speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
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:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe 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:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates of the trailer tow hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
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" (
Ypage 416).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas 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.
General notes
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
RTo reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
iWhen 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 (
Ypage 393).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 198) is only available
with limitations or not at all.
iOn 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" (
Ypage 415).
Driving tips
iObserve the notes on ESP®trailer stabi-
lization (
Ypage 75).
Towing a trailer229
Driving and parking
Z
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. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle.
If you utilize any of the added maximum rear
axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/
trailer combination may not exceed a maxi-
mum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permis-
sible maximum speed for vehicle/trailer com-
binations 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 steering wheel paddle
shifter to shift into a lower gear in good time
on long and steep downhill gradients.
iThis also applies if you have activated
cruise control.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the 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
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine
and, consequently, the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decreases with
increasing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
Installing the ball coupling
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
230Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RTo 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
RBefore driving, check:
-trailer tow hitch
-safety switch for braked trailers
-safety chains
-electrical connections
-lights
-wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
RWhen you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
ular intervals that the load is firmly secured.
If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but
instead depress the brake pedal moder-
ately at first so that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
RWhen driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
opening the windows and switching the
ventilation blower and the interior temper-
ature to the highest level.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require addi
tional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking before you can change back to
the original lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
!Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
Towing a trailer233
Driving and parking
Z
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Left control panel
òROpens the menu list
9
:Press briefly:
RScrolls in lists
RSelects a menu or function
RIn theRadioorMediamenu:
opens the track or station list
and selects a station, an audio
track or a video scene
RIn the Telephonemenu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or a telephone
number
9
:Press and hold:
RScrolls quickly through all lists
RIn the RadioorMediamenu:
selects a station, audio track or
video scene using rapid scrolling
RIn the Telephonemenu: starts
rapid scrolling if the phone book is open
aRIn all menus: confirms the selec-ted entry in the list
RIn the RadioorMediamenu:
opens the list of available radio
sources or media
RIn the Telephonemenu:
switches to the phone book and
starts dialing the selected num-
ber
ñRVehicles with Audio 20:
Switches off voice-operated con-
trol for navigation (see manufac-
turer's operating instructions)
RVehicles with COMAND:
Switches off the Voice Control
System (see the separate oper-
ating instructions)
%Press briefly:
RBack
RIn the RadioorMediamenu:
deselects the track or station list
or list of available radio sources
or media
RHides display messages
RExits the telephone book/redial
memory
%Press and hold:
RCalls up the standard display in
the Trip
menu
Right control panel
~RRejects or ends a call
RExits the telephone book/redial
memory
6RMakes or accepts a call
RSwitches to the redial memory
W
XRAdjusts the volume
8RMute
óRVehicles with Audio 20:
Switches on voice-operated con-
trol for navigation (see manufac-
turer's operating instructions)
RVehicles with COMAND:
Switches on the Voice Control
System (see the separate oper-
ating instructions)
240Displays an doperation
On-boa rd computer and displays
Multifunction display
:Drive program (Ypage 163)
;Transmission position (Ypage 164)
=Additional speedometer (Ypage 255)
?Display
ATime
BOutside temperature
Display panel =shows the selected menu or
submenu and display messages.
XTo open the menu list: press theò
button on the steering wheel.
Display panel =appears in the menu list.
Possible displays in the multifunction dis-
play:
RZ Gearshift recommendation, when shifting
manually (
Ypage 167)
Rj Active Parking Assist (Ypage 201)
RCRUISECruise control (Ypage 181)
R_ Adaptive Highbeam Assist
(
Ypage 127)
Rè ECO start/stop function
(
Ypage 158)
Rë HOLD function (Ypage 194)
RaDISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot (
Ypage 192)
Head-up display
General notes
The head-up display projects information
from the navigation system and the driver
assistance system above the dashboard into
the driver's field of vision.
A requirement for the display of the contents
is that the following functions are available in
the vehicle and are switched on:
RCruise control
RDISTRONIC PLUS
RTraffic Sign Assist
RNavigation
The head-up display allows the driver to see
all of the information without having to take
his eyes off the road.
Important safety notes
The head-up display is only an aid and is not a
substitute for attentive driving.
The visibility of the head-up display is influ-
enced by the following conditions:
Rthe driver's seat position
Rthe positioning of the display image
Rthe general ambient light
Rsunglasses with polarization filters
Rwet roads
Rblocking of sunlight by objects on the dis-
play cover
In the event of extreme sunlight, sections of
the display may fade. This can be reversed by
switching the head-up display off and on
again.
iVehicles with the head-up display are
equipped with a special windshield. Should
repairs be necessary, have the windshield
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
Displays and operation241
On-board computer and displays
Z
Standard displays in the head-up display
The head-up display shows the following contents and information:
:Navigation messages
;Current speed
=Selected DISTRONIC PLUS speed (Ypage 183)
Cruise control set speed (
Ypage 181)
?Detected traffic signs
Setting options
You can adjust the following settings in the
head-up display submenu:
Radjust the position of the head-up display
on the windshield (
Ypage 254)
Radjust the brightness of the displays in the head-up display (
Ypage 255)
Rselect desired displays in the head-up dis-
play (
Ypage 254)
Using the Display Content
function, you
can, depending on your vehicle's equip-
ment, choose between four standard dis-
plays. The selected contents then appear in
the head-up display.
If you select a display with traffic signs,
detected traffic signs from Traffic Sign
Assist appear in the head-up display.
Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the òbutton on the steering wheel
to open the menu list.
Operating the on-board computer
(
Ypage 239).
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can
select the following menu:
RTripmenu (Ypage 244)
RNavimenu (navigation instructions)
(
Ypage 246)
RRadiomenu (Ypage 248)
RMediamenu (Ypage 248)
RTelephonemenu (Ypage 250)
RAssistance Graphicmenu
(
Ypage 251)
RServicemenu (Ypage 252)
RSettingsmenu (Ypage 252)
Menus and submenus243
On-board computer and displays
Z
Trip menu
Standard display
XPress and hold the %button on the
steering wheel until the Trip
menu with
trip odometer :and odometer ;
appears.
Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption
XPress the òbutton on the steering
wheel to open the menu list.
XPress :or9 on the steering wheel
to select the Trip
menu.
XPress9or: to select the display
with approximate range :and current fuel
consumption ;.
Approximate range :that can be covered
is calculated according to your current driv-
ing style and the amount of fuel in the tank.
If there is only a small amount of fuel left in
the fuel tank, a vehicle being refueled C
appears instead of approximate range :.Recuperation display
=shows you if
energy has been recuperated from the
kinetic energy in overrun mode and saved
in the battery. Recuperation display =
depends on the engine installed and is
therefore not available in all vehicles.
ECO display
XPress òon the steering wheel to open
the menu list.
XPress the :or9 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
menu.
XConfirm by pressingaon the steering
wheel.
XPress the :or9 button to select
ECO display.
If the ignition remains switched off for longer
than four hours, the ECO display will be auto- matically reset.
For more information on the ECO display, see
(
Ypage 177).
244Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays
Trip computer "From Start" or "From
Reset"
:Distance
;Driving time
=Average speed
?Average fuel consumption
XPress theòbutton on the steering
wheel to open the menu list.
XPress :or9 on the steering wheel
to select the Trip
menu.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
XPress :or9 to select From Start
orFrom Reset.
The values in the From Start
submenu are
calculated from the start of a journey, while
the values in the From Reset
submenu are
calculated from the last time the submenu
was reset (
Ypage 245).
In the following cases the trip computer is
automatically reset From Start
:
Rthe ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R999 hours have been exceeded.
R9,999 miles have been exceeded.
When 9,999 hours or 99,999 miles have been
exceeded, the trip computer is automatically
reset From Reset
.
Digital speedometer
XPress òon the steering wheel to open
the menu list.
XPress the :or9 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
menu.
XConfirm by pressingaon the steering
wheel.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
digital speedometer.
Resetting values
XPress the òbutton on the steering
wheel to open the menu list.
XPress the :or9 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
menu.
XConfirm by pressingaon the steering
wheel.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
function that you wish to reset.
XPress the abutton.
XPress :to select Yesand confirm with
a.
Menus and submenus245
On-board computer and displays
Z