Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving. G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If you exceed the permissible noseweight
while carrying a load, the carrier system could
detach from the vehicle and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always maintain the permissible noseweight
when carrying loads. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged, it
could detach while driving and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Engage the ball coupling as described. 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.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wearto
the brake pads.
You can use carrier systems, e.g .bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
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 followin gvalues 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
weigh tofboth the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (Y page 398).
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 could impair the handling characteris-
tics. Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
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. 218
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
Notes on towing
atrailer
General notes !
Use a drawbar noseweigh tas close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
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 357).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 396).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 84 kg. The actual
noseweight may however not be higher than
the value which is given on the trailer tow
hitch or trailer identification plates. The low-
est weight applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 191), Active Parking Assist
(Y page 194) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 208) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 69).
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
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country. For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, 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 different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must select 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 prevent the
vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary. Towing
atrailer
219Driving an d parking Z
Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Secure and position the load as described in
the loading guidelines.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could
be injured by the load being thrown around in
the even tofsharp braking, a sudden change
in direction or an accident.
You will find further information in the "Secur-
ing a load" section.
Even if you follow all the loading guidelines,
the load will increase the risk of injury in the
event of an accident. G
WARNING
Keep the boot lid/tailgate closed while the
vehicle is in operation. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the vehicle interior and poi-
son you.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants).
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the boot/luggage
compartmenta s possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. pad sharp
edges for protection.
i Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre. Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The stowage compartments must be closed
when items are stored in them. Luggage nets
are not designed to secure heavy items of
luggage.
You or other vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Sharp-edged and fragile objects must not be
placed in the luggage net.
Do not place hard objects in the map pockets.
Objects must not protrude from the map
pockets. 290
Stowage areasStowing and features
Stowage compartments in the rear
centre console (CLS Coupé)
X
To open: slide covers :and ;in the
direction of the arrow.
i There is a 12 V power socket in the front
stowage compartment.
Stowage compartment in the rear seat
armrest Illustration: CLS Coupé
X
To open: fold down seat armrest ;.
X Fold cover :of the armrest upwards. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Only place lightweight items in the luggage
net. Do not use it to transport heavy, bulky,
sharp-edged or fragile objects. In the event of
an accident, the luggage net will not secure
the transported goods. Luggage nets are located in the front-
passenger footwell and on the left and right-
hand sides of the boot/luggage compart-
ment. Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat (CLS Coupé)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside the
vehicle or in the boot unless they are secured.
Otherwise, you and other vehicle occupants
could be injured by objectsb eing thrown
around the vehicle in the event of sharp brak-
ing, a sudden change in direction or an acci-
dent. G
WARNING
Always drive with the boot lid closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle inte-
rior.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down separately to
increase the boot capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forwards i
Vehicles with memory function :when you
fold one or both parts of the rear seat back-
rest forwards, the respective front seat
moves forward slightly, when necessary, in
order to avoid contact. Stowage areas
293Stowing and features Z
X
Raise box :and press hooks Ainto
anchorage ?as far as they will go.
X Turn left-hand rotating catch Bclockwise
and right-hand rotating catch Banti-clock-
wise by 90°.
X To remove: turn left-hand rotating catch
B anti-clockwise and right-hand rotating
catch Bclockwise by 90°.
X Move box :downwards and pull it out
from anchorages ?.
i Store the EASY-PACK boot box on a flat
surface after removal, e.g. on a suitable
shelf. EASY-PACK load-securing kit (CLS
Shooting Brake)
Components and storage The EASY-PACK load-securing ki
tallows you
to use your luggage compartmen tfor a variety
of purposes. The following accessory parts
are located under the luggage compartment
floor:
R Telescopic rod (under the luggage com-
partment floor)
R Bag containing the brackets and luggage
holder (under the luggage compartment
floor or in one of the side stowage nets in
the luggage compartment). Inserting the brackets into the loading
rail G
WARNING
Distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Please observe the loading guidelines. X
Insert bracket :into the centre of loading
rail ?.
X Press release button ;and push
bracket :into the desired position in load-
ing rail ?.
X Let go of release button ;.
X Press locking button =.
Bracket :is locked in loading rail ?.
X If necessary, fold lashing eyelet A
upwards.
Luggage holder !
Only use the luggage holder to secure
loads with a maximum weight of 7kg and
with dimensions that allow the loads to be
safely and securely retained by the luggage
holder. 300
Stowage areasStowing and features
AMG vehicles
:
Cup holders
; Cover
X To open: slide cover ;to its foremost
position.
You can remove the cup holde rinser tto clean
it. Clean it with clean, lukewarm water only.
AMG vehicles: you can remove the rubber
mat of the cup holder in the direction of the
arrow to clean it. Clean it with clean, luke-
warm water only.
Cup holder in the rear-compartment
centre console CLS Coupé
X
To open: slide cover :forwards.
X To remove the insert: slide catch;
inwards in the direction of the arrow.
X Remove cup holder insert =upwards.
X To refit the insert: place the insert in the
stowage space.
X Slide catch ;outwards in the direction of
the arrow until it engages. You can remove the insert and the rubber mat
of the cup holder to clean them. Clean them
with clean, lukewarm water only.
Cup holder in the rear seat armrest !
Do not sit on or support your body weight
on the rear seat armrest when it is folded
down, as you could otherwise damage it.
! Close the cup holder before folding the
rear seat armrest up. Otherwise, the cup
holder could be damaged. Example: CLS Coupé
X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X To open: raise the rear seat armrest cover.
X Press release catch :.
Cup holder ;folds out forwards.
X Fold the cover of the rear seat armrest back
down again if necessary.
X To close: lift the cover of the rear seat arm-
rest.
Swing cup holder ;back until it engages. Bottle holders
G
WARNING
Do not transport heavy, sharp-edged and frag-
ile bottles in the bottle holder. In the event of
an accident, the bottle holder can not secure
the bottles adequately.
! Make sure that any bottles weighing more
than 0.5 kg that are stored in the bottle 304
FeaturesStowing and features
X
Slide cover :of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal =of donor battery B
using the jump lead .Always begin with positive terminal ;on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the dono rvehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using
the jump lead, connectingt he jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive terminal ;and positive terminal =, each time beginning at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover :of positive terminal ;after removing the jump leads.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning
R the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical
system is malfunctioning.
If your vehicle is towed, significantly greater
force may be required to steer the vehicle or
to brake. There is a risk of an accident.
In such circumstances, use a towing bar.
Make sure that the steering is moving freely
before towing. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could over-
turn.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 384). G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
! Only secure the tow rope or towing bar to
the towing eyes. The vehicle may otherwise
be damaged. 346
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance
Vehicle identification plate (example:C
LS Coupé)
: Vehicle identification plate
; Vehicle manufacturer (Daimler AG)
= EU type approval number (only for certain
countries)
? VIN
A Maximu mpermissible gross vehicle
weight (kg)
B Maximum permissible fron taxle load (kg)
C Maximu mpermissible rear axle load (kg)
D Paint code Vehicle identification plate (example: CLS Shoot-
ing Brake)
:
Vehicle identification plate
; Vehicle manufacturer (Daimler AG)
= EU type approval number (only for certain
countries)
? VIN
A Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight (kg)
B Maximum permissible mass of vehicle/
trailer combination (kg)
C Maximum permissible fron taxle load (kg) D
Maximu mpermissible rear axle load (kg)
E Paint code
i The data shown on the vehicle identifica-
tion plate is example data. This data is dif-
ferent for every vehicle and can deviate
from the data shown here. You can find the
data applicable to your vehicle on the vehi-
cle's identification plate. VIN
X
Slide the right-hand front seat to its rear-
most position.
X Fold floor covering :upwards.
You will see VIN ;.
The VIN can also be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 384). Engine number
The engine number is stamped onto the
crankcase. You can obtain further informa-
tion from any qualified specialist workshop. Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When handling, storing and disposing of any
service products, please observe the relevant
regulations, as you could otherwise endanger
yourself and others. Service products and capacities
385Technical data
Z