2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPE tow

G
WARNING
If the Check trailer hitch locking mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whethe rthe
ball coupling is correctly engaged. G
WARNING
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds
are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent. G
WARNING
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
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. G
WARNING
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed.
General information i
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 339).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 361).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
and trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
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.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 179), parking guidance
(Y page 183) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 190) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
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.
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 70).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer, and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. In some countries, higher maxi-
mum speeds are permissible for vehicle/
trailer combinations. Before beginning the
journey, check the trailer's documents to see
what the maximum permitted speed is.
For certain Mercedes-Ben zvehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
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 200
Trailer towingDriving and parking

R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must shift to a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission, select
the shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
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.
Driving tips R
Maintain a greater distanc efrom the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly .Ifpossible, 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,
note 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. Folding out the ball coupling
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot. G
WARNING
Make sure that the ball coupling is engaged,
either in its folded-out or folded-in position,
and that the indicator lamp is off.
Do not turn the release wheel when a trailer
is coupled up. Otherwise, the trailer might
detach. X
To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ;. X
Pull out release wheel =.
X Turn release wheel =anti-clockwise until
the ball coupling releases and folds out
from under the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp ?flashes. Trailer towing
201Driving and parking Z

X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp ?goes out. The power
socket folds down automatically.
Vehicles with a4-button multifunction
steering wheel: theTrailer hitch Check lock mech. message is show
nin
the multifunctio ndisplay until the ball cou-
pling has engaged.
Vehicles with a 12-button multifunc-
tion steering wheel: theTrailer hitch
Check lock mech. message is shown in
the multifunction display until the ball cou-
pling has engaged.
X Remove the protective cap fro mthe ball
coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that, depending on the trailer
specification, it is greased or dry (without
grease) when used. Coupling up a trailer
G
WARNING
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking 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.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
As soon as you raise the trailer drawbar, the
unladen vehicle rises slightly. The vehicle then
lowers to driving level.
Make sure tha tnobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody. You could oth-
erwise trap yourself or others. G
WARNING
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. Make sure that nobody
is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody. You could otherwise trap yourself
or others.
As soon as you decouple the trailer, the unla-
den vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you
or others are not injured in the process.
! 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 Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
i Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-
wise, they could be injured. 202
Trailer towingDriving and parking

X
Place the protective cap on the ball cou-
pling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot. Coupé
X
To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ;.X
Pull out release wheel =.
X Turn release wheel =anti-clockwise.
The ball coupling unlocks and lowers. Indi-
cator lamp ?flashes. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow until it engages behind the
bumper.
Indicator lamp ?goes out and the mes-
sage in the multifunction display disap-
pears. Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket is equipped with a permanent
power supply and a power supply that is
switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanen tpower 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 permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer electrics from a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. aMercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2or 0respectively. Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps
i If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, an
error message may appear in the multi-
function display even if there is no fault. The
reason for the error message may be that
the curren thas falle nbelow the minimum
of 50 milliamperes (mA). Trailer towing
203Driving and parking Z

To ensure reliable operation of the bulb failure
indicator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting
must be guaranteed a minimum current of
50 mA. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General information If your trailer has a 7-pin connector, you can
connect it to the 13-pin socket on the ball
coupling using an adapter or, if necessary, an
adapter cable. Both of these can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Fitting the adapter X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn the con-
nector clockwise to the stop.
X Let the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
! Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering. 204
Trailer towingDriving and parking

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
b
Left daytime driv‐
ing lamp
or
Right daytime driving lamp The lef
torright daytime driving lamp is defective.
X Check whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
(Y page 114).
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Malfunction The exterior lighting is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: a fuse may have blown.
X
Check the fuses (Y page 333).
X If necessary, replace the blown fuse. Observe the warning notes
as you do so.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
AUTO
lights inoper‐
ative The light sensor is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Switch off lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Turn the light switch to Ã.Lights (12-button multifunction steering wheel)
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed. Display messages
247On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
b
Front
left parking
lamp or
Front right parking lamp The front left or front right parking lamp is faulty.
X
Chec kwhether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
(Y page 114).
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Reversing light The reversing lamp is faulty.
X
Check whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
(Y page 114).
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Rear left side
marker lamp or
Rear right side marker lamp The rear left or right side marker lamp is faulty.
X
Check whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
(Y page 114).
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Left daytime driv‐
ing lamp or
Right daytime driving
lamp The left or right-hand daytime driving lamp is defective.
X
Check whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
(Y page 114).
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Intell. Light Sys‐
tem inoperative The Intelligent Light System is faulty. The lights remain available
without the Intelligent Light System.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Malfunction See
Owner's Manual The exterior lighting is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: a fuse may have blown.
X
Check the fuses (Y page 333).
X If necessary, replace the blown fuse. Observe the warning notes
as you do so.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
AUTO
lights inoper‐
ative The light sensor is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 250
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Blind Spot Assist
currently unavail‐
able See Owner's
Manual or
Active Blind Spot Assist
currently unavail‐
able See Owner's
Manual Blind Spot Assis
torActive Blind Spot Assist is temporarily inop-
erative if:
R you have established the electrical connection between the
traile rand your vehicle.
R the sensors are dirty.
R its functio nis impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio sta-
tions or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior mir-
rors.
X When towing a trailer, confirm the display message with a.
When driving without a trailer:
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again
and the display message disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the radar sensor system is back within the operating tempera-
ture range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Cleant he sensors (Y page 309).
X Restart the engine. Blind Spot Assist
inoperative or
Active Blind Spot Assist inoperative Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow
9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior mir-
rors.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Parking Guidance
inoperative Parking Guidance is malfunctioning (Y
page 183).
X Restart the engine.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
259On-board computer and displays Z