2015 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class Page 53

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. Notes on towing a trailer
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 If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
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 421).
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 217) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 237) are only available with limita-
tions, 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 459).
Driving tips i
Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer
stabilization (Y page 74) and on pulling
away with a trailer (Y page 161).
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 max-imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-
evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max- imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(Y page 460). 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 oper-ating 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 with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into a
lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients. Towing a trailer
257Driving and parking Z

X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
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 459).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 459).
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,
pay attention to the respective lowest val-
ues.
R The 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.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissi-
ble trailer load and drawbar load for your
vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the max-
imum permissible values, have the vehicle/
trailer combination (including the driver,
passengers, and cargo with a fully laden
trailer) weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge.
R Check 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
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
X Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 334)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 335).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer tow hitch can be found at (Y page 376). 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: 262
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 29). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi- cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul- tifunction display. You should therefore make
sure your vehicle is operating safely at all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not oper-
ating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Y
page 35). Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 35).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to 0058,0060or
0058, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated. Coolant temperature display
G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
! A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡
(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged. 266
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 35).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature
display indicates the temperature measured
and does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the mul- tifunction display (Y page 268).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 195):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 198):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up. Operating the on-board computer
Overview 0043
Multifunction display
0044 Switches on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
0087 Right control panel
0085 Left control panel
0083 Back button
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. Displays and operation
267On-board computer and displays Z

Left control panel
0059
0065 R
Calls up the menu and menu bar 0063
0064 Press briefly:
R Scrolls in lists
R Selects a submenu or function
R In the Audio Audio menu: selects a
stored station, an audio track or
a video scene
R In the Tel
Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or telephone
number 0063
0064 Press and hold:
R In the Audio Audio menu: selects the
previous/next station or selects
an audio track or a video scene
using rapid scrolling
R In the Tel
Tel (Telephone) menu:
starts rapid scrolling if the phone book is open 0076 R
Confirms a selection/display
message
R In the Tel Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the telephone book
and starts dialing the selected
number
R In the Audio Audio menu: stops the
station search function at the
desired station Right control panel
0076 R
Rejects or ends a call
R Exits phone book/redial mem-
ory 0061 R
Makes or accepts a call
R Switches to the redial memory 0081
0082 R
Adjusts the volume 0063 R
Mute Back button
0038 Press briefly:
R Back
R Switches off the Voice Control
System; see the separate oper-
ating instructions
R Hides display messages/calls
up the last Trip Tripmenu function
used
R Exits the telephone book/redial
memory 0038 Press and hold:
R Calls up the standard display in
the Trip Trip menu Multifunction display
0043
Time
0044 Permanent display: outside temperature
or speed (Y page 277)
0087 Text field
0085 Menu bar 268
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

0083
Drive program (Y page 168)
0084 Transmission position (Y page 168)
X To show menu bar 0085:press the 0059
or 0065 button on the steering wheel.
Menu bar 0085disappears after a few seconds.
Text field 0087shows the selected menu or
submenu as well as display messages.
i You can set the time using the audio sys-
tem or COMAND; see the separate operat-
ing instructions.
The following messages may appear in the
multifunction display:
0097 Gearshift recommendation, when
shifting manually (Y page 173)
0095005D0096 Active Parking Assist
(Ypage 220)
CRUISE
CRUISE Cruise control (Y
page 195)
LOW
LOW
RANGE RANGE LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y
page 253)
00CE Adaptive Highbeam Assist
(Ypage 126)
00A7 ECO start/stop function
(Ypage 162)
00D9 HOLD function (Y page 210) Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to call up the menu bar and select a
menu.
Operating the on-board computer
(Y page 267).
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
R Trip Trip menu (Y page 269)
R Navi
Navi menu (navigation instructions)
(Y page 271)
R Audio
Audio menu (Y page 272)
R Tel
Tel menu (telephone) (Y page 273)R
DriveAssist
DriveAssist menu (assistance)
(Y page 275)
R Serv
Serv menu (Y page 276)
R Sett
Sett menu (settings) (Y page 277)
R ON&OFFROAD
ON&OFFROAD menu (Ypage 281)
R AMG
AMG menu in AMG vehicles (Y page 281) Trip menu
Standard display X
Press and hold the 0038button on the
steering wheel until the Trip
Tripmenu with
trip odometer 0043and odometer 0044is
shown.
Trip computer "From Start" or "From
Reset" Example: trip computer "From Start"
0043
Distance
0044 Time
0087 Average speed
0085 Average fuel consumption
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip Tripmenu.
X Press 0063or0064 to select From Start
From Start
or From Reset
From Reset.
The values in the From Start
From Startsubmenu are
calculated from the start of a journey, while
the values in the From Reset
From Resetsubmenu are Menus and submenus
269On-board computer and displays Z

calculated from the last time the submenu
was reset (Y page 270).
The From Start
From Start trip computer is automati-
cally reset when:
R the ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R 999 hours have been exceeded.
R 9,999 miles have been exceeded.
The From Reset
From Reset trip computer is automati-
cally reset if the value exceeds 9,999 hours or 99,999 miles.
ECO display Example: ECO display
The ECO display is not available for AMG vehi- cles.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
Trip menu.
X Select ECO DISPLAY
ECO DISPLAY with0063 or0064.
If the ignition remains switched off for longer than four hours, the ECO display will be auto-
matically reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see (Y page 187).
Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption X
Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip Tripmenu.
X Press the 0063or0064 button to select the
approximate range and the current fuel
consumption (not for AMG vehicles).
The approximate range that can be covered
depends on the fuel level and your current
driving style. If there is only a small amount of
fuel left in the fuel tank, the display shows a
vehicle being refueled 00A8instead of the
range.
Digital speedometer 0043
Shift recommendation (Y page 173)
0044 Digital speedometer
Gearshift recommendation 0043is not given on
AMG vehicles.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip Tripmenu.
X Press the 0063or0064 button to select the
digital speedometer.
Resetting values Example: resetting the trip computer "From Start"
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
Tripmenu.
X Press the 0063or0064 button to select the
function that you wish to reset. 270
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Assistance menu
Introduction In the
DriveAssist
DriveAssist menu, you have the fol-
lowing options:
R Displaying the assistance graphic
(Y page 275)
R Activating/deactivating the distance warn-
ing function (Y page 275)
R Activating/deactivating PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
(Y page 276)
R Activating/deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST (Y page 276)
R Activating/deactivating Blind Spot Assist
or Active Blind Spot Assist (Y page 276)
R Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist
(Y page 276)
Displaying the assistance graphic X
Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the DriveAssist DriveAssistmenu.
X Press 0063or0064 to select Assistance Assistance
Graphic
Graphic.
X Press the 0076button.
The multifunction display shows the DIS-
TRONIC PLUS distance display in the assis- tance graphic.
The assistance graphic displays the status of and information from the following driving
systems or driving safety systems:
R ATTENTION ASSIST (Y page 233)
R DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 205)
R Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 239) or Active
Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 244)
R Distance warning function (Y page 70)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 75)
R DSR (Y page 250)
R Off-road program (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) (Y page 251)
Activating/deactivating the distance
warning function X
Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the DriveAssist DriveAssistmenu.
X Press 0063or0064 to select Distance
Distance
Warning
Warning.
X Press the 0076button.
The current selection is displayed.
X To activate/deactivate: press the0076
button again.
When the distance warning function is
deactivated, the assistance graphic shows
the 00D4 symbol in the multifunction dis-
play.
Further information on the distance warning
function (Y page 70). Menus and sub
menus
275On-board computer and displays Z