XTo cancel the process:press the%but-
ton on the steering wheel or drive off.
or
XTo exit the parking space using active
parking assistance: press theabutton
on the steering wheel.
The display shows the Park Assist
Active: Accelerate and BrakeObs.Surroundingsmessage.
XLet go of the steering wheel.
XPull away, being ready to brake at all times.
Exit the parking space slowly and do not drive
faster than 6 mph (10 km/h). Otherwise park-
ing assistance is canceled and Active Parking
Assist is stopped.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches a bor-
der of the parking space.
XWhile the vehicle is stationary, shift the trans-
mission to position Dor Ras required or
according to the message.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction. The display shows the
Park Assist Active: Accelerate and
BrakeObs. Surroundingsmessage.
iYou will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete before
pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steering
wheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
XDrive forwards and reverse as prompted by
the PARKTRONIC warning displays, several
times if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space com-
pletely:
RThe display shows the Park Assist Fin‐ishedmessage.
Ra tone sounds.
Rthe steering wheel is moved to the straight-
ahead position.
The parking assistance function of Active Park-
ing Assist is stopped. You will then have to steer
and merge into traffic on your own.
PARKTRONIC is still available.
You can take over the steering before the vehi-
cle has exited the parking space completely.
This is useful, for example when you recognize
that it is already possible to pull out of the park-
ing space.
Canceling active parking assistance
XStop the movement of the steering wheel or
steer yourself.
or
XPress the fbutton and deactivate
PARKTRONIC (Ypage 153).
Parking assistance is canceled immediately
and Active Parking Assist is stopped. The dis-
play shows the Park
AssistCanceledmes-
sage.
Active parking assistance is canceled automat-
ically if:
Ryou apply the parking brake.
Rparking using Active Parking Assist is no lon-
ger possible.
Ryou are driving faster than 6 mph (10 km/h).
Ra wheel spins and ESP®intervenes or fails.
The ÷ warning lamp in the instrument
cluster then lights up.
Ryou unfasten your seat belt.
Ryou open a door or the tailgate/rear door
Ryou shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P
A warning tone sounds, the parking symbol in
the display goes out and the Park Assist
Canceledmessage appears.
Once active Parking Assist has been canceled,
you must steer and brake again yourself.
If a system malfunction occurs, vehicles are
automatically braked down to a standstill. To
continue driving, you must depress the acceler-
ator pedal again.
Rear view camera
General notes
On vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view camera
is next to the tailgate handle (Ypage 267).
On vehicles with rear doors, the rear view cam-
era is in the top of the license plate molding
(
Ypage 267).
The rear view camera is a visual parking aid. It
shows you the area behind the vehicle in the
audio display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirrored fashion, as in the rear-view mirror or
the exterior mirrors. The guide lines displayed
assist you in backing up.
158Driving systems
Driving an d parking
Information on the audio system control knob
can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
Symbol=is highlighted. The distance spec-
ifications now only apply to objects that are at
the same level as the ball coupling.
XBack up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ;points approximately
in the direction of trailer drawbar :.
XBack up carefully until trailer drawbar :rea-
ches red guide line A.
The distance between trailer drawbar :and
ball coupling ?is now approximately 12 in
(0.30 m).
XCouple the trailer (Ypage 163).
Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
GWARNING
If you use a ball coupling that is not approved
for your vehicle, it may cause excessive strain
on the trailer tow hitch. This can cause dam-
age to the vehicle and the trailer may come
loose during the journey. The handling may be
impaired and the rear axle may be overloaded.
This may lead to an accident involving serious
or even fatal injury.
Therefore note the following:
ROnly install a ball coupling that is approved
for your vehicle.
RBefore the journey, make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured.
To do this, observe the operating instruc-
tions of the ball coupling manufacturer.
RDo not make any modifications to the ball
coupling or the trailer tow hitch.
You must observe the operating instructions
of the trailer tow hitch or ball coupling manu-
facturer.
GWARNING
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.
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.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 165 lb (75 kg) applies when using carrier sys-
tems on the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
backing up the towing vehicle, make sure
nobody is standing between the vehicle and the trailer.
Towing a trailer163
Driving and parking
Z
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you needto brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Observe the notes on ESP
®trailer stabilization
(Ypage 67).
Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
iYou can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or trailer stability programs. Further information
is available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Van Dealer.
RMaintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
RAvoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
RThe figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
ities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the
power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use
XMake sure that the selector lever of the auto-
matic transmission is in position P.
XOn vehicles with an automatic transmission,
ensure that the transmission is in position P.
XEngage the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
XCouple the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical and other connections to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into the eyelet on the
ball coupling.
XRemove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
XRelease the trailer parking brake.
iThe subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal 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 fas-
Towing a trailer165
Driving and parking
Z
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows
you to drive round tight corners.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety shut-off applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Many states require a separate functional
braking system for your trailer once a certain
weight limit is exceeded. For reasons of safety,
it is recommended that all trailers use a sepa-
rate functional braking system. Make sure yourvehicle/trailer combination complies with local
laws. This not only means where you live, but
also anywhere you are driving to. Information on
this can be obtained from the police and local
authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traffic.
This enables you to gain experience and get
used to the new handling characteristics.
RBefore driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
-that the safety switch for a braked trailer is
functioning properly
-that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
-that the electrical connections are secure
-that the lights are working
-that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer is equipped with a separate func-
tional braking system, check before each
journey whether the brakes are functioning
correctly.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 244).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range
4,3 ,
2 o
r 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
RWhen driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
low gear and take advantage of the engine's
braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com- bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
166Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking
Uncoupling 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 rebounding of the overrun
brake.
XMake sure that the selector lever of the auto-
matic transmission is in position P.
XEngage the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors.
XApply the parking brake of the trailer.
XIn addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
XRemove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information
!For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle
weight of 6724 lbs (3050 kg), the permissible gross combination weight is less than the sum
of the permissible gross vehicle weight plus
the permissible trailer load. Exceeding the
permitted gross combination weight could
damage the powertrain, transmission or
trailer tow hitch.
If either the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden,
the permitted gross vehicle weight or the per- mitted trailer load values are reduced accord-
ingly. In this case, you may only partially load
the trailer or the vehicle.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment. If the trailer is installed
with a separate functional braking system, then
the maximum gross trailer weight is 5000 lbs
(2268 kg).
GWARNING
If you tow a trailer without a separate func-
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg),
then the vehicle brake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail. There is an
increased risk of accident and injury, possibly
even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate functional
braking system when towing a trailer with a
gross trailer weight (GTW) of more than
1635 lbs (750 kg).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg). The
actual noseweight may not exceed the value
given on the identification plates of the trailer
tow hitch or the trailer. If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is
calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs (68 kg).
The permissible Gross Combination Weight Rat-
ing is vehicle-specific and depends on the equip-
ment level.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates for
the trailer and the vehicle (
Ypage 303). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 313). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
Loading a trailer
!Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissible
noseweight, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
RThe load must be distributed over the vehicle
and the trailer so as not to exceed either the
maximum permissible values for the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross trailer
weight (GTW), the gross combination weight
Towing a trailer167
Driving and parking
Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
F(USA
only)
!(Canada
only)
Releas ePark. Brake
The red F(USAonly)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp in th e
instrumen tcluste rlights up and awarning tone also sounds.
You are drivin gwit hth eparking brak eapplie dor are making an emer-
gency stop usin gth eparking brake.
XReleas eth eparking brak e (Ypage 134).
6
MalfunctionServiceReq.
The restrain tsystem is faulty. In addition ,th e6 warning lamp
lights up in th einstrumen tcluster.
GWARNIN G
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be triggered
unintentionally or, in th eevent of an accident, may no tbe triggered .
There is an increased ris kof injury.
XHav eth erestrain tsystem and it scomponent schecke dimmedi-
ately at aqualified specialist workshop .
Further information on th erestrain tsystem and it scomponent scan
be found under "Occupant safety" (
Ypage 45).
6
Fr. LeftMalf. Ser ‐viceReq .orFr.RightMalf.Servic eReq.
The fron tlef tor right restrain tsystem is malfunctioning .In addition ,
th e6 warning lamp lights up in th einstrumen tcluster.
GWARNIN G
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be triggered
unintentionally or, in th eevent of an accident, may no tbe triggered .
There is an increased ris kof injury.
XHav eth erestrain tsystem and it scomponent schecke dimmedi-
ately at aqualified specialist workshop .
LeftCurtai nAirbagServiceRequiredor
Rt. Curtai nAirbag
Servic eRequired
There is amalfunction in th elef tor right window curtai nair bag. In
addition ,th e6 warning lamp lights up in th einstrumen tcluster.
GWARNIN G
The lef tor right window curtai nair bag may either be triggered unin-
tentionally or, in th eevent of an accident, may no tbe triggered .
There is an increased ris kof injury.
XHav eth erestrain tsystem checke dimmediately at aqualified spe -
cialist workshop .
Display messages (vehicles without steering wheelbu ttons)195
On-board computer and displays
Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
÷
Inoperative SeeOperator'sManual
ES P®,BA Sand hill start assist are unavailable due to amalfunction .
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other drivin gsystems could be
automatically deactivated.
GWARNIN G
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above.
The braking distanc ein an emergenc ybraking situation can thus
increase.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
÷
Currently Unavail.See Operator' sMan ‐ual
ESP®,BA Sand hill start assist are unavailable due to amalfunction .
The self-diagnosis function ,for example, may no tbe complete.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other drivin gsystems could be
automatically deactivated.
GWARNIN G
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefor eloc kif you brak e
hard, for example.
The braking distanc ein an emergenc ybraking situation can thus
increase.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcar eon asuitable stretch of road, making slight
steering movement sat aspeed abov e12 mph (20 km/h).
If th edisplay message disappears, th efunction smentioned abov e
are available again .
If th edisplay message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on wit hcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
F(US A
only)
!(Canada
only)
Releas eParkin g
Brake
The red F(USAonly)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp in th e
instrumen tcluste rlights up and awarning tone also sounds.
You are drivin gwit hth eparking brak eapplie dor are making an emer-
gency stop usin gth eparking brake.
XReleas eth eparking brak e (Ypage 134).
208Display messages (vehicles withsteering whee lbu ttons)
On-board computer and displays
Drivingsystems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences an dMSolutions
120 km/h!
Maximu mSpeedExcee‐ded
Only forcertain countries: th emaximum speed has bee nexceeded.
XDrive more slowly.
À
Attention AssistInoperative
ATTENTION ASSIST has failed.
XVisit aqualified specialis tworkshop .
Attention Assist :Take a Break!Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detecte dfatigue or
a lac kof concentration on th epar tof th edriver .An additional warnin g
tone sounds.
XIf necessary, take abreak .
Durin glon gjourneys, take regular break sin goo dtime so that you get
enough rest.
Par kAssistCanceledAdditionally, awarnin gtone sounds. The active parking assistanc ehas
bee ncanceled and Active Parking Assis thas ended automatically. Fo r
example, you hav etouched th esteerin gwhee lor driven to ofast.
XSteer and brake yourself.
XRepeat th eparking procedur eif necessary. Observ eth edeactiva-
tion condition sas you do so (Ypage 158).
ParkAssist Inoper ‐ativePARKTRONIC is malfunctionin gor faulty.
XFollow th einstruction sand helpfu lhints in th e"Problems wit h
PARKTRONIC" section (Ypage 154).
XIf thedisplay messag econtinues to be shown ,consult aqualified
specialis tworkshop .
Active Parking Assis tis unavailable or faulty.
XSwitc hof fth eignition .
XStart th eengin eagain .
XIf thedisplay messag econtinues to be shown or symbol jis no t
shown in th edisplay, consult aqualified specialis tworkshop .
Collision Preven ‐tionAssist Inoper ‐ative
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU Sis no tavailable due to amal-
function .
XVisitaqualified specialis tworkshop .
214Display messages (vehicles withsteering whee lbu ttons)
On-board computer and displays