒fig. 170 on the knob.
– Unlock the ball joint by turning the key to the red marking.
AA
Fig. 170 Removable
towing bracket: Removing
the ball jointFig. 171 Rear bumper:
fitting the cover piece
A1
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Trailer towing211
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Take hold of the ball joint and pull out the knob in direction .
– Keep hold of the knob and turn it as far as it will go in direction
.
– Release the knob. The spring mechanism will remain in the ready position ⇒.
– Pull the ball joint down out of the mounting fixture ⇒page 210, fig. 171 . The cover piece will cover the mounting
fixture automatically .
– Put away the ball joint attachment under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
– Move the socket back up to its original position.
WARNING
•To avoid injury, keep your hands away from the locking pin and the
release pin when releasing the locking mechanism.•Make sure that the cover piece is properly engaged on the mounting
fixture on the vehicle. Otherwise the ball joint may fail to engage securely
if dirt accumulates in the mounting fixture.
AA
AB
A1
A2
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Trailer towing
212Fitting a towing bracket*
It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 172 Attachment
points for towing bracket
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Trailer towing213
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and
including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
403
629 mm
1112 mm (vehicle with max. load)
from 350 to 420 mm (vehicle with max. load)
1000 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
•Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.•The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting
of a separate warning lamp).•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securi ng bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle's elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.•Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
•If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of
accident.•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to the
vehicle's electrical system.Note
For the Sport finish, fitting a trailer bracket is not recommended due to the
design of the bumpers.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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If and when255
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•A hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps•Box spanner for wheel bolts•A screwdriver with reversible blade•Towing eye•An adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Before replacing the jack in the storage bin, wind down the arm of the jack as
far as it will go.
Some of the tools listed are only provided in certain models or are optional
extras.WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts, as with this it is not possible to tighten the bolts to the
required torque. Risk of accident.•The factory-supplied jack is only designed for changing wheels on this
model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.•Never start the engine when the vehicl e is raised. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.•I f w o r k is t o b e ca r r ie d o u t un d e r n ea t h t h e v e h ic l e , t h is m u s t be s e cu re d
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.
Tyre mobility system
The tyre mobility system is stored under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.– Take hold of the handle and fold back the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
– Take out the tyre mobility system.Your vehicle is equipped with a Tyre Mobility System in case of a puncture.
The tyre mobility system consists of a container with sealing compound and
a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure.
Instructions for using the sealant compound and the compressor are
included with the sealant can.
Fig. 191 Tyre Mobility
System under floor panel
in luggage compartment
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If and when257
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Changing a wheelPreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
–All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe place (e.g. behind the roadside crash barrier).
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage 1st gear .
– When towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from your vehicle.
– Take the tools and the spare wheel ⇒ page 254 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in heavy traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights
and place the warning triangle in a visible location. This is for your own
safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.– Remove the wheel cover.
–Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒page 258.
– Raise the vehicle with the jack ⇒page 259.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel with the flat tyre and then put on the spare
wheel ⇒page 260.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner ⇒page 258.
– Replace the cover.After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel, there are still tasks to complete.– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the spare wheel well
and secure it.
– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
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If and when
266
CautionNever “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. It could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical system
must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Fuse assignment
This list shows the fuses which can be replaced relatively
easily by the owner.No.
Consumer
Amps
1
Air conditioner
10
2
Footwell lamps
5
3
Heated washer jets
5
4
Radiator fan
5
5
Parking aid, automatic gearbox
10
6
Air conditioner (air purity sensor), pressure sensor
5
7
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake light
switch, clutch pedal switch, steering angle sensor
10
8
Tele ph one
5
9
Va can t
10
Adaptive headlights right
5
11
Airbag and disconnection of the front passenger air-
bag
5
12
Diagnostic socket
10
13
Steering column unit
10
14
Brake lights
10
15
Instrument panel
10
16
Va can t
17
Tyre pressure control, rain/light sensor
10
18
Adaptive headlights left
5
19
Va can t
20
Va can t
21
Va can t
22
Driver door / front passenger door
15
23
Rear doors
15
24
Central electrics unit for convenience equipment
20
25
Heater blower
30
26
Rear window heater
30
27
Power socket for trailer (control unit)
30
28
Fuel pump, auxiliary pump for diesel
20
29
Va can t
30
Sliding/tilting sunroof
20
31
Diagnosis connection, automatic anti-dazzle interior
mirror, reverse light, automatic gearbox
15
32
Towing socket
15
No.
Consumer
Amps
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If and when
294Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒ page 291.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
General notesPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
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