2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS ESP

trailer combination could also become unsta-
ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R
make
sure to check the noseweight before
each journey.
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight.
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight.
R do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech-
nical data" ( Y page 349).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
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
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics.
Adapt your style of driving accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes X
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure
on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a
maximum

load; see the tyre pressure table
in the fuel filler flap ( Y page 321).
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC ( Y page 182) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y

page 197) availability is limited or not avail-
able 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.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y page 348).
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation ( Y page 68).
The

maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally 202
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

X
To open the cover: turn handle : anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ; and
remove it. X
Pull out release wheel =.
X Turn release wheel = anti-clockwise as far
as it will go.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
behind the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp ? flashes. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always

engage the ball coupling as described.
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.
The multifunction display shows the
Check trailer hitch lock display mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that it is either greased or dry
(grease free), depending on the instruc-
tions for the trailer. Coupling up a trailer
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
A trailer that is connected is recognised
only when the electrical connection is
established

correctly and when the lighting
system is working properly. The function of
other systems, such as ESP ®
or PARK-
TRONIC also depends on this. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-
run
brake, you could trap your hand between204
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

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
! You can connect accessories with a
power rating of up to 240 W to the perma-
nent
power supply and with a power rating
of up to 180 W to the power supply that is
switched on via the ignition lock.
The trailer battery may not be charged from
the power supply.
X To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2 or 0 respectively.
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 permanent power 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.
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 find more information about instal-
ling the trailer electrics at a qualified special-
ist workshop. 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 could be that
the current has fallen below the minimum
of 50 mA. 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 notes Trailer with 7-pin connector: you can con-
nect

to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling
using an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter
cable. Both can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Fitting the adapter !
Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering.
! Remove the installed adapter cable
before folding in the ball coupling. Other-
wise, damage may occur to the rear
bumper and the adapter cable. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the plug connector with lug : into
groove =

on the socket. Turn bayonet con-
nection ; 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.206
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

X
Press the 9 or : button to select the
number you want to dial.
X Press the 6
or a button to start dial-
ling.
or
X If you do not want to make a call: press
the ~ or % button.
Redialling The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialled in the redial memory.
X
Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Tel menu.
X Press the 6 button to switch to the
redial memory.
X Press the 9
or : button to select the
desired name or number.
X Press the 6
or a button to start dial-
ling.
or
X If you do not want to make a call: press
the ~ or % button. Assistance menu
Introduction In the
Assist.
menu, you have the following
options:
R Showing the assistance graphic
R Showing Speed Limit Assist and activat-
ing/deactivating its message function
R Activating/deactivating ESP ®
R Activating/deactivating the distance warn-
ing function R
Activating/deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST
R Activating/deactivating Blind Spot Assist
R Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
Showing the assistance graphic X
Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Assistance graphic.
X Press the a button.
The multifunction display shows the DIS-
TRONIC

PLUS distance display in the assis-
tance graphic (Y page 175).
The assistance graphic can display the status
of
and information from other driving systems
or driving safety systems.
The assistance graphic shows:
R the è symbol when the rear window
wiper ( Y page 118) is activated
R the é symbol when ATTENTION ASSIST
(Y page 195) is deactivated
R the lane markings as bright lines when Lane
Keeping Assist (Y page 199) is activated
R the Ä symbol when Speed Limit Assist
(Y page 196) is operational and the mes-
sage function is activated
The assistance graphic can also display
traffic signs that are detected and indicate
speed limits.
R the æ symbol when the distance warn-
ing function (Y page 62) is deactivated Menus and submenus
217On-board computer and displays Z

Speed Limit Assist
Displaying Speed Limit Assist
X
Press the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Speed Limit Assist.
X Press the a button.
Under certain conditions, detected speed
limits are shown in the multifunction dis-
play

(Y page 196).
Activating/deactivating the Speed Limit
Assist message function
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Speed Limit Assist.
X Press the a button.
The multifunction display shows Speed
Limit Assist.
X Press the : button.
The current selection is displayed.
X To activate or deactivate: press a.
If
the Speed Limit Assist message function
is activated, a detected speed limit is auto-
matically displayed for five seconds. Other
items in the multifunction display are not
shown during this time.
When Speed Limit Assist is operational and
the message function is activated, the
assistance graphic shows the Ä sym-
bol.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®i
Observe
the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion in the description of ESP ( Y page 65).G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only

deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following. It may be best to deactivate ESP
®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
on AMG vehi-
cles ( Y page 66).
For further information about ESP ®
, see
(Y page 65).
X Start the engine.
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
ESP.
X Press the a button.
X To activate/deactivate: press the a
button again.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the å warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷
warning lamp and the å warn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 260).
Observe the information on display messages
(Y page 230).
Activating/deactivating the distance
warning function X
Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assist. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Distance warning.
X Press the a button.
The current selection is displayed.
X To activate/deactivate: press the a
button again.
When the distance warning function is
deactivated, the æ symbol appears in
the multifunction display in the assistance
graphics display. 218
Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

X
Press the 9 or : button to select
Radar sensor (See Owner's Man.).
You will see the selected setting: Activa‐
ted or Deactivated.
X Press the a button to save the setting.
i In some countries you must deactivate
the radar sensor system. For further infor-
mation, see ( Y page 350).
If the radar sensor system is switched off,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated
(Y page 197).
Heating Changing the departure time
X
Press the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the : or 9 button to select
theHeating submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
You will see the selected setting.
X Press a to confirm.
X Press the : or 9
button to select A,
B or Change C.
X Press a to confirm.
You can now change the departure time.
X Press the =
or ; button to select the
display to be changed: hours, minutes.
X Press the : or 9 button to set the
selected display.
X Press the a button to store the entry.
The yellow indicator lamp on the auxiliary
heating button lights up.
Selecting the departure time or deactivat-
ing a selected departure time
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Heating submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
You will see the selected setting.
X Press a to confirm. X
Press : or 9 to select one of the
three departure times or Timer off (no
timer active).
X Press a to confirm.
If a departure time is selected, the yellow
indicator lamp lights up on the auxiliary
heating button.
Changing the departure time
Only vehicles with auxiliary heating
(Y page 134) have this function.
In the Heating submenu, you can select a
stored

departure time or change a departure
time.
The auxiliary heating timer function calcu-
lates the switch-on time according to the out-
side temperature so that the vehicle is pre-
heated by the departure time. When the
departure time is reached, the auxiliary heat-
ing continues to heat for a further five
minutes and then switches off. The auxiliary
heating adopts the THERMATIC or
THERMOTRONIC temperature setting.
You can switch off the auxiliary heating by
using the remote control or the auxiliary heat-
ing button on the centre console. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or sufficient
ventilation is not possible, toxic exhaust
fumes can enter the vehicle, especially car-
bon monoxide. This is the case, e.g. in
enclosed spaces, or if the vehicle is stuck in
snow. There is a risk of fatal injuries.
You should switch off the auxiliary heating in
enclosed

spaces which do not have an extrac-
tion system, e.g. a garage. If the vehicle is
stuck in snow and you must leave the auxiliary
heating running, keep the exhaust pipe and
the area around the vehicle clear of snow. To
guarantee a sufficient supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle away from
the wind. G
WARNING
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
parts of the vehicle can become very hot. 224
Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

AMG menu in AMG vehicles
AMG displays :
Digital speedometer
; Gear indicator
= Upshift indicator
? Engine oil temperature
A Coolant temperature
B Transmission fluid temperature
X Press the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the AMG menu.
Upshift indicator UP= indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range
when in the manual gearshift program.
Upshift indicator UP= fades out other mes-
sages until you have shifted up.
If the engine oil temperature is below

80 †,
oil temperature ? is shown in blue. Avoid
using the full output of the engine during this
time.
If the transmission fluid temperature is below
50 †, oil temperature B is shown in blue.
Avoid using the full output of the engine dur-
ing this time.
SETUP :
Drive program (C/S/M)
; ESP ®
mode ( ON/OFF) or SPORT handling
mode ( SPORT) SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
SPORT handling mode.
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 9 button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
RACETIMER Displaying and starting the RACETIMER
The

RACETIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function
on public roads. :
Lap
; RACETIMER
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the key is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
X To start:
press the a button to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time 226
Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
General notes
Display messages appear in the multifunction display.
Display messages with graphic symbols are simplified in the Owner's Manual and may differ
from the symbols in the multifunction display.
Please respond in accordance with the display messages and follow the additional notes in
this Owner's Manual.
Certain
display messages are accompanied by an audible warning tone or a continuous tone.
When the ignition is switched off, all display messages are deleted apart from some high-
priority display messages. Once the causes of the high-priority display messages have been
rectified, the corresponding display messages are also deleted.
When you stop and park the vehicle, please observe the notes on the HOLD function
(Y page 179) and parking ( Y page 162).Hiding display messages
X Press the a or % button on the steering wheel to hide the display message.
The display message is cleared.
The multifunction display shows high-priority display messages in red. Some high-priority dis-
play messages cannot be hidden.
The multifunction display shows these messages continuously until the causes for the mes-
sages have been remedied. Message memory
The on-board computer saves certain display messages in the message memory. You can
call up the display messages:
X Press = or ; on the steering wheel to select the Service menu.
If there are display messages, the multifunction display shows, for example, 2 messages.
X Press the 9 or : button to select the entry, e.g. 2 messages.
X Press a to confirm.
X Press the 9 or : button to scroll through the display messages. Display messages
229
On-board computer and displays Z