2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class tow bar

Stowage compartmentsArmrest (under) ............................. 308
Center console .............................. 307
Cup holders ................................... 318
Door ............................................... 308
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 307
Glove box ....................................... 307
Important safety information ......... 306
Map pockets ..................................3 08
Rear ............................................... 308
Stowage net ................................... 308
see Stowage areas
Stowage net ....................................... 308
Summer tires
In winter ........................................ 376
Sun visor ............................................ 319
Suspension settings
AIR BODY CONTROL ......................1 96
SUV
(Sport Utility Vehicle) ....................... 25
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 147
T
Tachometer ........................................ 239
Tail lamps
see Lights
Tailgate
Display message ............................ 288
Emergency unlocking ....................... 97
Limiting the opening angle ...............9 7
Obstruction detection ......................9 2
Opening dimensions ......................4 15
Opening/closing .............................. 92
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 96
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 93
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 93
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 33
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 409
Information ....................................4 06
Tires/wheels ................................. 399
Trailer loads ................................... 416 Vehicle data ................................... 415
Telephone
Accepting a call (multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 250
Display message ............................ 289
Introduction ................................... 250
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 250
Number from the phone book ........2 51
Redialing ........................................ 251
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 250
Temperature
Coolant (display in the instrument
cluster) .......................................... 239
Outside temperature ......................2 39
Setting (climate control) ................ 145
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 381
Checking manually ........................ 381
Display message ............................ 285
Maximum ....................................... 380
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 359
Notes ............................................. 379
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 359
Recommended ............................... 377
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 383
Function/notes .............................3 81
G

eneral notes ................................ 381
Important safety notes .................. 381
Radio type approval for the tire
pressure monitor ........................... 384
Restarting ...................................... 383
Warning lamp ................................. 302
Warning message .......................... 383
Tire-change tool kit ........................... 356
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 358
Tire pressure not reached .............. 359
Tire pressure reached .................... 359
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 394
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 393
Bar (definition) ............................... 392
Changing a wheel .......................... 395
Characteristics .............................. 392
Checking ........................................ 375
Curb weight (definition) ................. 394
18Index

Towing eye......................................... 355
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 282
Function/notes ............................. 216
Important safety notes .................. 216
Instrument cluster display ............. 217
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 234
Trailer towing
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 234
Transfer case ..................................... 169
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 163
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 163
Transporting the vehicle .................. 369
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 350
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 245
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 244
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 245
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 415
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 132
Display message ............................ 273
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 406
Installation ..................................... 406
Transmission output (maximum) .... 406
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
UnlockingEmergency unlocking ....................... 90
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 89
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 319
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 27
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Display message ............................ 287
Equipment ....................................... 23
Individual settings .......................... 252
Limited Warranty ............................. 28
Loading .......................................... 384
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 91
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 83
Lowering ........................................ 399
Maintenance .................................... 24
Operating safety .............................. 25
Parking .......................................... 172
Parking for a long period ................ 176
Pulling away ................................... 157
Raising ........................................... 396
Reporting problems ......................... 27
Securing from rolling away ............ 396
Towing away .................................. 367
Transporting .................................. 369
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 90
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 83
Vehicle data ................................... 415
Vehicle data
Roof load (maximum) ..................... 415
Trunk load (maximum) ................... 415
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 415
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 91
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 408
Vehicle level
AIR BODY CONTROL ...................... 196
Display message ............................ 279
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 355
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 249
VIN
Seat ............................................... 408
Type plate ...................................... 408
20Index

You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and thatis 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" (
Ypage 416).
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
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.
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 for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
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 max
imum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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
228Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

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

cleaned, remove the ball coupling. The trailer
tow hitch must then not be used to tow a
trailer, as safe operation cannot be guaran-
teed.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
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.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL:
selectComfort driving program or Trailer
off-road program.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is
working.
XPush the combination switch upwards/
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is
working properly. The function of other sys-
tems also depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
RActive Parking Assist
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive Lane Keeping Assist
iVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always
remains at highway level. When coupling up
a trailer, please observe the following:
RUnless 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.
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:
RSafety 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.
RA separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the specific legal requirements applicable to
your state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety switch applies
the trailer 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:
Rin your place of residence
Rin the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
232Towing 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

XMake sure that the automatic transmissionis set to position P.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XApply the trailer's parking brake.
XRemove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Removing the ball coupling
XRemove the spring cotter.
XRemove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
XRemove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess.
XClean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
XStow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 306)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (
Ypage 306).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch (
Ypage 349).
Trailer power supply
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 4.
!Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 415).
Loading a trailer
RWhen loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible val-
ues on the type plates of your vehicle and
the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest val-
ues.
RThe trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
iMercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
iThe weight of other accessories, passen-
gers and loads reduces:
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible noseweight that your
vehicle can tow
234Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RTo ensure compliance of the weight of the
towing vehicle and the trailer with the max-
imum permissible values, have the vehicle/
trailer combination (towing vehicle includ-
ing driver, passenger, load and fully laden
trailer) weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load.
Towing a trailer235
Driving and parking
Z