2011 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS HATCHBACK Owners Manual

Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if you intend
to use the vehicle for towing, fold out the ball
coupling (Y
page 183) and connect the tow-
bar to it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Attach cover :to the bumper and press
until it engages.
X Place the towing eye and the tyre inflation
compressor in the stowage space in the
luggage compartment under the luggage
compartment floor (Y page 274).Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could other-
wise damage the brake system.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
shift to neutral.
or
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Deactivate automatic locking
(Y page 203).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 99).
X Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
0and leave the key in the ignition lock.
When towing yourv ehicle with the frontaxle
raised, it is important tha tyou observe the
safety instructions (Y page 284). Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
G
WARNING
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will then need
much more effort to brake and steer the vehi-
cle. Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing with the hazard warning lamps
switched on, use the combination switch as
usual.Int his case, only the turn signals for
the desired direction flash. When the com-
bination switch is reset, the hazard warning
lamps start flashing again.
Vehicles with automatic transmission: the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position Pwhen you open the driver's or
front-passenger door or when you remove the
key from the ignition lock. In order to ensure
that the automatic transmission stays in posi-
tion Nwhen towing the vehicle, you must
observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Engage neutral.
Vehicles with manualo r automatic trans-
mission:
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 99). 286
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away yourv ehicle
(Y page 284). Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
shift to neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Shift the transmission to position N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Preven tthe vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
shift to first gear or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle.
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or trans-
porter if you wish to transport it. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. Otherwise, you
could damage the automatic transmission.
Before tow-starting the following conditions
must be fulfilled:
R the battery is connected.
R the engine has cooled down.
R the catalytic converters have cooled down. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 99).
X Fit the towing eye (Y page 285).
X Secure the rigid towing bar or the towing
rope.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the clutch pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Engage neutral.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Tow-start the vehicle.
X Engage second gear.
X Release the clutch pedal slowly without
depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine is started.
X Depress the clutch pedal and shift to neu-
tral.
X Stop at a suitable place.
X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric
parking brake.
X Remove the rigid towing bar or towing rope.
X Remove the towing eye (Y page 286).
X Switch off the hazard warning lamps.
When tow-starting, it is important that you
observe the safety instructions (Y page 284)
and the legal requirements in each respective
country. Electrical fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Ben zvehicles and which have the
correct fuse rating for the systems con-
cerned. Do not attempt to repair or bridge
faulty fuses. Using fuses which have not been
approved or attempting to repair or bridge
faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be over-
loaded and result in a fire. Have the cause Electrical fuses
287Breakdown assistance
Z

traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses tha thave been approved
for Mercedes-Ben zvehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Only use fuses marked with an
"S". Components or systems could other-
wise be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If afuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Blown fuses must be replace dwith fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognise by
the colour and fuse rating. The fuse ratings
are listed in the fuse allocation chart.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. Before replacing a fuse
X Park the vehicle and apply the electric park-
ing brake.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it (Y page 127). All indi-
cator lamps in the instrumen tcluster must
be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R fuse box in the engine compartmen tonthe
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R fuse box in the front-passenger footwell
The fuse allocation chart is on the fuse box in
the front-passenger footwell (Y page 275).Fuse box in the engine compartment
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open. !
When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
or dirt could otherwise impair the operation
of the fuses. X
Open the bonnet (Y page 262).
X Remove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.
X To open: open clamps ;.
X Fold cover :upwards in the direction of
the arrow and remove it. X
To close: check whether the seal is lying
correctly in cover :.
X Insert cover :at the back into openings
= on the fuse box.
X Fold down cover :.
X Hook clamps ;into the fuse box and
close.
X Close the bonnet (Y page 263).288
Electrical fusesBreakdown assistance

Fuse box in the front-passenger foot-
well X
To open: remove the floormat from the
front-passenger side.
X Fold out perforated floor covering :in the
direction of the arrow. X
To release cover =, press retaining
clamp ;.
X Fold out cover =in the direction of the
arrow to the catch.
X Remove cover =forwards.
i Fuse allocation chart ?is located on the
lower right-hand side of cover =.
X To close: insert cover =on the left-hand
side of the fuse box int othe retainer.
Cover =engages in the retainers.
X Fold down cover =until clamps ;lock
audibly.
X Fold back perforated floor covering :. Electrical fuses
289Breakdown assistance Z

290

Useful information
............................292
Important safety notes ....................292
Operation ........................................... 292
Winter operation ............................... 294
Tyre pressure .................................... 295
Changing awheel ............................. 298
Wheel and tyre combinations ..........302
Emergency spare wheel ...................304 291Wheels and tyres

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevan tsystems and
functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tyres of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspensio ncomponents
may be damaged. There is arisk of accident.
Always replace wheels and tyres with those
that fulfil the specifications of the original part
(designation, manufacturer, model). G
WARNING
Af lat tyre severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident.
Tyres without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with aflat tyre.
R immediately replace the flat tyre with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tyres with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and warn-
ing notices on MOExtended tyres (tyres
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Ben zorare not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety. Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and enquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tyres for yourv ehicle can be
found in the "Wheel/tyre combinations" sec-
tion (Y page 302).
Information on air pressure for the tyres on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the tyre pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R in the "Tyre pressure" section
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of wheel
spacers or brake dust shields is not permit-
ted. This invalidates the general operating
permit for the vehicle.
i Further information on wheels and tyres
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Notes on driving
R Check the tyre pressures when the vehicle
is heavily laden and, if necessary, adjust.
R While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteris-
tics, e.g. pulling to one side. This may indi-
cate that the wheels or tyres are damaged.
If you suspect that a tyre is defective,
reduce your speed immediately. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible to chec kthe
wheels and tyres for damage. Hidden tyre
damage could also be causing the unusual
handling characteristics. If you find no
signs of damage, have the wheels and tyres
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tyres do not get deformed by the kerb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive 292
OperationWheels and tyres

over kerbs, speed humps or similar eleva-
tions, try to do so at an obtuse angle. Oth-
erwise, the tyres, particularly the sidewalls,
can get damaged. Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tyres G
WARNING
Damaged tyres can cause tyre inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control
of your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tyres regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tyres immediately.
R Regularly check the wheels and tyres of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts, punctu-
res, tears, bulges on tyres and deformation,
cracks or severe corrosion on wheels), at
least every 14 days, as well as after driving
off-road or on rough roads. Damaged
wheels can cause a loss of tyre pressure.
R Regularly check the tyre tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tyre (Y page 293). If neces-
sary, turn the front wheels to full lock in
order to inspect the inner side of the tyre
surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
fit anything onto the valve (such as tyre
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehi-
cle.
R You should therefore regularly check the
pressure of all your tyres, particularly prior
to long trips, and correc tthe pressure as
necessary (Y page 295).
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y page 304). The service life of tyres depends on various
factors, including the following:
R
driving style
R tyre pressure
R mileage Tyre tread
G
WARNING
Insufficient tyre tread will reduce tyre trac-
tion. The tyre is no longer able to dissipate
water. This means that on wet road surfaces,
the risk of aquaplaning increases, in particular
where speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, tyres
may exhibit different levels of wear at differ-
ent locations on the tyre tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tyres.
Minimum tyre tread depth for:
R summer tyres: 3 mm
R M+S tyres: 4 mm
For safety reasons, replace the tyres before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tyre tread depth is reached.. Notes on selecting, fitting and replac-
ing tyres
R Only fit tyres and wheels of the same type
and make.
R Only fit tyres of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R After fittingn ew tyres, run them in at mod-
erate speeds for the first 100 km, as they
only reach their full performance after this
distance.
R Do not drive with tyres which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (aquaplaning).
R Replace the tyres after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear. Operation
293Wheels and tyres Z