2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class tow

Example: vehicles with a collapsible spare wheel
:Electric air pump45;Stowage well=Alignment bolt?Towing eyeALug wrenchXRemove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel or the collapsible spare wheel.
Example: vehicles with a collapsible spare wheel
BJackCFolding wheel chockDFuse allocation chartEWheel bolts 46FRatchet ring spanner"
Minispare" emergency spare wheel/
collapsible emergency spare wheel
Removing the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel/collapsible spare wheel
The emergency spare wheel is under the
cargo compartment floor.
XLift the cargo compartment floor up
( Y page 298).XDepending on the vehicle's equipment,
remove the stowage tray from the
emergency spare wheel.
Example: collapsible spare wheel
XTurn emergency spare wheel retainer :
counter-clockwise and remove it.XRemove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel or collapsible spare wheel ;.
For further information on changing a wheel
and mounting the spare wheel, see
( Y page 305).
Stowing a used collapsible spare wheel
Take the following steps to stow a used
collapsible spare wheel. It will otherwise not
fit in the spare wheel well. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you have this work carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Only place the collapsible spare wheel in
the vehicle when it is dry. Otherwise,
moisture may get into the vehicle.
45 Only vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency spare wheel or a collapsible spare wheel.
46 Only vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency spare wheel.Where will I find...?299Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 299Z

XRemove the valve extractor from the
vehicle tool kit.XUnscrew the valve cap from the valve.XUnscrew the valve insert from the valve and
release the air.
i Fully deflating the tire can take a few
minutes.
XScrew the valve insert back into the valve.XScrew the valve cap back on.XPlace the valve extractor back into the
vehicle tool kit.XStow the collapsible spare wheel in the
emergency spare wheel well under the
cargo compartment and fasten in place.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R a TIREFIT kit 47
R a "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
R a collapsible spare wheel
R the MOExtended run-flat
system( Y page 311)
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with the MOExtended run-flat
system.
i Vehicles featuring the MOExtended run-
flat system are not equipped with the
TIREFIT kit at the factory. It is therefore
recommended that you additionally equip
your vehicle with the TIREFIT kit if you
mount tires that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tires. You can obtain
a TIREFIT kit from an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center, for example.
XMake sure that highway level is
selected 48
(Y page 181).XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XFirmly depress the parking brake.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 139).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they get out of the vehicle.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.
i Only operate the electric air pump using
the socket in the footwell of the 2nd row of
seats ( Y page 269), even if the ignition is
turned off.
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the
on-board voltage is too low, power to the
sockets is automatically cut-off. This
47 Canada only.
48 Vehicles with air suspension.300Flat tireRoadside assistance
BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 300

ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
TIREFIT kit
Using the TIREFIT kit
You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small
punctures, particularly those in the tire tread.
You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to -4 ‡ (-20 †).
GWarning
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call roadside
assistance.
XDo not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.
XRemove the TIREFIT kit, the accompanying
"max. 80 km/h" sticker and the electric air
pump from the stowage well underneath
the trunk floor (Y page 298).
XAffix part : of the sticker within the
driver's field of vision.
XAffix part ; of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tire.
GWarning!
Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT
to come in contact with hair, eyes or clothing.
RIf TIREFIT comes into contact with your
eyes or skin, immediately rinse thoroughly
with clean water.
RChange out of clothing which has come into
contact with TIREFIT immediately.
RIn case of allergic reaction or rash, consult
a physician immediately.
Keep TIREFIT away from children.
RIf TIREFIT is swallowed, immediately rinse
your mouth out thoroughly with water and
drink plenty of water.
RDo not induce vomiting. Consult a doctor
immediately.
RDo not inhale TIREFIT fumes.
iIf TIREFIT leaks out, allow it to dry. It can
then be removed like a layer of film.
If you get TIREFIT on your clothing, have it
cleaned as soon as possible with
perchloroethylene.
GWarning!
Comply with the manufacturer's safety
instructions on the sticker on the electric air
pump.
Your vehicle is provided with one of two
different electric air pumps:
RVersion 1: the hose with the pressure
gauge and the cable are behind a flap.
RVersion 2: the pressure gauge is in the
electric air pump.
Flat tire301Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 301Z

In this case TIREFIT cannot seal the tire
properly.
Do not drive any further.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call roadside
assistance.
Tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi) is achieved
XPress the on/off switch on the electric air
pump to 0.
The electric air pump is switched off.
XRemove the TIREFIT kit from the wheel.GWarning
The air hose may still be hot. Exercise proper
caution to avoid burning yourself when
detaching the electric air pump.
! After use, excess TIREFIT may run out of
the filler hose. This could cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit.
XStow the TIREFIT kit and the electric air
pump.
XPull away immediately.GWarning
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not designed to
operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the
instrument cluster where it will be easily seen
by the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics of a TIREFIT
repaired tire may change. Adapt your driving
accordingly.
XStop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with
the electric air pump.
GWarning
If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
130 kPa (1.3 bar/26 psi) do not continue to
drive the vehicle.
Park your vehicle safely away from the
roadway and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or roadside
assistance.
Have the damaged tire replaced.
XCorrect the tire inflation pressure if it is at
least 130 kPa (1.3 bar/26 psi) (for values
see Tire and Load Information placard on
the driver's side B-pillar or tire inflation
pressure table inside the fuel filler flap).
XTo increase the tire pressure: switch on
the electric air pump.
TIREFIT kit version 1
XTo reduce the tire pressure (version 1):
open pressure release screw F on
pressure gauge G.
304Flat tireRoadside assistance
BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 304

TIREFIT kit version 2
EPressure release buttonFPressure gaugeXTo reduce the tire pressure (version 2):
press pressure release button E on the
filler hose.XStow the TIREFIT kit and the electric air
pump.XDrive to the nearest workshop and have the
tire changed there.XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.HEnvironmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of
professionally, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
GWarning!
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that
differs in size.
Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel of a differing size briefly and do not
switch off ESP ®
.
When using an emergency spare wheel, you
must not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).GWarning!
Have the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel replaced with a new wheel as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop
which has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Vehicles without an emergency spare
wheel/spare wheel are not equipped with
wheel-changing tools at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, alignment bolt or
lug wrench, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 300).XIf a trailer is coupled to the vehicle,
uncouple it.XRemove the following items from the
stowage well under the trunk floor:
R the emergency spare wheel 49
R the lug wrench
R the folding wheel chock
R the jack49Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel.Flat tire305Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 305Z

XVersion 1: make sure that the pressure
release screw on pressure gauge ? is
closed.XRemove the cap from the valve on the
collapsible spare wheel.XScrew union nut A on the air hose onto the
valve.XMake sure on/off switch ; of the electric
air pump is set to 0.XInsert connector 3 into the socket in the
footwell of the 2nd row of seats
( Y page 269).
!
None of the other sockets or cigarette
lighters are designed for operating the
electric air pump.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.XPress on/off switch ; on the electric air
pump to I.
The electric air pump is switched on. The
tire is inflated.GWarning
The air hose and the union nut can become
hot during inflation. Exercise proper caution
to avoid burning yourself when using the
equipment.
! Do not operate the electric air pump for
longer than eight minutes at a time without
a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The air pump can be operated again once
it has cooled down.
XPump the tire to the specified tire pressure.
The specified tire pressure is printed on the
yellow label of the emergency spare wheel.XWhen the specified tire pressure has been
reached, press on/off switch 2 on the
electric air pump to 0.
The electric air pump is switched off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock.XVersion 1: if the tire pressure is higher than
the specified pressure, open the pressurerelease screw on pressure gauge 4 until
the correct tire pressure has been reached.XVersion 2: if the tire pressure is higher than
the specified pressure, press pressure
release button 6 until the correct tire
pressure has been reached.XUnscrew union nut A on the air hose from
the valve.XScrew the valve cap onto the collapsible
spare wheel valve again.XVersion 1 : stow plug = and the air hose
behind flap :.XVersion 2 : stow plug = and the air hose
in the lower section of the pump housing.XStow the electric air pump in the
designated place in the vehicle.
Lowering the vehicle
GWarning!
Vehicles with spare wheel with collapsible tire
only: Inflate collapsible tire only after the
wheel is properly attached.
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
air pump before lowering the vehicle.
XPlace the ratchet ring spanner onto the
hexagon nut of the jack so that the letters
AB are visible.XTurn the ratchet ring spanner until the
vehicle is once again standing firmly on the
ground.XPlace the jack to one side.310Flat tireRoadside assistance
BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 310

XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a
crosswise pattern in the sequence
indicated ( : to A). The tightening torque
must be 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) .GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked
immediately after a wheel is changed. The
wheels could come loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
XTurn the jack back to its initial position and
store it together with the rest of the vehicle
tool kit in the cargo compartment.
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel:
XWrap the faulty wheel in the protective film
included with the emergency spare wheel
and transport the wheel in the cargo
compartment.
or
XDepending on the size of the wheel, you
may also be able to secure the faulty wheel
in the emergency spare wheel well. In this
case, you must remove the stowage tray
from the emergency spare wheel well and
store it securely in the cargo compartment.
Further information on stowing the
collapsible spare wheel ( Y page 299).
i When you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure
loss warning system or the tire pressure
monitor cannot function reliably. Only
restart the tire pressure loss warning
system/tire pressure monitor when the
defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: all
mounted wheels must be equipped with
functioning sensors and the defective
wheel should no longer be in the vehicle.
MOExtended run-flat system
The MOExtended run-flat system allows you
to drive on even if there is a complete loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
The MOExtended run-flat system may only be
used in conjunction with the activated tire
pressure loss warning system or with the
activated tire pressure monitor.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode depends on the
cargo in the vehicle. You can drive 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially laden and
18 miles (30 km) if it is fully laden.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph(80 km/h).GWarning!
The handling characteristics of your vehicle
deteriorate in run-flat mode, for example:
R when cornering
R when braking
R when accelerating rapidly
Adapt your driving style accordingly and avoid
sudden changes in direction and sudden
acceleration, as well as driving over obstacles
(i.e. curbs, potholes), and driving off-road.
This is particularly the case when the vehicle
is heavily laden.
The maximum permissible distance that can
be driven in run-flat mode depends to a large
extent on the loads placed on the vehicle. It
can be shorter due to high speeds, a heavy
cargo, sudden changes in direction, the road
surface condition, outside temperature, etc.,
or further if you drive carefully and
conservatively.
Do not continue to drive in run-flat mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
Flat tire311Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 311Z

XFirst remove the jumper cable from earth point B and negative terminal ?, then from
positive terminal ; and positive terminal =, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.Towing and tow-starting
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
Hybrid vehicles: ensure that you read the
"HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise fail
to recognize dangers.
GWarning
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing bar if:
R the engine will not run.
R there is a malfunction in the brake system.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. You will then need considerably
more force to steer and to brake and the
brake pedal travel will be longer. If necessary,
depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Before towing away, make sure that the
steering can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! Drive slowly and smoothly when towing.
Excessive tractive power could otherwise
damage the vehicles.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position P when
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure that the differential locks are in
automatic mode. When towing, the
differential locks must not be switched on
by hand. This could otherwise damage the
transmission.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be started by tow-starting. This
could otherwise damage the transmission.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised. This could
otherwise damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, have it carried away on a transporter
or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in
position N when the vehicle is being towed.Towing and tow-starting317Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 317Z