2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE SUV tow bar

Hybrid drive system
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. You have been in an accident.
The hybrid drive system remains switched off if:
R the internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds.
R the red 6restraint system warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter is lit.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. The multi-
function display also
shows a display mes-
sage. An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid drive system or an
electrical connection has been disconnected.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play (Y page 300).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle level may be changed uninten-
tionally, e.g. by other persons. If this happens while you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,
you could become trapped. In addition, other
people could become trapped if their limbs
are between the vehicle body and the wheels or underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
When coupling or decoupling a trailer, make
sure that no one:
R opens or closes the doors or the tailgate
R initiates a level change or turns the
DYNAMIC SELECT Controller
R locks or unlocks the vehicle G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina- tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If the maximum permissible load for a carrier system is exceeded, the carrier could come
loose from the vehicle and endanger other
road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never exceed the maximum permissible load
when using a carrier.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling
may cause damage to the following:
R your vehicle
R the trailer
R the ball coupling
R trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could become
unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the mini-
mum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unstable. 272
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as possi-
ble to the maximum noseweight
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R do not use a noseweight lower than the min-
imum noseweight
When reversing the vehicle towards the trailer,
make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
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 your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (Y page 447).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
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 can impair the vehicle's handling charac-
teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully. 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. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes Check the tyre pressures when towing a trailer.
You will find the values in the tyre pressure table in the vehicle fuel filler flap (Y page 408).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all.
R PARKTRONIC (Y page 225)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 244)
R Active Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 250)
R Active Parking Assist (Y page 228)
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.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads under
"Technical data" (Y page 446).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer stabili-
sation (Y page 77) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Y page 161).
Select the Comfortdrive program using the
DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Y page 166).
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
permitted speed is. Observe the legally prescri-
bed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (Y page 447). If you utilise any of the
added maximum rear axle load when towing a
trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/hf or rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 100 km/h. Towing a trailer
273Driving and parking Z

X
Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
X Push the combination switch upwards and
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer is flashing.
A connected trailer is only detected when the
electrical connection is established correctly
and when the lighting system is working prop-
erly. The function of other systems also depends on this, for example:
R ESP ®
R PARKTRONIC
R Active Parking Assist
R Active Blind Spot Assist
R Active Lane Keeping Assist
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
if
you couple up a trailer, the vehicle initially
remains at the selected level of the drive pro- gram set. Observe the following when cou-
pling up a trailer:
R If the normal level was not selected previ-
ously, the vehicle automatically adopts the
normal level starting from a speed of
30 km/h. Even at higher speeds, it does not drop below the normal level.
R Vehicle levels below the normal level are
not available.
R The raised level is available up to a speed of
30 km/h.
R This also applies when using accessories
that are plugged into the socket of the
trailer tow hitch (e.g. a bicycle rack).
R Before driving with a trailer, please observe
the information on the trailer support
wheel. Uncoupling a trailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over- run brake, you could trap your hand between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake.
! Remove the adapter cable before folding in
the ball coupling. You could otherwise dam-
age the rear bumper and the adapter cable.
Steel-sprung vehicles X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Swinging the ball coupling in
! Do not attempt to speed the up the swing-
out procedure by applying additional pressure
with your foot. The system could otherwise be
mechanically damaged. 276
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Country Radio type approval num-
ber
Frequency range (MHz)
RU (Russian
Federation) POCC DE.MJ05.H00015 13
May 05
MHz: 433
SE (Sweden) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE 18 May
05
MHz: 27, 40, 433, 868
SI (Slovenia) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE
500-1/2005-437 9 May 05
MHz: 27, 40, 433, 868
SK (Slovakia) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE
Slovak
206/11/2005 4 May 05
MHz: 27, 40, 433, 868 UK (United
Kingdom) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE 18 May
05
MHz: 27, 40, 418, 433, 868
Africa
Country Radio type approval num-
ber
Frequency range (MHz)
EG (Egypt) W-KLE-17/08 Mar. 06
MHz: 27, 30, 40, 418, 433,
868
RE (Réunion) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE 11 July 05
MHz: 27, 40, 433, 868 ZA (South
Africa) 11 October 2005
MHz: 27, 40, 433 America
Country Radio type approval num-
ber
Frequency range (MHz)
BB (Barba-
dos) Registration not required
MHz: 27, 40, 433, 868
CL (Chile) 38447/F-23 No.3.3634
MHz: 40, 433
3943/DFRS05165/F-50
MHz: 280 to 433
GF (French
Guyana) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE 10668 13
May 05
MHz: 27, 30, 40, 433, 868 GP (Guade-
loupe) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE 10668 13
May 05
MHz: 27, 30, 40, 433, 868 MQ (Martini-
que) Article 6 of Directive
1999/5/EC R&TTE 11 July 05
MHz: 27, 30, 40, 433, 868 MX (Mexico) MHz: 280 to 390
Asia
Country Radio type approval num-
ber
Frequency range (MHz)
AE (United
Arab Emi-
rates) 1623/5/10-2/26/76
MHz: 433
JO (Jordan) TRC/LPD/2005/23
MHz: 27, 30, 40, 433, 868
KW (Kuwait) 5 October 2005
MHz: 27, 30, 40, 418, 433,
868
SA (Saudi
Arabia) 11_02_05/5024-5-6
MHz: 418, 433
SY (Syria) 279/4/14 / 05 March 06
TR (Turkey) National Certification 23 July
07
MHz: 433 Features
371Stowing and features Z

?
Towing eye
A Jack
B Ratchet ring spanner
X Open the tailgate.
X Lift the luggage compartment floor upwards
(Y page 359).
X Remove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel (Y page 429). Flat tyre
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with: R MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat char-
acteristics)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tyres.
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 387)
R an emergency spare wheel (certain countries
only)
Information on changing and fitting a wheel
(Y page 413).
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible from
traffic on solid, non-slippery and level ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 191).
X If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that the normal vehicle level is
selected (Y page 222).
X Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering
package:
make sure that the normal vehicle
level is selected (Y page 216).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove the
key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the driv-
er's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the key having been
removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 158).
X Make sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting
in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle at a suitable dis-
tance (Y page 386). Observe legal require-
ments.
X Unload heavy luggage.
i Only operate the tyre inflation compressor
using a 12 V socket, even if the ignition is
turned off (Y page 364).
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the on-
board voltage is too low, the power to the
sockets is automatically cut. This ensures
that there is sufficient power to start the
engine. MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics)
General notes With MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one or more tyres. The affected tyre must not show
any clearly visible damage.
You can recognise MOExtended tyres by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the tyre
wall. You will find this marking next to the tyre
size designation, the load-bearing capacity and
the speed index.
MOExtended tyres may only be used in conjunc- tion with an activated tyre pressure loss warning
system or tyre pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message appears in the multifunction display:
R observe the instructions in the display mes-
sages (Y page 330)
R check the tyre for damage
R if driving on, observe the following notes
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is approximately 80 km when the vehicle is parti-
ally laden and approximately 30 km when the
vehicle is fully laden. 388
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

X
Press on and off switch =on the tyre inflation
compressor to I.
The tyre inflation compressor is switched on.
The tyre is inflated.
First, tyre sealant is pumped into the tyre. The pressure may briefly rise to approximately
500 kPa (5 bar/73 psi).
Do not switch off the tyre inflation com-
pressor during this phase.
X Let the tyre inflation compressor run for a
maximum of five minutes. The tyre should
then have attained a pressure of at least
180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi).
If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
been attained after five minutes, see "Tyre pres-
sure reached" (Y page 391).
If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not been attained after five minutes, see "Tyre
pressure not reached" (Y page 391).
If tyre sealant leaks out, make sure you clean the
affected area as quickly as possible. It is pref-
erable to use clear water.
If you get tyre sealant on your clothing, have it
cleaned as soon as possible with perchloroethy- lene.
Tyre pressure not reached If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not
been attained after five minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tyre.
Please note that tyre sealant may leak out
when unscrewing the filler hose.
X Very slowly drive forwards or reverse approx-
imately 10 m.
X Pump up the tyre again.
After a maximum of five minutes the tyre
pressure must be at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tyre is too badly
damaged. The tyre sealant cannot repair the
tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres and a tyre pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident. Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Tyre pressure reached G
WARNING
A tyre temporarily sealed with tyre sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds. There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed the specified maximum speed with a tyre that
has been repaired using tyre sealant.
The maximum permissible speed for a tyre
sealed with tyre sealant is 80 km/h. The upper
part of the TIREFIT sticker must be affixed to the
instrument cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver.
! After use, excess tyre sealant may run out of
the filler hose. This could cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit. H
Environmental note
Have the used tyre sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
been attained after five minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tyre.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre inflation
compressor and the warning triangle.
X Pull away immediately.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tyre pressure with the
tyre inflation compressor.
The tyre pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tyre is too badly damaged. The tyre sealant cannot
repair the tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres Flat tyre
391Breakdown assistance
Z

X
Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using the jump
lead, connecting the jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from positive
clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
X After removing the jump leads, close cover :of positive terminal clamp ;.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if your vehicle has been jump-started, it may not be possible to use the
electric drive for approximately 30 minutes.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing away and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning
R the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical
system is malfunctioning.
If your vehicle is towed, significantly greater
force may be required to steer the vehicle or
to brake. There is a risk of an accident.
In such circumstances, use a towing bar.
Make sure that the steering is moving freely
before towing. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R towing eye may be torn off
R car/trailer combination may swerve or
even overturn
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle. Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 434).
! When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing away
R in a 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 cable or tow bar to the
towing eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow
hitch. You could otherwise damage the vehi-
cle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow hitch.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis- Towing away and tow-starting
399Breakdown assistance Z

tance a distance so that the tow rope does
not sag.
R Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. This could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as possible and not at an acute angle. If the trac-
tive power is too high, the vehicles could be
damaged.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow- ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
! To tow vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button. The
automatic transmission may otherwise
switch to position Pwhen you open the driv-
er's or front-passenger door which could
damage the transmission.
! 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 other- wise be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of
50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not
be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the entire
vehicle must be lifted up and transported.
Observe the legal requirements for the relevant countries when towing.
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
N when the vehicle is being towed away.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key to position 2in the igni-
tion lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N Deactivate the automatic locking feature before
towing the vehicle (Y page 294). You could oth-
erwise be locked out when pushing or towing
the vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection before the vehi-
cle is towed away (Y page 82).
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles:
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles may not be towed
away but must instead be transported, if:
R the multifunction display is not working or
R the á Towing
Towing not notpermitted
permitted See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual message appears in the multi-
function display.
If the vehicle is in a dangerous location it may be
towed from the danger zone with both axles on
the ground. In this case, the towing distance
may not be greater than 50 m andthe towing
speed must not exceed 10 km/h. For longer
distances, have the vehicle loaded and trans-
ported. Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the front and rear behind covers :;.
X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit (Y page 387).
X To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover :inwards in the direction of
the arrow. 400
Towing away and tow-startingBreakdown assistance