2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE trailer

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: it is imperative tha tyou read
the "HYBRID" supplement. Otherwise, you
may not recognise dangers. G
WARNING
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing bar if:
R the engine is not running.
R there is a brake system malfunction.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will need more
force to steer and brake, you may have to
depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Before towing away, make sure that the steer-
ing can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle. 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.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R the tow rope must not be longer than is
legally permitted. It should be marked in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x30c m) so thatothe rroad users are
aware that a vehicle is being towed. R
the tow rope may only be attached to the
towing eyes.
R observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. The vehicle could be dam-
aged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane.
! Pull away smoothly when towing away or
tow-starting a vehicle. If the tractive power
is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.
! To tow vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use
the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
The automatic transmission may otherwise
switch to position Pwhen you open the
driver's or front-passenge rdoor which
could damage the transmission.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
of 50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
not be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the entire
vehicle must be lifted up and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximu mper-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 435).
Observe the legal requirement sfor the rele-
vant countries when towing and tow-starting.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission dam-
age, have it transported on a transporter or
trailer.
When towing a vehicle with an automatic
transmission, the transmission must be in
position N. 372
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R
cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
R cannot shift the transmission to position
N on vehicles with automatic transmission
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
release the selector lever lock manually to
move it out of position P(Y page 179).
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 90). You could otherwise be locked
out when pushing or towing the vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection
(Y page 79) before the vehicle is towed. Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be hot. You could
burn yourself if you touch the tail pipe. Be
particularly careful when removing the rear
cover. Example: Saloon, towing eye covers Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if you intend
to use the vehicle for towing, fold out the ball
coupling and connect the towbar to it
(Y
page 237).
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, under the covers.
X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (Y page 361).
X Press the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Take cover :off the opening.
X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the
stop and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Position cover :on the bumper and press
it until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit. Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could other-
wise damage the brake system.
Only possible on vehicles without
4MATIC.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 129).
X Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
0and remove the key from the ignition
lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the key or
the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is importan tthat you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 372). Towing and tow-starting
373Breakdown assistance Z

Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
G
WARNING
The powe rassistance 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.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 372).
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 position Nwhen towing the vehicle, you
must observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 0in the ignition
lock.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the key
instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 161).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal.
X Engage neutral.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 129).
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition
lock.
i When towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal achange of direc-
tion. In this case, only the turn signals for
the desired direction flash. When the com- bination switch is reset, the hazard warning
lamps start flashing again. 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.
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.
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 automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the parking brake.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
engage first or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
X Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
0and remove the key from the ignition
lock.
X Secure the vehicle. Notes for 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it trans-
ported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system 374
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To
shift the automatic transmission to position
N, you must provide powert o the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jump-starting (Y page 370).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
When tow-starting, it is important that you
observe the safety instructions (Y page 372)
and the legal requirements in each respective
country.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 129).
X Fit the towing eye (Y page 373).
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; do not
depress the accelerator pedal while doing
so.
The engine is started.
X Depress the clutch pedal and shift to neu-
tral.
X Stop at a suitable place.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Remove the rigid towing bar or towing rope. X
Remove the towing eye (Y page 373).
X Switch off the hazard warning lamps.
Before tow-starting the following conditions
must be fulfilled:
R the battery is connected.
R the engine has cooled down.
R the exhaust system has cooled down.
You can find information on "Jump-starting"
at (Y page 370). Electrical fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles 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
traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correc tfuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or sys-
tems could 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. Electrical fuses
375Breakdown assistance Z

G
WARNING
If the tyre pressure drops repeatedly, the
wheel, valve or tyre may be damaged. Tyre
pressure that is too low may result in a tyre
blow-out. There is a risk of accident.
R Check the tyre for foreign objects.
R Check whethe rthe wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
If you are unable to rectify the damage, con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days.
You will find a table of tyre pressures for var-
ious operating conditions on the inside of
your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
Operation with the emergency spare
wheel(Y page 425).
Operation with a trailer: the applicable
value for the rear tyres is the maximum tyre
pressure value stated in the table inside the
fuel filler flap.
The table inside the fuel filler flap may state
tyre pressures for different load conditions.
These are defined in the table as different
numbers of passengers and amounts of lug-
gage. The actual number of seats may vary;
for more information, please refer to the vehi-
cle's registration documents.
If tyre sizes are not specified, the tyre pres-
sures stated on the tyre pressure information
label apply for all tyres approved for this vehi-
cle. If a tyre size precedes a tyre pressure, the
following tyre pressure information is only
valid for that tyre size.
Use a suitable pressure gauge to check the
tyre pressure. The outer appearance of a tyre
does not permit any reliable conclusion about
the tyre pressure. On vehicles fitted with the
electronic tyre pressure monitor, the tyre
pressure can be checked using the on-board
computer.
If possible, only correct tyre pressures when
the tyres are cold.
The tyres are cold:
R
if the vehicle has been parked with the tyres
out of direct sunlight for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1.6 km
Depending on the ambient temperature, the
speed at which you are driving and the load
on the tyres, the tyre temperature and thus
the tyre pressure change by approximately
10 kPa per 10 † (0.1 ba r/1.5 psi). Take this
into account whe nchecking the pressure of
warm tyres. Only correct the tyre pressure if
it is too low for the current operating condi-
tions.
Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R shorten the service life of the tyres
R cause increased tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics and thus the driving safety (e.g.
aquaplaning)
i The tyre pressure values given for low
loads are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort characteristics.
However, you can also use the values given
for higher loads. These are permissible and
will not adversely affect the running of the
vehicle. 384
Tyre pressureWheels and tyres

Speeds up to 210 km/h(does not apply to
AMG vehicles): despite the values stated on
the tyre pressure information label (fuel filler
flap), for speeds up to 210 km/h andwith
R16 or R17 tyres, the values stated can be
reduced as follows without a reduction in
safety:
R Saloon: Ò30kPa (Ò0.3bar/Ò4psi)
R Estate: Ò20 kPa (Ò0.2 bar/Ò3p si)
This does not apply to vehicles towing a
trailer.
This improves the ride comfort of your vehi-
cle; however, the fuel consumption may
increase slightly. Tyre pressure loss warning system
Important safety notes While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed
of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of
a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appearint he multifunction dis-
play.
The tyre pressure warning system does not
warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pressure.
Observe the notes on the recommended tyre
pressure (Y page 383).
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not replace the need to regularly check your
vehicle's tyre pressures, since an even loss of
pressure on several tyres at the same time
cannot be detected by the tyre pressure loss
warning system.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Avoid
abrupt steering manoeuvres. The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, make sure that the tyre
pressures are set properly on all four tyres
for the respective operating conditions.
The recommended tyre pressures can be
found in the table on the fuel filler flap. The
tyre pressure loss warning system can only
give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tyre pressure. If an incorrect tyre
pressure is set, these incorrectv alues will
be monitored.
X Also observe the notes in the sectio non
tyre pressures (Y page 383).
X Make sure tha tthe key is in posi-
tion 2(Ypage 161) in the ignition lock.
X Press =or; on the steering wheel
to select the Serv.Serv. menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre pressure .
X Press the abutton.
The message appears in the multifunction
display. Tyre pressure
385Wheels and tyres Z

R19
Tyres Light-allo
ywheels FA: 245/35 R19 93 Y XL
7, 8, 9
RA: 275/30 R19 96 Y XL 6, 7, 8, 9 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 48
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 48
Winter tyres
R16
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 205/60 R16 92 H M+S
i3 BA: 7.0 J x 16 H2 ET 38
BA: 225/55 R16 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 7.5 J x 16 H2 ET 45.5
BA: 225/55 R16 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 7.5 J x 16 H2 ET 45.5
BA: 225/55 R16 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 8.0 J x 16 H2 ET 46
BA: 225/55 R16 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 8.0 J x 16 H2 ET 46
R17
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 245/45 R17 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL
M+SiMOExtended
5 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 8.5 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 8.5 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL
M+SiMOExtended
5 BA: 8.5 J x 17 H2 ET 48
7
Only in combination with AIRMATIC (code 489), Direct Control suspension (code 677) or Sports package
(code 950).
8 Not in combination with trailer tow hitch (code 550) or folding bench seat (code 844; Estate).
9 Observe the notes on "Large wheels" under "General notes" in the "Wheel/tyre combinations" section.
6 The use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes under "Snow chains".
3 Saloons only.
4 Estate only.
5 MOExtended tyres (tyre sfeaturing run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activate tyre pressure
loss warning system or tyre pressure monitor. 396
Wheel and tyre combinationsWheels and tyres

R19
Tyres Light-allo
ywheels FA: 245/35 R19 93 Y XL
7, 8, 9
RA: 275/30 R19 96 Y XL 6, 7, 8, 9 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 48
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 48
Winter tyres
R16
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 225/55 R16 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 7.5 J x 16 H2 ET 45.5
BA: 225/55 R16 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 7.5 J x 16 H2 ET 45.5
BA: 225/55 R16 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 8.0 J x 16 H2 ET 46
BA: 225/55 R16 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 8.0 J x 16 H2 ET 46
R17
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 245/45 R17 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL
M+SiMOExtended
5 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 95 H M+S
i3 BA: 8.5 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL M+S
i4 BA: 8.5 J x 17 H2 ET 48
BA: 245/45 R17 99 H XL
M+SiMOExtended
5 BA: 8.5 J x 17 H2 ET 48
R18
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 245/40 R18 97 H XL M+S
i BA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 48
7
Only in combination with AIRMATIC (code 489), Direct Control suspension (code 677) or Sports package
(code 950).
8 Not in combination with trailer tow hitch (code 550) or folding bench seat (code 844; Estate).
9 Observe the notes on "Large wheels" under "General notes" in the "Wheel/tyre combinations" section.
6 The use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes under "Snow chains".
3 Saloons only.
4 Estate only.
5 MOExtended tyres (tyre sfeaturing run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activate tyre pressure
loss warning system or tyre pressure monitor. 400
Wheel and tyre combinationsWheels and tyres