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.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to positionP.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
XVehicles with ADS:set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical connections.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is
working.
iVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
RUnless highway level has been set
manually, the vehicle is automatically
lowered to highway level. This is the case
if a speed of 5 mph(8km/h) is reached.
RHigh-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. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
RSafety 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.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
RA safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
Towing a trailer
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:
RIn order to accumulate driving experience
and accustom yourself to the new handling
characteristics, practice the following at a
location where there is no traffic:
-Cornering
-Stopping
-Backing up
RBefore driving, check:
-the trailer tow hitch
-the safety switch for braked trailers
-the safety chains
-electrical connections
-the lights
-the wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
Towing a trailer267
Driving an d parking
Z
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum 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.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Ypage 456).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Ypage 456).
Loading a trailer
RWhen loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the 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. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
RThe trailer drawbar load 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.
iMercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
iThe weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RTo 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.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load.
Removing the ball coupling
XRemove the spring cotter.
XRemove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
XRemove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
XClean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
XStow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines
(Ypage 340) and the safety notes regarding
stowage spaces (Ypage 341).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Ypage 381).
Storing the ball coupling
GWARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by
the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
Rbrake sharply
Rchange direction suddenly
Rare involved in an accident
Towing a trailer269
Driving and parking
Z
Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 28).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmodel
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmanufacturer
Rmodel
GWARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
Rdo not drive with a flat tire.
Rimmediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
Rpay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or that are not
being used correctly can impair operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
Rsuitability
Rlegal stipulations
Rfactory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Ypage 432).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
Ron the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
(Ypage 415)
Ron the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Ypage 184)
Rin the "Tire pressure" section
Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
404Operation
Wheels and tires
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended pressures for cold tires for
various operating conditions, i.e. differing
load and speed conditions.
Example: tire pressure table with tire dimensions
If a tire size precedes a tire pressure, the tire
pressure information following is only valid
for that tire size. The load conditions "partially
laden" and "fully laden" are defined in the
table for different numbers of occupants and
amounts of luggage. The actual number of
seats may differ.
Some tire pressure tables show only the rim
diameters instead of the full tire size, e.g.
R18. The rim diameter is part of the tire size
and can be found on the tire sidewall
(Ypage 421).
If the tire pressures have been set to the
lower values for lighter loads and/or lower
road speeds, the pressures should be reset
to the higher values:
Rif you want to drive with an increased load
and/or
Rif you want to drive at higher road speeds
iThe tire pressures for increased loads
and/or higher road speeds, shown in the
tire pressure table, may have a negative
effect on driving comfort.
If the tire pressure is not set correctly, this
can lead to an excessive build up of heat and
a sudden loss of pressure.
For more information, contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Important notes on tire pressure
GWARNING
If the tire pressure drops repeatedly, the
wheel, valve or tire may be damaged. Tire
pressure that is too low may result in a tire
blow-out. There is a risk of an accident.
RCheck the tire for foreign objects.
RCheck whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
If you are unable to rectify the damage,
contact a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If you fit unsuitable accessories onto tire
valves, the tire valves may be overloaded and
malfunction, which can cause tire pressure
loss. Due to their design, retrofitted tire
pressure monitors keep the tire valve open.
This can also result in tire pressure loss. There
is a risk of an accident.
Only screw the standard valve cap or other
valve caps approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle onto the tire valve.
Use a suitable pressure gauge to check the
tire pressure. The outer appearance of a tire
does not permit any reliable conclusion about
the tire pressure. On vehicles equipped with
the electronic tire pressure monitoring
system, the tire pressure can be checked
using the on-board computer.
The tire temperature and pressure increase
when the vehicle is in motion. This is
dependent on the driving speed and the load.
Tire pressure409
Wheels and tires
Z
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type
of the spare wheel or emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel may
severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
Radapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
Rnever mount more than one spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size.
Ronly use a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size briefly.
Rdo not switch ESP®off.
Rhave a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
!AMG vehicles with "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel:use the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheelonly
on the rear axle. If you mount the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel on the
front axle, this could result in damage to the
brake system.
If a tire on the front axle is defective, an
intact wheel from the rear axle must first
be replaced with the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel. The defective
wheel on the front axle can then be
replaced with the intact wheel from the rear
axle.
Make sure to note the placard on the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel.
When using an emergency spare wheel or
spare wheel of a different size, you must not
exceed the maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
General notes
Mounting the emergency spare wheel is
described under "Mounting a wheel"
(Ypage 428).
You should regularly check the pressure of
the emergency spare wheel, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as
necessary (Ypage 408). The value on the
wheel or as given in the "Wheels and tires"
section is valid (Ypage 441).
An emergency spare wheel may also be
mounted against the direction of rotation.
Observe the time restriction on use as well as
the speed limitation specified on the
emergency spare wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
iWhen you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure
loss warning system or the tire pressure
monitor cannot function reliably. Only
restart the tire pressure loss warning
system/the tire pressure monitor when the
damaged wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor:
after mounting an emergency spare wheel,
the system may still display the tire
pressure of the removed wheel for a few
minutes. The value displayed for the
mounted emergency spare wheel is not the
same as the current tire pressure of the
emergency spare wheel.
Emergency spare wheel439
Wheels and tires
Z
Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
Rthe heights specified may vary as a result
of:
-tires
-load
-condition of the suspension
-optional equipment
Roptional equipment reduces the maximum
payload.
Dimensions and weights
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
Model C C
Opening
height
D D
Maximum
headroom
Models
without
ON&OFFROAD
package
83.9 in -
86.9 in
(2132 mm -
2207 mm)
76.1 in -
79.1 in
(1934 mm -
2009 mm)
Models with
ON&OFFROAD
package
83.9 in -
88.1 in
2132 mm -
2237 mm
76.1 in -
80.3 in
(1934 mm -
2039 mm)
AMG vehicles84.1 in -
86.6 in
2136 mm -
2199 mm
78.8 in
2002 mm
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
All models (except for
AMG vehicles)
Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
84.3 in
(2141 mm)
Maximum vehicle height75.2 in
(1910 mm)
Maximum vehicle height
(ON&OFFROAD package)
76.4 in
(1940 mm)
Minimum vehicle height
(highway driving level)
72.8 in
(1850 mm)
Wheelbase121.1 in
(3075 mm)
Maximum ground
clearance
10.9 in
(276 mm)
Maximum ground
clearance (ON&OFFROAD
package)
12.0 in
(306 mm)
Vehicle data453
Technical data
Z
Trailer tow hitch
Mounting dimensions
!If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the cooling system and drive
train may be necessary, depending on the
vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the
chassis frame.
Anchorage points for the trailer tow hitch(example)
CAnchorage points
DRear axle center line
456Trailer tow hitch
Technical data
Trailer loads
Trailer loads, trailer drawbar noseweights and axle loads
Missing values were not available at time of going to print.
All models (except
GL 63 AMG 4MATIC)
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-
climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)
7500 lbs (3402 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the drawbar
noseweight is not included in the trailer load)
600 lbs (272 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing a trailer3970 lbs (1800 kg)
GL 63 AMG 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-
climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)
7165 lbs (3250 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the drawbar
noseweight is not included in the trailer load)
309 lbs (140 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing a trailer4189 lbs (1900 kg)
The actual noseweight may not be higher than the value which is given. The value can be found
on the trailer tow hitch or trailer identification plates. The lowest weight applies.
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar noseweight is the maximum weight with which the
trailer drawbar can be loaded. Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer couplings.
Ball position
Ball position of the ball coupling
When choosing a ball coupling, the
dimensions stated in the illustration must not
be exceeded.
Trailer tow hitch457
Technical data
Z