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.XTo open the cover: turn handle : anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ; and
remove it.XPull out release wheel =.XTurn release wheel = anti-clockwise as far
as it will go.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
behind the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp ? flashes.GWARNING
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.
XPull 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.XRemove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.XMake 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
XMake sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.XApply the electric parking brake.XPosition the trailer level behind the vehicle.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.XCheck 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
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-
run brake, you could trap your hand between
204Towing a trailerDriving and parking
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XPress 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.
XTo 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
Trailers with 7-pin connector: you can
make a connection to the 13-pin connector
on the ball coupling using an adapter plug or,
if necessary, an adapter cable. Both can be
obtained in 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.
XOpen the socket cover.XInsert connector with lug : into
groove ; of the socket. Turn the connec-
tor clockwise to the stop.XLet the cover engage.XIf you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.206Towing a trailerDriving and parking
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Useful information ............................208
Important safety notes ....................208
Displays and operation ....................208
Menus and submenus ......................211
Display messages ............................. 226
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................255207On-board computer and displaysProCarManuals.com
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).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Operating the integrated information systems
and communications equipment in the vehicle
while driving will distract you from traffic con-
ditions. You could then lose control of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices if road traffic con-
ditions permit. If you are unsure about the
surrounding conditions, pull over to a safe
location and make entries only while the vehi-
cle is stationary.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognise function
restrictions relevant to safety. The operating
safety of your vehicle may be impaired. There
is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul-
tifunction display. You should therefore make
sure your vehicle is operating safely at all
times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not oper-
ating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration ( Y page 30).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is on the bottom
left of the instrument cluster ( Y page 30).
XTurn the brightness control knob clockwise
or anti-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to Ã, T or
L , the brightness is dependant upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Coolant temperature gauge
GWARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking
service products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in
the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 120 †.
208Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
ProCarManuals.com
At high outside temperatures and when driv-
ing uphill, the coolant temperature may rise
to the end of the scale.
Rev counter
! Do not drive in the overrevving range.
Doing so will damage the engine.
The red band in the rev counter indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around the
freezing point.
The outside temperature display is in the mul-
tifunction display.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Speedometer with segments
The speedometer is divided into segments on
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS.
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated ( Y page 168):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R Variable SPEEDTRONIC activated
( Y page 171):
The segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected limit speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated ( Y page 173):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up.
Operating the on-board computer
Overview:Multifunction display;Switches on LINGUATRONIC; see the sep-
arate operating instructions=Right control panel?Left control panelABack buttonXTo activate the on-board computer: turn
the key to position 1 in the ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Displays and operation209On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com
Left control panel=
;R Calls up the menu and menu bar9
:Press briefly:
R Scrolls through lists
R Selects a submenu or function
R In the Audio menu: selects a
stored station, an audio track or
a video scene
R In the Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or telephone
number9
:Press and hold:
R In the Audio menu: selects the
previous/next station or selects
an audio track or a video scene
using rapid scrolling
R In the Tel (Telephone) menu,
starts rapid scrolling through the
phone bookaR Confirms selection/display mes-
sage
R In the Tel (telephone) menu:
switches to the telephone book
and starts dialling the selected
number
R In the Audio menu: stops the
station search function at the
desired station
Right control panel
~R Rejects or ends a call
R Exits telephone book/redial
memory6R Makes or accepts a call
R Switches to the redial memoryW
XR Adjusts the volume8RMute
Back button
%Press briefly:
R Back
R Switches off LINGUATRONIC;
see the separate operating
instructions
R Hides display messages/calls
up the last Trip menu function
used
R Exits the telephone book/redial
memory%Press and hold:
R Calls up the standard display in
the Trip menu
Multifunction display
Example: automatic transmission multifunction
display
:Transmission position ( Y page 153);Drive program ( Y page 153)=Text field210Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
ProCarManuals.com
?Menu barAPermanent display: outside temperature
or speed ( Y page 220)BTimeXTo show the menu bar ?: press the
= or ; button on the steering wheel.
Menu bar ? disappears after a few seconds.
Text field = shows the selected menu or
submenu as well as display messages.
i You can set the time using the audio sys-
tem or COMAND Online, see the separate
operating instructions.
The following messages may appear in the
multifunction display:
ZGearshift recommendation
( Y page 152)Xj YActive Parking Assist
( Y page 186)¯Cruise control ( Y page 168)ÈSPEEDTRONIC ( Y page 171)_Adaptive Highbeam Assist
( Y page 111)¤ECO start/stop function
( Y page 148)ëHOLD function ( Y page 181)120 km/h!Maximum permissible speed
exceeded (only for certain coun-
tries)
Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Operating the on-board computer
( Y page 209).
Depending on the equipment fitted in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
R Trip menu ( Y page 211)
R Navi menu (navigation instructions)
( Y page 213)
R Audio menu ( Y page 214)
R Tel (telephone) menu ( Y page 215)
R
Assist. (Assistance) menu ( Y page 217)
R Service menu (Y page 219)
R Settings menu (Y page 219)
The Audio , Navi and Tel menus differ slightly
in vehicles with Audio 20 and in vehicles with
COMAND Online. The examples given in this
Owner's Manual apply to vehicles equipped
with COMAND Online.
Trip menu
Standard display
XPress and hold the % button on the
steering wheel until the Trip menu with
trip meter : and total distance
recorder ; is shown.
Trip computer "From start" or "From
reset"
Example: "From start" trip computer
:Distance;Time=Average speed?Average fuel consumptionXPress the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip menu.XPress the 9 or : button to select
After start or After reset .Menus and submenus211On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com
The values in the From start submenu are
calculated from the start of a journey, whilst
the values in the From reset submenu are
calculated from the last time the submenu
was reset ( Y page 212).
The From start trip computer is automati-
cally reset when:
R the ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R 999 hours have been exceeded.
R 9,999 kilometres have been exceeded.
If the value exceeds 9,999 hours or
99,999 kilometres, the From reset trip com-
puter is automatically reset.
ECO display
Example: ECO display
XPress the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip menu.XPress 9 or : to select ECO DIS‐
PLAY .
If the ignition remains switched off for longer
than four hours, the ECO display will be auto-
matically reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see ( Y page 165).
Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption
XPress the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip menu.XPress the 9 or : button to select
current fuel consumption ; and approxi-
mate range :.
Approximate range : is calculated accord-
ing to the current driving style and the amount
of fuel in the tank. If there is only a small
amount of fuel left in the fuel tank, the display
shows a vehicle being refuelled C instead
of range :.
Digital speedometer
XPress the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip menu.XPress the 9 or : button to select
digital speedometer ;.
Further information on gearshift recommen-
dations : (Y page 152).
Resetting values
Example: resetting the trip computer "From start"
You can reset the values of the following func-
tions:
R trip meter
R trip computer "From start"
R trip computer "From reset"
R ECO display
212Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
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