
The differential lock for the front axle is
engaged.
Disengaging the differential locks You can disengage the differential locks in the
following order: 0044,0085,0087.
X To simultaneously disengage all
differential locks: press switch0087.
Yellow activation indicator lamps 0083and
red function indicator lamps 0043go out.
After approximately three seconds of
normal driving, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS
are activated.
The ABS ABS not
notavailable
available Differential
Differential
Locked
Locked message disappears in the
multifunction display and the 00BB,0025
and 00E5 warning lamps in the instrument
cluster go out.
X Shift the transfer case to the HIGH
RANGE on-road position (Y page 194).
i If red function indicator lamps 0043do not
go out after disengaging the differential
locks, bring the vehicle to a standstill in
accordance with the traffic conditions.
Then continue driving, as the load change
can release the differential locks. Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes 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. Never
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.
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. G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the 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.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
You will find the applicable permissible
values, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents. You will find the values
approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle
identification plates and those for the towing
vehicle in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 342). 198
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

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 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
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
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 circle
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 your vehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 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 If you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This reduces the risk of damage to
the ball coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 316).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the technical data (Y page 351).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling for up to 3
people is 562 lbs (255 kg). The maximum
permissible trailer drawbar noseweight for
more than 3 persons and the maximum load
in the trunk can be found in the trailer
drawbar noseweight table (Y page 352).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
or trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 316).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Ypage 189) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 185) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar. Towing a trailer
199Driving and parking Z

Driving tips
X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2or 3(Y page 150) in
good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE( Ypage 194).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so that less braking will be required
to maintain the 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.
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
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum 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 utilize any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (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 60 mph (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.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to
maintain the 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 counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude. Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 180 W to
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics. 200
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes You can make a connection to the 13-pin
socket on the ball coupling using an adapter
or, if necessary, an adapter cable. Both can
be obtained in a qualified specialist
workshop.
Installing the adapter !
Make sure that there is enough slack in
the cable for cornering so that the cable
cannot become detached. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug 0043into
groove 0044on the socket and turn the
connector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
i When the socket is connected, the
ultrasonic backing up aid is deactivated. Towing a trailer
201Driving and parking Z

Safety systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 002500E5
Currently Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP
®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist), the HOLD function, hill start assist
and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are temporarily unavailable.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the 00E5,00BBand0025 warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
Possible causes are:
R Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
R The on-board voltage may be insufficient.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 002500E5
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ABS, ESP
®
, BAS, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
The 0027 (USA only)/004D (Canada only),00E5,00BBand0025
warning lamps in the instrument cluster also light up.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase. Display messages
221On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions If ESP
®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 00E5
Currently Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ESP
®
, BAS, the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the 00E5and00BB warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 222
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00E5
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ESP
®
, BAS, the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the 00E5and00BB warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 007A0025
00E5
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP
®
, BAS, the
HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are
unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the 00E5,00BBand0025 warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0049(USA
only)
0024(Canada
only)
Release Release Park.
Park.Brake
Brake You are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.
X
Release the parking brake. Display
messages
223On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Front Passenger
Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled Airbag Disabled
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual A special BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system is
mounted on the front-passenger seat.
The
00730074 indicator lamp also lights up.
The front-passenger air bag is therefore disabled.
Further information on BabySmart™(Y page 44).Front Passenger Front Passenger
Airbag Airbag
Enabled
Enabled See
See
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual The
00730074 indicator lamp does not remain lit if a special
BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system has been installed
on the front-passenger seat.
The BabySmart™ system is malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The front-passenger front air bag can be triggered unintentionally
in the event of an accident.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Make sure there is nothing between the seat and the child
restraint system.
X Check that the child restraint system is installed correctly.
X If the 00730074 indicator lamp does not light up, have the
BabySmart™ system checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the
air bag deactivation system has been repaired. Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050 0050Solutions 0049
Check Left Low Check Left Low
Beam Beam
orCheck
Check
Right Low Beam
Right Low Beam The left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0049
Check Check
Trailer
Trailer Left
Left
Tail Lamp
Tail Lamp orCheck
Check
Trailer
Trailer Right
RightTail
Tail
Lamp
Lamp The left or right-hand trailer tail lamp is faulty.
X
Check whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 226
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays