2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA towing

Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Centers
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshops
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message............................226
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function)....................................140
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function)..........................139
Automatic headlamp mode..............105
Automatic transmission
Automatic drive program...............147
Changing gear...............................145
DIRECT SELECT lever.....................142
Display message............................236
Drive program display....................143
Driving tips....................................145
Emergency running mode..............151
Engaging drive position .................. 144
Engaging neutral............................144
Engaging parkposition (AMG
vehicles)........................................145
Engaging reversegear...................143
Engaging the parkposition............143
Holding the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients..............................145
Kickdown.......................................146
Manual drive program....................148
Overview........................................142
Problem (malfunction)...................151
Programselectorbutton................146
Pulling away...................................138
Selector lever................................144
Starting the engine........................138
Steering wheel paddle shifters......147
Transmission position display143, 144
Transmissionpositions..................145
Automatic transmission
emergency mode............................... 151
B
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs..............................114
Display message............................225
BAS (Brake Assist System).................62
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 74
Important safety notes....................74
Replacing.........................................74
Battery (vehicle)
Charging........................................302
Display message............................228
Important safety notes..................299
Jump starting.................................303
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 53
Function ...........................................53
Blind SpotAssist
Activating/deactivating.................205
Display message............................231
Notes/function..............................188
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message............................219
Notes.............................................348
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs..............................114
Display message............................224
Brakes
ABS..................................................61
Adaptive Brake Assist......................63
BAS..................................................62
Brake fluid (notes).........................348
Display message............................213
Driving tips....................................158
Important safety notes..................158
Maintenance..................................159
Parking brake................................154
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
Index5

M+S tires.......................................314
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition).....................................334
Maximum load on a tire (definition) 334
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 334
Maximum tire load.........................327
Maximum tire load (definition).......334
MOExtended tires..........................314
Optional equipment weight
(definition).....................................335
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition).....................................334
Replacing.......................................336
Service life.....................................314
Sidewall (definition).......................335
Speed rating (definition)................334
Storing...........................................336
Structure and characteristics
(definition).....................................333
Summer tires.........................161, 314
Temperature..................................329
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition).....................................335
Tire bead(definition)......................335
Tire pressure (definition)................335
Tire pressures (recommended)......333
Tire size (data)...............................340
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 330
Tire tread.......................................313
Tire tread (definition).....................335
Total load limit (definition).............335
Traction.........................................328
Traction (definition).......................335
Treadwear.....................................328
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards......................................328
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards(definition)....................333
Unladen weight (definition)............334
Wearindicator(definition).............335
Wheelrim (definition)....................333
see Flat tire
Top Tether............................................59
Towing
Important safety guidelines...........305
Installing the towing eye................306
Removing the towing eye...............306
Towingatrailer
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program).69
Towing away
With both axles on the ground.......307
With front axle raised ..................... 307
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting............308
Important safety notes..................305
Installing the towing eye................306
Removing the towing eye...............306
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display.........143
Transporting the vehicle..................307
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions).290
Trip computer (on-board computer)197
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 197
Resetting (on-board computer)......198
Trunk
Emergency release..........................82
Emergency release button...............82
Important safety notes....................80
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 80
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 81
Opening automatically from inside..81
Trunk emergency release button....... 82
Trunk lid
Display message............................238
Opening dimensions......................351
Trunk load (maximum)......................351
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front)...................113
Changing bulbs (rear)....................114
Display message............................223
Switching on/off...........................106
TV
Operating (on-board computer).....201
see Separate operating instructions
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
18Index

U
Unlocking
Emergencyunlocking.......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button).............................78
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor)........262
Vehicle
Correct use......................................25
Data acquisition...............................26
Equipment.......................................22
Individualsettings..........................205
Limited Warranty.............................26
Loading..........................................323
Locking (in an emergency)...............79
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 72
Lowering........................................340
Maintenance....................................23
Parking for a long period ................ 156
Pulling away...................................138
Raising...........................................337
Reporting problems.........................25
Securing from rolling away............337
Towing away..................................305
Tow-starting...................................305
Transporting..................................307
Unlocking (in an emergency)...........79
Unlocking (SmartKey)......................72
Vehicle data...................................351
Vehicle data.......................................351
Vehicle dimensions...........................351
Vehicle emergency locking................79
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate..............344
Vehicle maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit..................................294
Video (DVD)........................................ 201
VIN......................................................344
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 242
Brakes...........................................242
Check Engine.................................248
Coolant..........................................248
Distance warning...........................250
DISTRONICPLUS...........................250
ESP®..............................................244
ESP®OFF ....................................... 245
Fuel tank ........................................ 248
Overview..........................................30
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp..................................45
Reserve fuel...................................248
Seat belt........................................240
SPORT handling mode...................245
SRS ................................................ 247
Tire pressure monitor....................251
Warranty............................................344
Washer fluid
Display message............................239
Wheel bolttightening torque...........340
Wheel chock......................................337
Wheels
Changingawheel..........................336
Checking ........................................ 313
Cleaning ......................................... 287
Cleaning (warning).........................336
Important safety notes..................312
Interchanging/changing................336
Mountinganew wheel...................339
Mountingawheel..........................336
Removingawheel..........................339
Storing...........................................336
Tightening torque ........................... 340
Wheelsize/tiresize.......................340
Window curtain air bag
Display message............................220
Operation .........................................45
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting......................................129
Windshieldwasher fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshieldwasher system
Adding washer fluid.......................283
Notes.............................................350
Index19

!When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by
ESP®may otherwise destroy the brake
system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the electric parking brake is
being tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP®may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. Before you
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
!Do not tow vehicles with 4MATIC with the
front or rear axle raised.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the front axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP®(Ypage 307).
Vehicles with 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with both axles on the ground, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP®(Ypage 307).
ESP®is deactivated if theESP®OFF
warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up continuously when the engine is running.
If theESP®warning lamp and the
ESP®OFF warning lamp are lit
continuously, ESP®is not available due to a
malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Ypage 244) and displaymessages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Ypage 213).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP®function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If theESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP®is automatically
active.
If ESP®intervenes, theESP®warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP®intervenes:
XDo not deactivate ESP®under any
circumstances.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP®remains in its previously
selected status.Example:if ESP®was
deactivated before the enginewas switched
off, ESP®remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(AMG
vehicles)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section(Ypage 61).
You can select between the following states
of ESP®:
RESP®is activated.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
RESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
66Driving safetysystems
Safety

Shifting to neutral N
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
toN.
Remaining in neutral N
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutralN, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions:
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
park positionP
RStart the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
RMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
RShift to neutralN.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RIf the electric parking brake is engaged,
release it.
RSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Selector lever
Selector lever in AMG vehicles with P button
Park position with parking lock
Reverse gear
Neutral
Drive
Transmission position and drive
program display
Example
Transmission position display
Drive program display
The current transmission position and drive
program appear in the multifunction display.
144Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly
identify other road users and complextraffic
situations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes yourvehicle with up
to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly.There is
a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rstrong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
Rbe so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Driving systems165
Driving and parking
Z

Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may detect vehicles that
are crossing your lane by mistake. Activating
DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with
crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
HOLD function
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by theHOLD function if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similarsituations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function
(Ypage 173).
General notes
The HOLDfunction can assistthe driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
Rthe electric parking brake is released
Rthe transmission positionD,RorNis
engaged while driving a vehicle with an
automatic transmission
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
172Driving systems
Driving and parking

Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal withyour left foot
and keep it depressed.
XPull and hold both steering wheel shift
paddles.
XTheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
XRelease both steering wheel shift paddles.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Not Possible See
Operator's Manualmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XTo cancel:pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 147).
or
XTo confirm:pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 147).
TheRACE START Available Depress
gas pedalmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
theRACE START Canceledmessage.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed is increased.
TheRACE START Release brake to
startmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal
within a short time, RACE START will be
canceled. The multifunction display shows
theRACE START Canceledmessage.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
TheRACESTARTActivemessage appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive programSis
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. TheRACE
START Not PossibleorRACE START
Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP®, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficientgrip.
If you fail to adapt yourdriving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid.You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
!Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires(M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
174Driving systems
Driving and parking