2015 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class tow bar

Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 422
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 422
Maximum tire load .........................4 19
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 422
MOExtended tires .......................... 402
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 422
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) .......................................... .422
Replacing ....................................... 423
Service life ..................................... 402
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 422
Speed rating (definition) ................ 421
Storing .......................................... .424
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 420
Temperature .................................. 416
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 422
Tire bead (definition) ..................... .422
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 422
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 421
Tire size (data) ............................... 428
Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity, speed rating .................... 417
Tire tread ....................................... 401
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 422
Total load limit (definition) ............. 423
Traction ......................................... 416
Traction (definition) ....................... 422
Tread wea r..................................... 416
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 422
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 415
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 421
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 423
Wheel and tire combination ........... 430
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 421
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing a trailer Active Parking Assist ..................... 224
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 460
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 376 Coupling up a traile
r...................... 259
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 261
Driving tips .................................... 257
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 74
Important safety notes .................. 256
Installing the ball coupling ............. 258
Mounting dimensions .................... 459
Power supply ................................. 263
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 161
Removing the ball coupling ............ 262
Storing the ball coupling ................ 262
Trailer drive progra m..................... 249
Trailer load s................................... 460
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 393
Installing the towing eye ................ 394
Removing the towing eye ............... 395
With both axles on the ground ....... 395
With the rear axle raised ................ 395
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 396
Important safety notes .................. 393
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 262
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 244
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 247
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 239
PARKTRONIC ................................. 219
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 262
Transfer case ..................................... 177
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 168
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 168
Transporting the vehicle .................. 395
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 195
Driving downhill ............................. 195
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 195 Index
21

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 function "show rear
view camera display" is selected in
COMAND.
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 theCOMAND 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 if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the 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. Driving systems
225Driving and parking Z

0043
Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 10 in (0.25 m) from the 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 !
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
(1.0 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. 0043
Ball coupling
0044 Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 10 in (0.25m)from the ball cou-
pling
0087 Trailer drawbar marker assistant
0085 Trailer drawbar
0083 Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function
X Use the COMAND controller to select sym-
bol 0083, see the separate operating instruc-
tions for COMAND.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec- ted. The distance specifications now only 228
Driving systemsDriving and parking

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 Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar 0085
reaches red guide line 0044.
X Couple up the trailer (Y page 257).360° camera (surround view)
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 rear-view images from the
exterior mirror cameras (rear wheel view)
R top view and forward-view images from the
exterior 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.
The 360° camera may show a distorted view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at
all. It cannot show objects in the following
areas:
R under the front bumper
R very close to the front bumper
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in close range above the handle on the
trunk lid
R very close to the exterior mirrors
You are always responsible for safety, and
must always pay attention to your surround-
ings when parking and maneuvering. This
applies to the areas behind, in front of and
beside the vehicle. You could otherwise
endanger yourself and others.
The 360° camera will not function or will
function in a limited manner:
R if the doors are open
R if the exterior mirrors are folded in Driving systems
229Driving and parking Z

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) fromthe 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) fromthe 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) fromthe 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.
Top view with picture from the front cam- era 0043
Symbol for the split screen setting with
top view and front camera image
0044 Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m)from the front 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) Driving systems
231Driving and parking Z

R
uphill or downhill gradient in percentage
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 a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. 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.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
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 460). 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. Never
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 vehi- cle/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 for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies. 256
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

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

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.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X Vehicles with ADS: set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When cou-
pling up a trailer, please observe the fol-
lowing:
R Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R High-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:
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. 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:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- 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 260
Towing a trailerDriving and parking