
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 to the following:
R your 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 the noseweight should be as close as possible
to the maximum noseweight
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R the noseweight must not be lower than the
minimum permissible 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 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 identification plates and for the
towing vehicle under "Technical data"
(Y page 334). 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.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If youdo 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 Towing a trailer
195Driving and parking Z

not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes Trailer towing is not possible on the following
models:
R CLA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition
R CLA 250 Sport
R CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC
R Mercedes‑AMG CLA 45 4MATIC
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. Further information on the tyre pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 313).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all.
R Parking Assist PARKTRONIC (Y page 177)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 192)
The height of the ball coupling changes with the
load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads under "Technical data" (Y page 334).
Driving tips Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilisation
(Y page 72).
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. 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/h for reasons concerning the
operating permit. This also applies in countries
in which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above
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 into a lower gear in good time on long and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles with auto-
matic transmission, you need to have selected
manual drive program M(Y page 150).
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, SPEEDTRONIC or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC.
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.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive pro-
gram Mis temporarily activated (vehicles with
automatic transmission): the automatic trans-
mission may switch back to the last active auto-
matic drive program Eor S. The automatic trans-
mission may shift to a higher gear. This can
reduce the engine's braking effect.
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 196
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Operating the integrated information systems and communications equipment in the vehicle
while driving will distract you from traffic con-
ditions. You could then lose control of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices if road traffic con-
ditions permit. If you are unsure about the
surrounding conditions, pull over to a safe
location and make entries only while the vehi-
cle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the country in which you are currently driving whenoperating the on-board computer. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognise function
restrictions 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.
The on-board computer only shows messages or warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, park the vehicle safely as soon as pos- sible. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview, see the instrument panel illus-
tration (Y page 32). Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The light sensor in the instrument cluster auto-
matically controls the brightness of the multi-
function display. In daylight, the displays in the
instrument cluster are not illuminated.
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the dis- plays and the controls in the vehicle interior can
be adjusted using the brightness control knob. The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y
page 32).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise or
anti-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to the Ã,Tor
L position, the brightness is dependent
upon the brightness of the ambient light. Speedometer with segments
The speedometer is divided into segments on
vehicles with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available. R Variable speed limiter is activated
(Y page 165):
The segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected speed limitation.
R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated
(Y page 167):
One or two segments in the stored speed
range light up.
R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in
front moving more slowly than the stored
speed:
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 engine is limited within a range 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 202).200
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions J
Check brake fluid Check brake fluid
level level There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the red Jwarning lamp lights up on the instrument
cluster and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
Braking efficiency may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not top up the brake fluid. This does not correct the fault. #
Check Check
brake
brakepad
padwear
wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. G
Inoperative
Inoperative One or more main features of the Mercedes-Benz Contact system are
malfunctioning.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Active
Active
Brake
BrakeAssist
Assist
Functions
Functions currently
currently
limited
limited See
SeeOwner's
Owner's
Manual
Manual Active Brake Assist is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes:
R The radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R The system is outside the operating temperature range.
R The on-board voltage is too low.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out.
Active Brake Assist is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Restart the engine. Active Brake Active Brake
Assist: Assist:
System
Systeminop‐
inop‐
erative
erative Active Brake Assist is unavailable due to a malfunction. The situation-
dependent braking assistance function may also have failed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. PRE-SAFE inopera‐
PRE-SAFE inopera‐
tive See Owner's tive See Owner's
Manual Manual
Important PRE-SAFE
®
functions have failed. All other occupant safety
systems, e.g. airbags, remain available.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display
messages
223On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Adaptive Main-beam
Adaptive Main-beam
Assist currently Assist currently
unavailable unavailable
See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual Adaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes:
R The windscreen is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R Visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
X Clean the windscreen.
If the system detects that the camera is fully operational again, the Adaptive Main-beam Assist available again
Adaptive Main-beam Assist available again message is dis-
played.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is operational again. Adaptive Main-beam Adaptive Main-beam
Assist inoperative Assist inoperative Adaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty.
X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Engine
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions +
Top up coolant See Top up coolant See
Owner's Manual Owner's Manual The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Top up the coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 283).
If you have to top up the coolant frequently: X Contact a qualified specialist workshop and have the engine cooling
system checked. ? The fan motor is faulty.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, drive on to the nearest
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-start traffic. Display
messages
231On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions #
Stop vehicle See Stop vehicle See
Owner's Manual Owner's Manual The battery is no longer being charged and the battery charge level is
too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Observe the instructions in the #See SeeOwner's
Owner's Manual
Manualdisplay
message.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Check
eng.
eng.oil
oillev.
lev.
when
when next
nextrefuelling
refuelling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
! Avoid long journeys when there is too little coolant in the cooling
system. Otherwise the engine will be damaged.
X Check the oil level when next refuelling, at the latest (Y page 282).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 283).
If you have to top up the engine oil frequently:
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop and have the engine
checked.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any quali-
fied specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-
benz.co m. 4
Add 1 litre engine Add 1 litre engine
oil when next refu‐ oil when next refu‐
elling elling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
! Avoid long journeys when there is too little coolant in the cooling
system. Otherwise the engine will be damaged.
X Check the oil level when next refuelling, at the latest (Y page 282).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 283).
If you have to top up the engine oil frequently:
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop and have the engine
checked.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any quali-
fied specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-
benz.com. 4
Engine oil level Engine oil level
Stop Stop
vehicle
vehicle Switch
Switch
engine off
engine off The engine oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Check the engine oil level (Y page 282).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 283). Display messages
233On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions æ
Reserve fuel level Reserve fuel level The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
Operation of the auxiliary heating is deactivated if the fuel level drops
into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. ç There is very little fuel in the fuel tank.
Operation of the auxiliary heating is deactivated.
X You must refuel at the nearest filling station. ¸
Replace air cleaner Replace air cleaner Vehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must be
replaced.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. !
Clean the fuel fil‐ Clean the fuel fil‐
ter ter Vehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The water
must be drained off.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Driving systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions À
Attention Assist: Attention Assist:
Take a break! Take a break! Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detected fatigue or
increasing lapses in concentration on the part of the driver. A warning tone also sounds.
X If necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so that you get enough rest. À
Attention Assist Attention Assist
inoperative inoperative ATTENTION ASSIST is inoperative.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. ë
Off Off The HOLD function is deactivated. The vehicle has started to skid.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Reactivate the HOLD function later (Y page 172). The HOLD function is deactivated. When the brake pedal is firmly
depressed, an activation condition is no longer fulfilled.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Check the activation conditions for the HOLD function
(Y page 172). 234
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Distance Pilot cur‐
Distance Pilot cur‐
rently unavailable rently unavailable
See Owner's Manual See Owner's Manual Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes:
R The radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations or
other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R The system is outside the operating temperature range.
R The on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Restart the engine. Distance Distance
Pilot
Pilotinop‐
inop‐
erative
erative Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is faulty. The situation-dependent braking
assistance function may also have failed.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Distance Pilot pas‐ Distance Pilot pas‐
sive sive You have depressed the accelerator pedal. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
is no longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Distance Pilot
Distance Pilot
- - - km/h - - - km/h A condition for activating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC has not been met.
X Check the activation conditions for Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
(Y page 167). Distance Pilot and Distance Pilot and
Limiter inoperative Limiter inoperative Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and speed limiter are faulty. A warning tone
also sounds.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Cruise control and Cruise control and
Limiter inoperative Limiter inoperative Cruise control and speed limiter are faulty.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Limiter passive
Limiter passive If you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point (kick-
down), the limiter is switched to passive mode.
The speed limitation is not active.
X Drive slower than the stored speed and without kickdown.
X Call up the last speed stored again.
or X Set a new speed.
When the display message disappears, the speed limitation is active. Display
messages
237On-board computer and displays Z