2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA SUV tow bar

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
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 Mercedes‑AMG GLA 45 4MATIC
Items of optional equipment may influence the
effective trailer loads for the vehicle. Please find the applicable trailer loads for your vehicle on
the registration certificate.
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 337).
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 193)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 209) 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 359).
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 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 when towing, the rear axle load is
increased even partly, the vehicle/trailer com-
bination 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 to 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 161).
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, the speed limiter 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. Towing a trailer
213Driving and parking Z

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,
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
j.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer on a level surface behind
the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
A connected trailer is only detected when the
electrical connection is established correctly
and when the lighting system is working prop- erly. 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. Towing a trailer
215Driving and parking Z

X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat for-
wards if necessary.
X Fold seat backrest :back until it engages.
Red lock status indicator ;is no longer visi-
ble.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 109).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Adjusting the angle of the rear seat
backrests (cargo position) Vehicles with luggage compartment package: to
enlarge the luggage compartment, you can
adjust the rear seat backrests to a 15° steeper
angle (cargo position).
X Fold the seat backrest forward (Y page 292).
X Move the handle :in the direction of the
arrow.
X Push the seat backrest ;back to the bar :
until the backrest engages.
The backrest is now in the cargo position. Securing a load
Lashing eyelets Observe the following notes on securing loads:
R Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 288).
R Secure the load using the lashing eyelets.
R Distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly.
R Do not use elastic straps or nets to secure a
load. These are intended only as anti-slip pro-
tection for light loads.
R Do not route lashing materials across sharp
edges or corners.
R Pad sharp edges for protection. :
Lashing eyelets
Bag hooks G
WARNING
The bag hooks cannot restrain heavy objects
or items of luggage. Objects or items of lug-
gage could be flung around and thereby hit
vehicle occupants when braking or abruptly
changing directions. There is a risk of injury.
Only hang light objects on the bag hooks.
Never hang hard, sharp-edged or fragile
objects on the bag hooks.
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load of
3 kg. Do not use it to secure a load. Stowage areas
293Stowing and features Z

!
The air pump can be operated again once it
has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer's safety notes on
the sticker on the tyre inflation compressor.
Using the TIREFIT kit X
Do not remove any foreign objects that have
penetrated the tyre, e.g. screws or nails.
X Remove the tyre sealant bottle, the accom-
panying TIREFIT sticker and the tyre inflation
compressor from the stowage space under-
neath the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 317).
X Affix part :of the TIREFIT sticker to the
instrument cluster within the driver's field of
vision.
X Affix part ;of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tyre. X
Pull plug ?with the cable and hose Aout of
the tyre inflation compressor housing.
X Screw hose Aonto flange Bof tyre sealant
bottle :.
X Place tyre sealant bottle :head downwards
into recess ;of the tyre inflation compres-
sor. X
Remove cap from valve Con the faulty tyre.
X Screw filler hose Donto valve C.
X Insert connector ?into a 12 V socket in your
vehicle.
Observe the notes on sockets (Y page 299).
X Turn the key to position 1in the ignition lock
(Y page 144).
X Press on and off switch =on the tyre inflation
compressor to I.
The tyre inflation compressor is switched on.
The tyre is inflated.
First, tyre sealant is pumped into the tyre. The pressure may briefly rise to approximately
500 kPa (5 bar/73 psi).
Do not switch off the tyre inflation com-
pressor during this phase.
X Let the tyre inflation compressor run for a
maximum of five minutes. The tyre should
then have attained a pressure of at least
180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi).
If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
been attained after five minutes, see "Tyre pres-
sure reached" (Y page 321).
If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not been attained after five minutes, see "Tyre
pressure not reached" (Y page 321).
If tyre sealant leaks out, make sure you clean the
affected area as quickly as possible. It is pref-
erable to use clear water.
If you get tyre sealant on your clothing, have it
cleaned as soon as possible with perchloroethy- lene. 320
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

Tyre pressure not reached
If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not
been attained after five minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tyre.
Please note that tyre sealant may leak out
when unscrewing the filler hose.
X Very slowly drive the vehicle forwards or
reverse approximately 10 m.
X Pump up the tyre again.
After a maximum of five minutes the tyre
pressure must be at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tyre is too badly
damaged. The tyre sealant cannot repair the
tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres and a tyre pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Tyre pressure reached G
WARNING
A tyre temporarily sealed with tyre sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds. There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed the specified maximum speed with a tyre that
has been repaired using tyre sealant.
The maximum permissible speed for a tyre
sealed with tyre sealant is 80 km/h. The upper
part of the TIREFIT sticker must be affixed to the
instrument cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver. If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
been reached after five minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tyre.
Please note that tyre sealant may leak out
when unscrewing the filler hose.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre inflation
compressor and the warning triangle.
X Pull away immediately.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tyre pressure with the
tyre inflation compressor.
The tyre pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 ba r/19 psi). G
WA
RNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tyre is too badly damaged. The tyre sealant cannot
repair the tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres and a tyre pressure that is too low can signif-
icantly impair the vehicle's braking and driv-
ing characteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In your vehicle, you will find a sticker with
the Mercedes-Benz Service24h telephone
number, e.g. on the B-pillar on the driver's
side.
X Correct the tyre pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 ba r/19 psi). See the tyre pres-
sure table on the fuel filler flap for values.
X To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the tyre inflation compressor. Flat tyre
321Breakdown assistance Z

X
Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using the jump
lead. Connect the jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X if the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from positive
clamp ;and positive terminal =. Each time, begin at the contacts on your own vehicle.
X Close cover :of positive clamp ;after removing the jump leads.
X Close the bonnet.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing away and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety relevant functions are restricted or no
longer available if:
R the engine is not running
R the brake system or power steering is mal-
functioning
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system
When your vehicle is towed away or towed
started, you may require considerably more
effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such cases use a rigid towing bar. Before
being towed away or tow started, make sure
the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
If the steering wheel lock is engaged, the vehi- cle can no longer be steered. There is a risk of
an accident.
Always switch on the ignition when towing
with a tow rope or a towing bar. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R towing eye may be torn off
R car/trailer combination may swerve or
even overturn
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 351).
! When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to the
towing eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow Towing away and tow-starting
327Breakdown assistance Z

hitch. You could otherwise damage the vehi-
cle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow hitch.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance a distance so that the tow rope does not sag.
R Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! Pull away smoothly when towing away or
tow-starting a vehicle. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of
50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not
be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the front
axle or the entire vehicle must be raised and
transported.
! To tow vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button. The
automatic transmission may otherwise
switch to position Pwhen you open the driv-
er's or front-passenger door which could
damage the transmission.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. The transmission may
otherwise be damaged.
Observe the legal requirements for the relevant countries when towing and tow-starting.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because of an accident or breakdown, you have the follow-
ing options:
R transporting the vehicle As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-
ported.
R towing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key to position 2in the igni-
tion lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the transmission to position i
on vehicles with automatic transmission
The function of the electric parking brake and
the parking lock is dependent on the on-board
voltage.
If the on-board voltage is low or if there is a sys- tem malfunction:
R it may not be possible to apply the released
parking brake or
R it may no longer be possible to shift the trans-
mission to position j
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. the
radio.
Deactivate the automatic locking feature before towing the vehicle (Y page 229). You could oth-
erwise be locked out when pushing or towing
the vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection before the vehi- cle is towed (Y page 77). Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye 328
Towing away and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are located at the rear and at the front, under covers :.
X Remove the towing eye from the stowage
space.
The towing eye is located with the vehicle tool
kit under the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 317).
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: the towing eye is
located under the tyre inflation compressor
(Y page 317).
X Press the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Remove cover :from the opening.
X Screw in the towing eye clockwise to the stop.
Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch only have a
bracket at the front for the screw-in towing eye.
If you intend to use the vehicle for towing, fold
out the ball coupling (Y page 214) and secure
the towbar to it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Attach cover :to the bumper and press until
it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the stowage well
under the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 317).
X Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: replace the tyre
inflation compressor (Y page 317).Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
When towing your vehicle with the front axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 327).
Only vehicles without 4MATIC can be towed
with the front axle raised.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed with
both axles on the ground or be loaded and trans- ported.
! The ignition must be switched off if you are
towing the vehicle with the front axle raised. Intervention by ESP
®
could otherwise dam-
age the brake system.
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 145).
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to position
j.
or X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to
neutral.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Deactivate tow-away protection (Y page 77).
X Deactivate automatic locking (Y page 229).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 118).
X Turn the key in the ignition lock to position g
and leave the key in the ignition lock. Towing the vehicle away with all
wheels on the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 327).
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 145).
Vehicles with automatic transmission: The
automatic transmission automatically shifts to
position jwhen you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the key
from the ignition lock. In order to ensure that the
automatic transmission stays in position i
when towing away the vehicle, you must
observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock. Towing away and tow-starting
329Breakdown assistance Z