2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC towing

For more information, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able 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: R
the permissible trailer drawbar 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 the vehicle documents R
on the type plate for the trailer R
on 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: 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 could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and wea ther conditions. Do
not
exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes R
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country. This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load; see the tire pressure table in the fuel
filler flap ( Y
page 354).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 175) R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 193)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 200)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" ( Y
page 371).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer stabili-
zation ( Y
page 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 135).
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 maximum per-
missible 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 ( Y
page 371). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the vehicle/trailer combination
may not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operat-
ing permit. This also applies in countries inTowing a trailer 203
Driving and parking Z

which the maximum permissible speed for vehi-
cle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
Shift to a lower gear on long and steep downhill
gradients.
This also applies to: R
activated DISTRONIC PLUS R
activated cruise control
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem 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 If the trailer swings from side to side: X
Do not accelerate. X
Do not counter-steer. X
Brake if necessary. R
Maintain a greater distance from 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, decreases with increasing altitude.
Installing the ball coupling
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
G WARNING
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.
X
Pull protective cap C in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess. X
Stow protective cap C so that it cannot be
thrown around. X
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 278)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces ( Y
page 278).
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 equipped 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. X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake
manually. X
Start the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position ] .X
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: select
the Comfort drive program.204
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

X
Switch off the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. 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. X
Push the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
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 work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example: R
ESP ®
R
PARKTRONIC R
Active Parking Assist R
Active Blind Spot Assist R
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you couple
up a trailer, the vehicle always remains at high-
way level. Observe the following note when cou-
pling up a trailer: R
Unless highway level has been set manually,
the vehicle is automatically lowered to high-
way level. If a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) has
been reached, this may be the case.
These restrictions apply to accessories that are
supplied with power via the trailer socket in your
vehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law: R
Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible. R
A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer. R
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer There are several legal requirements for towing
a trailer, e.g. the maximum permissible speed.
Make sure that your car/trailer combination
complies with the local regulations: R
in your place of residence R
at your destination
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
To accumulate driving experience and accustom
yourself to the new handling characteristics,
practice the following at a location where there
is no traffic: R
Cornering R
Stopping R
Backing up
Check the following before the journey: R
Trailer tow hitch R
Safety switch for braked trailers R
Safety chains R
Electrical connections R
Lighting system R
Wheels and tires R
Load securing
Adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have a
clear view of the rear section of the trailer.
If the trailer is equipped with electronically con-
trolled brakes, pull away carefully in the car/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whether the brakes
function correctly.
Regularly check that the load is secure.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with 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
Avoid sudden steering movements.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently
at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.Towing a trailer 205
Driving and parking Z

When overtaking, pay particular attention to the
extended length of your vehicle/trailer combi-
nation.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer combi-
nation, you require additional road space when
overtaking before you can change back to the
original lane.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly shifts
between gears on uphill or downhill gradients,
shift to a lower gear.
Driving in a lower gear and at a reduced speed
decreases the risk of engine damage.
If the coolant temperature increases signifi-
cantly when climate control is switched on,
switch climate control off.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by opening
the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temperature to the high-
est level.
Decoupling a trailer
G WARNING
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.
G WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake. X
Apply the vehicle's parking brake manually. X
Shift the transmission to position ] . X
Close all doors and the tailgate. X
Switch off the engine. X
Secure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away. X
Remove the trailer cable. X
Remove the safety chains, if there are any. X
Uncouple the trailer.
Removing the ball coupling X
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. X
Press the protective cap into the ball coupling
recess. X
Make sure that the protective cap is firmly in
place.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 278)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 278).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 316).
Trailer power supply
! 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 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.
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 as the
weight of the trailer plus the weight of the load
and the trailer's equipment.206
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" ( Y
page 371).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross trailer weight nor
the permissible gross vehicle weight are
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification plate
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehi-
cle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight
the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to the respective lowest values. R
The 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 indi-
cated on the identification plate on the B-pil-
lar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight accounts
for 8% to 15% of the permissible gross trailer
weight.
Additional accessories, passengers and load
reduce the permissible trailer load and nose-
weight that your vehicle can tow.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
Have the towing vehicle, including the driver,
passengers and load, and completely loaded
trailer weighed on a suitable weighing
machine. This will allow you to ensure that the
weights of the towing vehicle and trailer com-
ply with the maximum permissible values. R
Check the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and trailer drawbar load. Towing a trailer 207
Driving and parking Z

lished between the Customer Assistance Center
and the vehicle occupants. R
If the vehicle occupants respond, the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
attempts to get more information on the
emergency. R
If there is no response from the vehicle occu-
pants, an ambulance is immediately sent to
the vehicle.
If no voice connection can be established to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
the system has been unable to initiate an emer-
gency call.
This can occur, for example, if the relevant
mobile phone network is not available. The indi-
cator lamp in the SOS button flashes continu-
ously.
The Call Failed message appears in the mul-
tifunction display and must be confirmed.
In this case, summon assistance by other
means.
Making an emergency call
X
To initiate an emergency call manually:
press cover C briefly to open.X
Press and hold the SOS button for at least one
second D .
The indicator lamp in SOS button D flashes
until the emergency call is concluded. X
Wait for a voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center. X
After the emergency call, close cover C .
If the mobile phone network is unavailable,
mbrace will not be able to make the emergency
call. If you leave the vehicle immediately after
pressing SOS button D , you do not know if
mbrace has successfully made the emergency
call. In this case, always summon assistance by
other means. Roadside Assistance X
To call: press Roadside Assistance but-
ton C .
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Cus-
tomer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button C flashes while the call is active. The
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display. The audio output is
muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call Connec‐
ted message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example: R
current location of the vehicle R
vehicle identification number
The multimedia system display indicates that a
call is active. During the call, you can change to
the navigation menu by pressing the NAVI but-
ton on the multimedia system, for example.
Voice output is not available in this case.
A voice connection is established between the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
and the vehicle occupants.
From the remote malfunction diagnosis, the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
can ascertain the nature of the problem
( Y
page 300).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter either sends a qualified Mercedes-Benz tech-
nician or makes arrangements for your vehicle
to be transported to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
Service Center.
You may be charged for services such as repair
work and/or towing. Features 297
Stowage and features Z

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that: R
the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely R
the blower is switched off R
the windshield wiper switch is in position 0R
the 360° camera or the rear view camera is
deactivated
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the tailgate: R
using a car wash R
using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 3 m
away from the vehicle.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the tailgate: R
using a car wash R
using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft
(3 m) away from the vehicle.
! Make sure that the automatic transmission
is in neutral position \\ when washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehicle
may otherwise be damaged. R
Operating with the SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door
when the engine is switched off or at very
low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmis-
sion position [ or ^ , the automatic
transmission will automatically switch to
park position ] and block the wheels.R
Operating with the Start/Stop button:
Do not open the driver's door when the
engine is switched off or at very low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmission
position [ or ^ , the automatic transmis-
sion will automatically switch to park posi-
tion ] and block the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in neutral position
\\ :
Operating with the SmartKey and Start/Stop
button: X
Make sure that the ignition is switched on. X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Operating with the Start/Stop button only: X
Engage park position ] .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Remove Start/Stop button from ignition lock
( Y
page 133). X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Operating with the SmartKey and Start/Stop
button: X
Shift to neutral \\ .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake, if neces-
sary. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each country. X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight. X
Use a soft sponge to clean. X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.312
Care
Maintenance and care

Towing eye
Towing eye C is located in the left-hand stow-
age well under the cargo compartment floor. X
To remove: open the tailgate.X
Open the cargo compartment floor
( Y
page 288).X
Remove towing eye C .
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
Removing the TIREFIT kit
The TIREFIT kit s located in the left-hand stow-
age compartment. X
To remove: open the tailgate.X
Open the cargo compartment floor
( Y
page 288).X
Push retaining clamps C on the cover down
so as to release them. X
Fold up cover in the direction of arrow D .X
Remove tire inflation compressor