2014 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class towing weight

Direction of rotatio
n...................... 422
Display message ............................ 310
Distributio nofthe vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................421
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. .418
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............419
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 419
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 419
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 419
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................419
Important safety notes ..................398
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......419
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........419
Labeling (overview )........................ 415
Load bearing index (definition) ......420
Load index ..................................... 417
Load index (definition) ...................420
M+S tires ....................................... 400
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 419
Maximum load on a tire (definition) 420
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 420
Maximum tire loa d......................... 417
Maximum tire load (definition) .......420
MOExtended tires ..........................400
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 420
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 420
Replacing ....................................... 421
Service life ..................................... 400
Sidewall (definition) .......................420
Speed rating (definition) ................419
Storing ........................................... 422
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 418
Temperature .................................. 414
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 420
Tire bea d(definition) ...................... 420Tire pressure (definition)
................420
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 419
Tire size (data) ............................... 426
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 415
Tire tread ....................................... 399
Tire tread (definition) .....................420
Total load limit (definition) .............421
Traction ......................................... 414
Traction (definition) .......................421
Trea dwear ..................................... 414
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................421
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s...................................... 413
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s(definition) .................... 419
Unladen weight (definition) ............420
Wea rindicato r(definition) .............421
Whee lrim (definition ).................... 419
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........391
Installing the towing eye ................392
Removing the towing eye. ..............393
With the rear axle raised ................393
Towing atrailer
Activ eParking Assist ..................... 220
Axle load, permissible ....................456
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 374
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 256
Decoupling atrailer ....................... 258
Driving tips .................................... 253
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .73
Important safety notes ..................253
Installing the ball coupling .............255
Mounting dimensions ....................455
Power supply ................................. 259
Pulling away with a trailer ..............160
Removing the ball coupling ............259
Storing the ball coupling ................259
Trailer drive program .....................245
Trailer loads ................................... 456
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......393 20
Index

Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............394
Important safety notes ..................391
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 259
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist .................240
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............243
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 235
PARKTRONI C................................. 215
Permissible trailer loads and
drawba rnoseweights ..................... 259
Transfer case ..................................... 173
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........165
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 165
Transporting the vehicle ..................393
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 191
Driving downhill ............................. 191
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 191
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .376
Trip computer (on-board computer) 266
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 266
Resetting (on-board computer) ......267
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 295
Switching on/off ........................... 123
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 421
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........345
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 312
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individua lsettings .......................... 274
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 409
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 426
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 182
Pulling away ................................... 160
Raising ........................................... 423
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............422
Towing away .................................. 391
Transporting .................................. 393
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........88
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................80
Vehicle data ................................... 452
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 452
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angl e............ 454
Fording depth ................................ 454
Maximum gradient climbing ability 455
Vehicle dimensions ...........................452
Vehicle emergency locking ................88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............442
Vehicle level AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 212
Vehicle level (display message) .......302
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 380
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 270
VIN ...................................................... 442 Index
21

R
uphill or downhill gradien tinpercentage
R on-road/off-road program selected
R condition of the differential lock for the
transfer case
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected
R condition of the LOW RANGE off-road
gear
R the on-road trailer program is selected 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.
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 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
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.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification Towing
atrailer
253Driving an d parking Z

Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximump
ermissible 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 455).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Ypage 455).
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. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
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 atrailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% 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 yourv ehicle. Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To chec kthat 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 drawbarl oad. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Y page 374). Storing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
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:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 240 Wto
the permanent powe rsupply.
You must no tcharge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with apermanen tpower supply. Towing
atrailer
259Driving an d parking Z

X
Slide cover 0002of positive terminal 0003in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal 0003on your vehicle to positive terminal 0023of donor battery 0021
using the jumper cable, always begi nwith positive terminal 0003on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the dono rvehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connec tnegative terminal 0022of donor battery 0021to ground point 0020of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle 0021first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engin erun for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from earth point 0020and negative terminal 0022, then from
positive clamp 0003and positive terminal 0023. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover 0002of positive terminal 0003after removing the jumper cables.
X Have the battery checke dataqualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
preven tdamage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONI CPLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the traile rtow hitch, if
available. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane. Towing and tow-starting
391Breakdown assistance Z

!
When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position Pwhen
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure the differential locks are in automatic
mode. When towing, the differential locks
must not be switched on. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 442).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, have it transported on a transporter
or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in
position Nwhen the vehicle is being towed. The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 276).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye Example: towing eye mounting covers
0002 Front cover
0003 Back cover
Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible,
connect the towbar to the trailer tow hitch
(Y page 253).
The brackets for the screw-in towing eyes are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front
and at the rear, under the covers. 392
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

Example: steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a maximum load of 1,500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure
you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard (Y page 409).
The greate rthe combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer (Y page 253).
Step 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)
1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
Step 2
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants)
5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants
Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the
occupants
Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Occupant 2:
180 lbs (82 kg)
Occupant 3:
160 lbs (73 kg)
Occupant 4:
140 lbs (63 kg)
Occupant 5:
120 lbs (54 kg) Occupant 1:
200 lbs (91 kg)
Occupant 2:
190 lbs (86 kg)
Occupant 3:
150 lbs (68 kg) Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants
750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)412
Loading the vehicleWheels and tires

Trailer loads
Trailer loads, trailer drawbar noseweights and axle loads Missing values were not availabl
eattime of going to print. ML 350 4MATIC and ML 550 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load
,unbraked Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimu
mgradient-climbing capability of
12% from a standstill) 7198 lbs (3265 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the
drawbar noseweight is no
tincluded in
the trailer load) 575 lbs (261 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing
a trailer
3527 lbs (1600 kg)
ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimu
mgradient-climbing capability of
12% from a standstill) 6613 lbs (3000 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the
drawbar noseweight is no
tincluded in
the trailer load) 529 lbs (240 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing
a trailer
3637 lbs (1650 kg)
ML 350
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimu
mgradient-climbing capability of
12% from a standstill) 6613 lbs (3000 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the
drawbar noseweight is no
tincluded in
the trailer load) 529 lbs (240 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing
a trailer
3527 lbs (1600 kg)456
Trailer tow hitchTechnical data