2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA COUPE towing

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

Folding out the ball coupling
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.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. 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.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the luggage compart-
ment. X
To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise, the fold down and remove
cover ;. X
Pull out release wheel =.
X Turn release wheel =anti-clockwise as far as
it will go.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
behind the rear bumper. Indicator lamp ?
flashes. X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
The indicator lamp on the release wheel goes
out. The power socket folds down automati-
cally.
The multifunction display shows the Check Check
trailer hitch lock
trailer hitch lock display message until
the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective cap from the ball cou-
pling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling is
clean and that it is either greased or dry
(grease free), depending on the instructions
for the trailer.
Folding in the ball coupling 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, Towing a trailer
197Driving and parking
Z

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.
i Fold the ball coupling in if you are not using
the trailer tow hitch.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective cap on the ball coupling.
i The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the luggage compart- ment.
X To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise, then fold down and remove
cover ;.
X Pull out release wheel =.
X Turn release wheel =anti-clockwise as far as
it will go.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
behind the rear bumper. Indicator lamp ?
flashes.
X Press the ball coupling until it engages audibly
behind the bumper.
The indicator lamp on the release knob and
the message in the multifunction display go
out. Coupling up a trailer
X Make sure that the transmission is in position
P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between the
vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
A connected trailer is only recognised when
the electrical connection is established cor-
rectly and when the lighting system is working
properly. The function of other systems, such
as ESP ®
or PARKTRONIC also depends on
this. 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.
! 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 Make sure that the transmission is in position
P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple 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 vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can find more information about fitting the
trailer electrics at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
X To switch the connected power supply on
or off: turn the key to position 2or0respec-
tively (Y page 133). 198
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

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.
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 plug 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. Towing a trailer
199Driving and parking Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Lane
Lane
Keeping
Keeping Assist
Assist
currently unavaila‐
currently unavaila‐
ble ble See
SeeOwner's
Owner's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual Lane Keeping 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.
R There have been no lane markings for an extended period.
R the lane markings are worn, dark or covered, e.g. by dirt or snow
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out.
Lane Keeping Assist is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 155).
X Clean the windscreen. Lane Lane
Keeping
Keeping Assist
Assist
inoperative
inoperative Lane Keeping Assist is faulty.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Blind Spot Assist
Blind Spot Assist
currently unavaila‐ currently unavaila‐
ble ble
See
SeeOwner's
Owner's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual Blind Spot 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 radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature range
The yellow 9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior mirrors.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out.
Blind Spot 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 Blind Spot Active Blind Spot
Assist not availa‐ Assist not availa‐
ble when towing a ble when towing a
trailer trailer
See
SeeOwner's
Owner's
Manual
Manual . Blind Spot Assist is deactivated while towing a trailer.
You have established the electrical connection between the trailer and
your vehicle.
X Press aon the steering wheel to confirm the display message. Blind Spot Assist
Blind Spot Assist
inoperative inoperative Blind Spot Assist is malfunctioning.
The yellow
9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior mirrors.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Parking Pilot can‐ Parking Pilot can‐
celled celled The driver's door is open and the driver's seat belt has not been fas-
tened.
X Repeat the parking process with the seat belt fastened and the
driver's door closed. Display
messages
235On-board computer and displays Z

Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly changing directions.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the boot
lid is open when the engine is running, espe-
cially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the boot lid. Never drive with the boot lid
open. G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehicle
are dependent on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle.
Observe the following notes when loading and
transporting a load:
R never exceed the maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight or the permissible axle loads
for the vehicle (including occupants).
R the boot is the preferred place to store
objects.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the boot as possible. R
the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or front
seat backrests. Make sure that the seat
backrests are securely locked into place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R use the lashing eyelets and the luggage nets
to transport loads and luggage.
R only use lashing eyelets and fastening com-
ponents that are suitable for the weight and
size of the load.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. Pad sharp
edges for protection. Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants. In
addition, cupholders, open stowage spaces
and mobile phone brackets cannot always
retain all objects they contain. There is a risk of injury, particularly in the event of sudden
braking or a sudden change in direction.
R Always stow objects so that they cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage spaces, parcel nets or
stowage nets.
R Close the lockable stowage spaces before
starting a journey.
R Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or bulky objects in
the boot.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 268).268
Stowage areasStowing and features

Front stowage compartments
Glove compartment
X
To open: pull handle :and open glove com-
partment flap ;.
X To close: fold glove compartment flap ;
upwards until it engages.
There is a pen holder at the top of the glove
compartment flap.
Spectacles compartment X
To open: press marking :.
Make sure that the spectacles compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion. Stowage compartment in the front centre
console Illustration: vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever
X To open: press the marking on cover :.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be an ashtray in the centre console
instead of the stowage compartment.
Stowage compartment in front of the arm-
rest (vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion) Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever
X To open: press the marking on cover :.
i You can remove the non-slip mat and the
insert for cleaning. When removing the insert
you will have to overcome some slight resist-
ance. Stowage areas
269Stowing and featu res Z