2013 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS FAMILY TOURER tow

View through the camera
G
WARNING
The rea rview camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
R fro madistorted perspective
R inaccurately
R may not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R above the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in fron tof, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endange ryourself and/or others. G
WARNING
The rear view camera will not function or will
not fully function if:
R the tailgate is open
R it is raining or snowing strongly or if it is
foggy
R it is night or if you are parking/
maneuvering your vehicle in a very dark
area
R a very bright white light is affecting the
camera
R the immediate vicinity is illuminated with
fluorescent light (the display can flicker)
R temperature changes abruptly, for example
if you drive out of the cold into a heated
garage (condensation on the lens)
R the camera lens is dirty or covered
R the rear of your vehicle is damaged
In this case, have the position and the
setting of the camera checked at a
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you consult a Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose.
Do not use the rear view camera in these
situations. You could otherwise injure
yourself and other people and/or cause
damage -including damage to your vehicle -
while parking/maneuvering.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear view mirror.
Activating the rear view camera X
Make sure thatt he SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the rear view camera
function is selected in COMAND (see the
separate operating instructions for
COMAND).
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
Guide lines in the COMAND display G
WARNING
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display. G
WARNING
Please note that objects that do not touch the
ground may appear to be further away than
they actually are, for example:
R the bumper of a vehicle parked behind you
R the trailer drawbar
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear end of a truck
R a slanted post
In such cases, you should not use the guide
lines to judge the distance. You may misjudge 190
Driving systemsDriving and parking

tone sounds. Red warning lamp
:flashes. If
the tur nsignal remains on, detected vehicles
are indicated by the flashing of red warning
lamp :.There are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that the radar sensor system
(Y page 209) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 211) are activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately
1.5 seconds and then turn yellow.
Towing atrailer When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This ca
nbe accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting. In this event,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated. The indicator
lamp in the exterior mirrors lights up yellow,
and the Blind Spot Assist Currently Unavailable See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
i
You can deactivate the indicator lamps in
the exterior mirrors.
To do so, switch off Blind Spot Assist when:
R the SmartKey is in position 2in the
ignition lock.
R the engine is not running.
R the electrical connection to the trailer
has been established. Towing
atrailer Notes on towing
atrailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other tha nthe one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. This
could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.N ever
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident. Towing
atrailer
193Driving an d parking
Z

On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully.If
you do no tcouple 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 the vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without atrailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-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 radius This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for yourv
ehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-BenzC enter.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use. Coupling up a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
! Do not connectt he trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake. 194
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

X
Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level and set ADS to
AUTO orCOMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
cable connection to the brake indicator
lamp.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a traile rattached, the vehicle will
always remai nathighway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R Unless highway level has been set
manually, the vehicle automatically
lowers to highway level when it reaches
a speed of 5mph (8 km/h).
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S.s tates and all Canadia nprovinces
require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to yours tate. If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes. Towing
atrailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g .speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and backing up in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-Trailer tow hitch
- Safety switch for braked trailers
- Safety chains
- Electrical connections
- Lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly. Towing
atrailer
195Driving an d parking Z

R
Bea rinm ind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one .Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes .Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
Al ower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in your limbs or those of other people thata re
between the vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Permissible gross vehicle weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Maximu
mpermissible gross vehicle weight:
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg).
Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight is the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbar can be loaded:
350 lbs (158 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings. 196
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

Loading
atrailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neithe rthe permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. Always observe the lowest
respective value when determining the
maximum weight with which you can load
the vehicle and the trailer.
R The trailer drawbarl oad on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends that the
trailer drawbar noseweight should account
for 8 % to 10 % of the trailer's permissible
gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load. Trailer power supply
The trailer power socket of your vehicle is
designed for connecting the 7-pin connector
supplied as part of the Mercedes-Benz-
approved trailer coupling.
i Depending on your trailer, you may need
an adapter to connect your trailer to the
vehicle.
Further information can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing
atrailer
197Driving an d parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Blind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Blind Spot Assis
tis temporarily inoperative.
you have established the electrical connection between the trailer
and your vehicle.
X Press ato confirm the display message.
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated while towing a trailer. Blind Spot Assist is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
R
the sensors are dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
Blind Spot Assist is operational again.
If you are driving without a trailer and the displaym essage does
not disappear:
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 166).
X Clean the sensors (Y page 293).
X Restart the engine. Blind Spot Assist
Inoperative Blind Spot Assist is defective.
The yellow
9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Cruise Control
Inoperative Cruise control is defective.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
X Visi taqualified specialist workshop. Display messages
229On-board computer and displays Z

Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Safety
Seat belts Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
ü
After starting the
engine, the red seat
bel
twarning lamp lights
up for 6seconds. The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and fron
tpassenger
to fasten their seat belts.
X Faste nyour seat belt (Y page 56). ü
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to six seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 56).
The warning tone ceases. ü
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 56).
The warning lamp goes out. There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X
Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out. ü
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. You
are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 56).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. There are objects on the front-passenger seat. You are driving
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or have briefly driven faster than
15 mph (25 km/h).
X
Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. 238
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays