2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class tow bar

Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) .....................................3
53
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 354
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................ .353
Maximum tire load ......................... 346
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 353
MOExtended tires .......................... 334
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 354
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) .......................................... .354
Replacing ....................................... 355
Service life ..................................... 334
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 354
Speed rating (definition) ................ 353
Storing .......................................... .355
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 352
Summer tires ................................. 334
Temperature .................................. 348
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 354
Tire bead (definition) ..................... .354
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 354
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 352
Tire size (data) ............................... 360
Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity, speed rating .................... 349
Tire tread ....................................... 333
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 354
Total load limit (definition) ............. 355
Traction ......................................... 347
Traction (definition) ....................... 354
Tread wea r..................................... 347
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 354
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 347
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 352
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 355
Wheel and tire combination ........... 362
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 352
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 65 Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist ..................... 193
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 310
Coupling up a traile r...................... 215
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 216
Driving tips .................................... 212
Important safety notes .................. 212
Installing the ball coupling ............. 214
Lights display message .................. 243
Mounting dimensions .................... 381
Power supply ................................. 217
Removing the ball coupling ............ 217
Storing the ball coupling ................ 217
Trailer load s................................... 381
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 325
Installing the towing eye ................ 326
Removing the towing eye ............... 326
With both axles on the ground ....... 327
With the rear axle raised ................ 327
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 328
Important safety notes .................. 325
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 216
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 210
Active Lane Keeping Assist .... 207, 212
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 205
PARKTRONIC ................................. 188
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 216
Transfer case ..................................... 162
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 157
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 157
Transporting the vehicle .................. 327
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 311
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 223 Index
19

Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the "Activation by R gear"
setting is active in COMAND, see the sep-
arate COMAND operating instructions.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
X To change the function mode for vehi-
cles with trailer tow hitch: using the
COMAND controller, select symbol 0043for the "Reverse parking" function or sym-
bol
0044for "Coupling up a trailer" (see the
separate COMAND operating instructions). The symbol of the selected function is high- lighted.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates in vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the Audio/COMAND display The rear view camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. The rear view camera does not show
objects in the following positions:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline. 194
Driving systemsDriving and parking

X
Stop the vehicle when it is almost exactly in
front of the parking space.
The white lane should be as close to parallel with the parking space marking as possi-
ble. Driving to the final position
0043
White guide line at current steering wheel
angle
0044 Parking space marking
X Turn the steering wheel to the center posi-
tion while the vehicle is stationary. 0043
Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) fromthe rear of the
vehicle
0044 White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel
0087 End of parking space
X Back up carefully until you have reached
the final position.
Red guide line 0043is then at end of parking
space 0087. The vehicle is almost parallel in
the parking space. "Coupling up a trailer" function This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch and COMAND.
! The following distance specifications
refer to trailer tow hitches with ball cou-
pling that have been approved for this vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz. Distances may dif-
fer if you use other ball couplings. In this
case, take into account that actual distan-
ces will not match the following distance
specifications. Otherwise you could dam-
age the trailer and vehicle. 0043
Vehicle center point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 3 ft
(1 m) from the rear of the vehicle
0044 Trailer drawbar
0087 Ball coupling
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch.
X Set the height of trailer drawbar 0044so that
it is slightly higher than ball coupling 0087.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar 0044. Driving systems
197Driving and parking Z

0043
Ball coupling
0044 Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m)from the ball cou-
pling
0087 Trailer drawbar marker assistant
0085 Trailer drawbar
0083 Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function
X Select symbol 0083using the COMAND con-
troller, see COMAND.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-
ted. The distance specifications now only
apply to objects that are at the same level
as the ball coupling.
X Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar marker assistant 0087points
approximately in the direction of trailer
drawbar 0085.
X Back up carefully until the trailer draw-
bar 0085reaches red guide line 0044.
X Couple up the trailer (Y page 212).360° camera
General notes The 360° camera is a system consisting of
four cameras.
The system analyzes images from the follow- ing cameras:
R Rear view camera
R Front camera
R Two cameras in the exterior rear view mir-
rors The cameras capture the immediate sur-
roundings of the vehicle. The system sup-
ports you, e.g. when parking or if vision is
restricted at an exit.
The 360° camera images can be shown in full
screen mode or in seven different split-screen views on the COMAND display. A split-screenview also includes a top view of the vehicle.
This view is calculated from the data supplied
by the installed cameras (virtual camera).
The seven split-screen views are: R top view and picture from the rear view
camera (130° viewing angle)
R top view and picture from the front camera
(without displaying the maximum steering
wheel angle)
R top view and enlarged rear view
R top view and enlarged front view
R top view and trailer view (vehicles with
trailer tow hitch)
R top view and pictures from the rearward
facing mirror cameras (rear wheel view)
R top view and pictures from the forward
facing mirror cameras (front wheel view)
i The top view and trailer view are available
for vehicles equipped with a trailer tow
hitch.
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from position Dor Rto N, you
see the previous view in the COMAND dis-
play. The dynamic guidelines are hidden.
When you change between transmission
positions Dand R, you see the previously
selected front or rear view.
Important safety notes The 360° camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your imme-
diate surroundings. You are always responsi-
ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering or parking, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area
in which you are maneuvering. 198
Driving systemsDriving and parking

X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the Activation by R
Activation by R
gear
gear setting is active in COMAND, see the
separate COMAND operating instructions.
X To show the 360° camera image: engage
reverse gear.
The COMAND display shows the area
behind the vehicle in split screen:
R vehicle with guide lines
R top view of the vehicle
Selecting the split-screen and full
screen displays X
To switch between split screen views:
switch to the line with the vehicle icons by
sliding 00970052the COMAND controller.
X Turn 00790052007A the COMAND controller and
select one of the vehicle symbols.
X To switch to full screen mode: select
Full Screen Full Screen by turning00790052007Athe
COMAND controller and press 0098to con-
firm.
Displays in the COMAND display Important safety notes
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline. Top view with picture from the rear view
camera 0043
Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and rear view camera image
0044 Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
0087 Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
0085 Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic) 0083
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
0084 Vehicle center axle (marker assistance)
006B Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
006C Bumper
The guide lines are shown when the trans-
mission is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level. 200
Driving systemsDriving and parking

!
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 man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech- nical data" (Y page 381).
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 gradi-
ent-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 radius
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics. When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions 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 suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tire pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 352).
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 186) is only available with
limitations or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord- ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 381).
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lization (Y page 72). Towing a trailer
213Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal- lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey. Coupling up a trailer
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law: R safety 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 cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi-
cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped 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.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
connection to the brake indicator lamp. X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions:
R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- the trailer tow hitch
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion. Towing a trailer
215Driving and parking Z

R
When you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
ular intervals that the load is firmly secured.If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that the trailer can activate its own brakes. Thenincrease the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking, before you can change back to
the original lane. Decoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing 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" (Y
page 381).
Loading a trailer R
When 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 val-
ues on the type plates of your vehicle and
the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, 216
Towing a trailerDriving and parking