2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET engine

Towing a trailer
If you couple up a trailer, make sure that you
have correctly established the electrical con-
nection. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
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.
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis.
Retrofitting a trailer tow hitch is only permissible
if a trailer load is specified in your vehicle docu-
ments. If this is not the case, then the vehicle is not approved for towing a trailer.
For more information, please contact a qualifiedspecialist workshop.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling
may cause damage.
Damage may be caused to the following:
R towing vehicle
R trailer R
ball coupling
R trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could become
unstable.
The vehicle/trailer combination could also
become unstable if the noseweight used is lower
than the minimum permissible noseweight.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R use a noseweight as close as possible to the
maximum noseweight
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R do not use a noseweight lower than the min-
imum noseweight
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible 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 type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (Y page 369). G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
When reversing the towing vehicle, make sure
there is nobody between the trailer and the vehi- cle. Towing a trailer
213Driving and parking Z

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different 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 Towing a trailer is not possible with
Mercedes
‑AMG vehicles.
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load. Further information on the tyre pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 345).
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (Y page 369).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer stabili-
sation (Y page 75).
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 maximum per-
missible 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 369). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the car/trailer combination may not exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the maximum
permissible speed for car/trailer combinations
is greater than 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different to when driving
without a trailer and the vehicle will consume
more fuel.
Shift to a lower gear in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients.
This also applies in the case of:
R activated DISTRONIC PLUS
R activated cruise control
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain the
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine, and conse-
quently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility from a standstill, decrease with increas- ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate under any circumstances.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake, if necessary. Folding the ball coupling in/out
Folding out the ball coupling G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident. 214
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

A connected trailer is only detected when the
electrical connection is established correctly
and the lighting system is working properly. 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 Uncoupling a trailer
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 installed adapter cable before
folding in the ball coupling. Otherwise, dam-
age may occur to the rear bumper and the
adapter cable.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and engage first
or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine. X
Secure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away.
X Remove the trailer cable and uncouple the
trailer. Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories to the perma-
nent power supply up to a maximum of 240 W.
You cannot charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's trailer
socket is equipped with a permanent power
supply and a power supply that is switched on
via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin 10.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low on-board voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can find more information about installing
the trailer electrics at a qualified specialist work- shop.
To activate the switched power supply:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 133).
or X Press the Start/Stop button twice on vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function (Y page 133).
To deactivate the switched power supply: X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
(Y page 133).
or X Press the Start/Stop button once on vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function (Y page 133). Failure check for LEDs
If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, a malfunc-
tion message may appear in the multifunction
display even if there is no fault. The reason for
the error message may be that the current has
fallen below the minimum of 50 mA. 216
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

To ensure reliable operation of the failure indi-
cator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting must
be guaranteed a minimum current of 50 mA. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes Trailer with 7-pin connector:
you can connect
to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling using
an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter cable.
Both can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Fitting the adapter !
Make sure that there is sufficient cable play
so that the cable cannot become detached
when cornering.
! Remove the installed adapter cable before
folding in the ball coupling. Otherwise, dam-
age may occur to the rear bumper and the
adapter cable. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug :into groove
= on the socket.
X Turn bayonet connection ;clockwise to the
stop.
X Let the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure the
cable to the trailer with cable ties. Problems with trailer towing
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions The unlocked ball cou-
pling cannot be
engaged. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The ball coupling does
not unlock even though:
R the vehicle is station-
ary
R no trailer cable is con-
nected
R the release switch to
unlock the ball cou-
pling has been pulled
for more than a sec-
ond The on-board voltage is too low.
X Start the engine.
If the ball coupling still does not unlock:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Bicycle rack
General notes
When attached by clamping onto the ball cou-
pling on the trailer tow hitch, the maximum pay- load is 75 kg. You can transport up to three
bicycles.
The payload is calculated from the weight of the
bicycle rack and the load of the bicycle rack. Bicycle rack
217Driving and parking Z

The segments between the speed of the vehi-
cle in front and the stored speed light up. Rev counter
! Do not drive in the overrevving range. Doing
so will damage the engine.
The red band in the rev counter 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 condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the measured air temperature
and not the road surface temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display (Y page 222).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Coolant temperature gauge
G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The coolant temperature display is shown in the lower section of the rev counter (Y page 35).
At high outside temperatures and when driving
in mountainous terrain, the coolant temperature
may rise to the end of the scale.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant level, the display may rise to
120 †. Operating the on-board computer
:
Multifunction display
; Right control panel
= Left control panel
X To activate the on-board computer: switch
on the power supply.
Vehicles with manual transmission: if you
remove the key, then quickly re-insert it and turn
it to position 1, the instrument cluster and, as a
result, the on-board computer as well are not
activated.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
Left control panel ò R
Opens the menu list 9
: Press briefly:
R Scrolls through lists
R Selects a menu or function
R In the Radio Radio orMedia
Media menu:
opens the track or station list and
selects a station, an audio track or a video scene
R In the Telephone Telephone menu: switches
to the phone book and selects a
name or a telephone number Displays and operation
221On-board computer and displays Z

AMG displays on the head-up display
:
Upshift indicator
; RACETIMER lap
= RACETIMER lap time
? Current speed
A Currently selected gear, gearshift options
with manual gearshifting
B Current engine speed
Setting options You can make the following settings on the
head-up display submenu:
R Adjust the position of the head-up display on
the windscreen (Y page 235)
R Adjust the brightness of the displays on the
head-up display (Y page 235)
R Select which information you want to appear
on the head-up display (Y page 234)
Using the Display content
Display content function, you
can, depending on your vehicle's equipment,
choose between four standard displays. The
selected content then appears on the head-
up display.
In Mercedes-AMG vehicles, you can choose
between further AMG displays in addition to
the standard displays, depending on your
vehicle's equipment.
If you select a display with traffic signs, traffic
signs detected by Traffic Sign Assist appear
on the head-up display. Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
Operating the on-board computer (Y page 221).Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can
select the following menus:
R Trip
Trip menu (Y page 224)
R Navi Navi menu (navigation instructions)
(Y page 226)
R Radio
Radio menu (Y page 228)
R Media
Media menu (Y page 228)
R Telephone
Telephone menu (Ypage 230)
R Assistance graphic
Assistance graphic menu (Ypage 231)
R Service
Service menu (Ypage 232)
R Settings
Settings menu (Ypage 232)
R AMG
AMG menu in Mercedes-AMG vehicles
(Y page 237) Trip menu
Standard display X
Press and hold the %button on the steer-
ing wheel until the Trip
Tripmenu with trip
meter :and total distance recorder ;
appears. 224
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption :
Range of fuel in tank
; Current fuel consumption
= Recuperation display
X Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the Trip
Tripmenu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
X Using 9or:, select the display.
Approximate range :that can be covered is
calculated according to your current driving
style and the amount of fuel in the tank. If only a small amount of fuel is left in the fuel tank, a
vehicle being refuelled Cappears instead
of approximate range :.
Recuperation display =shows you whether
energy has been recuperated from the kinetic energy in overrun mode and saved in the bat-
tery. Recuperation display =depends on the
engine installed and is therefore not available in all vehicles.
ECO display X
Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the Trip
Trip menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
X Press :or9 to select ECO display.
If the ignition remains switched off for longer
than four hours, the ECO display will be auto-
matically reset.
Further information on the ECO display
(Y page 163). Trip computer "From start" or "From
reset"
:
Distance
; Driving time
= Average speed
? Average fuel consumption
X Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the Trip
Trip menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
X Press :or9 to select From start From start or
From reset
From reset.
The values on the From start From startsubmenu are
calculated from the start of a journey, while
the values on the From reset From resetsubmenu are
calculated from the last time this submenu
was reset (Y page 226).
The trip computer is automatically reset in the following cases From start
From start:
R the ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours
R 999 hours have been exceeded
R 9,999 kilometres have been exceeded
When 9999 hour sor 99,999 kilometres have
been exceeded, the trip computer is auto-
matically resetFrom reset From reset.
Digital speedometer X
Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the Trip
Tripmenu. Menus and submenus
225On-board computer and displays Z

X
Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
The assistance graphic shows you the status
of and/or information from the following driv-
ing systems or driving safety systems:
R DISTRONIC PLUS distance display
(Y page 171)
R Traffic Sign Assist (Y page 202)
R Distance warning function and autono-
mous braking system of COLLISION PRE-
VENTION ASSIST PLUS (Y page 69)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 76)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 204) or Active
Blind Spot Assist (Y page 207)
R ATTENTION ASSIST (Y page 201)
R Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 206) or Active
Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 210)
X Press :to display the ATTENTION ASSIST
assessment. Service menu
Introduction Depending on the equipment fitted in the vehi-
cle, you have the following options on the Ser‐ Ser‐
vice
vice menu:
R Call up display messages in the message
memory (Y page 241)
R Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
(Y page 347) or checking the tyre pressure
electronically (Y page 349)
R Call up the service due date (Y page 313)
R Display the AdBlue ®
level and range
(Y page 232)
Displaying the AdBlue ®
level and range X
Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the Service
Service menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
X Press :or9 to select the AdBlue
AdBlue
submenu.
X Press ato confirm your selection.
The range and AdBlue ®
level appear in a bar
display in the multifunction display. Observe the information and notes on "Refuel-
ling" (Y page 156). Settings menu
Introduction Depending on the equipment fitted in the vehi-
cle, you have the following options on the Set‐ Set‐
tings
tings menu:
R Changing assistant settings (Y page 232)
R Changing head-up display settings
(Y page 234)
R Changing the light settings (Y page 235)
R Changing the instrument cluster settings
(Y page 236)
R Changing the vehicle settings (Y page 237)
R Restoring the factory settings (Y page 237)
Assistance submenu Activating/deactivating ESP
®
Observe the "Important safety notes" section in the description of ESP ®
(Y page 72). G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the follow-
ing situations:
R when snow chains are used
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
Activate/deactivate ESP ®
in Mercedes-AMG
vehicles (Y page 74).
Further information about ESP ®
(Y page 72).
X Start the engine.
X Press òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the Settings
Settings menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel. 232
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays