Disengaging thedifferential lock s
You can disengage th edifferential locks in th e
followin gorder :; ,? ,= .
XTo simultaneously disengage all differen-
tial locks: press switch =.
Yellow activation indicator lamp sA and red
function indicator lamp s: go out .
Afte rapproximately three seconds of normal
driving, ABS, 4ETS ,ES P
®and BA Sare activa-
ted.
The Differential Locks Active ABS
and ESP Not Availablemessag edisap-
pear sin th emultifunction display and th e
å!÷warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
XShift the transfer case to the HIGH RANGE
on-road position (Ypage 149).
If red function indicator lamps :do not go out
when disengaging the differential locks, stop
the vehicle safely in accordance with the traffic
conditions and then drive on. The load change
can disengage the differential locks.
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
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
GWARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in ques-
tion 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.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch.
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.
!If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be
necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
The installation of a trailer tow hitch is only per-
missible if a towing weight is specified in your
vehicle documents. If this is not the case, then
the vehicle is not approved for the towing of a
trailer.
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.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling may cause damage.
Damage may be caused to the following:
RTowing vehicle
RTrailer
RBall coupling
RTrailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could become
unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the mini-
mum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unstable.
Towing a trailer153
Driving and parking
Z
To avoid hazardous situations:
Rmake sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
Ruse a drawbar noseweight as close as possi-
ble to the maximum noseweight
Rdo not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
Rthe noseweight must not be lower than the
minimum permissible noseweight
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
When backing up the vehicle towards the trailer,
make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plate for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (
Ypage 291).
When backing up the vehicle towards the trailer,
make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do 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 in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
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 characteristics.
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
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations 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 suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This will reduce the risk of damage to the ball coupling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. Further information on the tire pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap (
Ypage 120).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 143) and Blind Spot
Assist (Ypage 140) availability is limited or not
available at all.
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 permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Ypage 291).
Driving tips
XObserve the notes on ESP®trailer stabiliza-
tion (Ypage 61).
XOn long and steep downhill gradients, select
shift range 1,2or 3(Ypage 116) in good
time.
154Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
Permissible trailer and drawbar loads
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.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Ypage 291).
Loading a trailer
RWhen 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.
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 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
RHave 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.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and trailer drawbar load.
Trailer power supply
!
You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 180 W 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 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes
Trailers with 7-pin connector: you can make a
connection to the 13-pin connector on the ball
coupling using an adapter plug or, if necessary,
an adapter cable. Both can be obtained in a
qualified specialist workshop.
Installing the adapter
!Make sure that there is enough slack in the
cable for cornering so that the cable cannot
become detached.
XOpen the socket cover.
XInsert the connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn it clockwise
to the stop.
XMake the cover engage.
XIf you are using an adapter cable, secure the
cable to the trailer with cable ties.
When the socket is connected, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated.
Towing a trailer159
Driving and parking
Z
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
GWARNING
If you distribute the load unevenly in the vehi- cle, the handling as well as the steering and
braking characteristics are severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
Distribute the load evenly in the vehicle.
Secure the load to prevent it from slipping.
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the rear
door is open when the engine is running, par-
ticularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger compart-
ment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the rear
door. Never drive with the rear door open.
Driving, braking and steering characteristics
change depending on:
Rtype of load
Rweight
Rthe center of gravity of the load
You should therefore load your vehicle as shown
in the illustrations.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, accessories installed, vehicle occupants
and luggage/load.
Do not exceed the load limit or permitted gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle.
The load limit and GVWR are given on the vehicle
identification plate found on the driver's door B-
pillar.
Furthermore, the load must be distributed in
such a way that the weight on each axle never
exceeds the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. The relevant GVWR and
GAWR information can be found on the vehicle
identification plate on the driver's side B-pillar.
Further information can be found in the "Loading
the vehicle" section (
Ypage 266).
Observe the following notes when transporting
a load:
RPosition heavy loads as far forward as possi-
ble and as low down in the cargo compart-
ment as possible.
RTransport loads when possible in the cargo
compartment. You should only use the cargo
compartment enlargement if the load does
not fit in the cargo compartment.
Loading guidelines209
Stowage and features
Z
RAlways place the load against the backrests ofthe front seats or rear seats.
RUse the cargo tie-down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage.
RUse cargo tie-down rings and fastening mate-
rials appropriate for the weight and size of theload.
If the rear bench seat is not occupied:
XInsert the belt tongue on the outer seat belts
into the buckle of opposite seat belt :.
XSecure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie downs.
XPad sharp edges for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage spaces
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior
and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of
an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction.
RAlways stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations.
RAlways make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets.
REnsure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey.
RAlways stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 209).
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
XTo open: pull handle :and open glove box
flap ;.
XTo close: fold glove box flap ;up until it
engages.
1Glove box unlocked
2Glove box locked
210Stowage areas
Stowag ean d features
XTo lock:insert the mechanical key into the
lock (Ypage 64) and turn it 90° clockwise to
position 2.
XTo unlock: insert the mechanical key into the
lock (Ypage 64) and turn it 90° counter-
clockwise to position 1.
The glove box can only be locked and unlocked
using the mechanical key.
Door stowage compartment
:Door stowage compartment
There is an additional compartment located on
the driver's door trim.
Stowage compartment under the armrest
in the center console
:Small stowage compartment
;Release button for the armrest
XTo open: press release button ;.
XFold up armrest.
XTo close:fold the armrest down.
The armrest engages audibly.
Stowage space in the rear
Storage pockets
GWARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard brak-
ing, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are located on the rear
side of the front seats.
Stowage nets
The following additional stowage areas are avail-
able in the vehicle:
Rstowage net in the front-passenger footwell
Rmap pockets on the back of the driver's and
front-passenger seat
Rstowage net on the left-hand side in the cargo
compartment
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 209)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
(
Ypage 210).
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat
backrest are not engaged they could fold for-
wards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident.
RThe vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the seat belt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt can no longer offer the intended
Stowage areas211
Stowag ean d features
Z
XLift up cover:of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
XConnect positive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal ?of donor battery Busing the
jumper cable. Always begin with positive terminal ;on your own vehicle first.
XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal Aof donor battery Bto ground point =of your vehicle using the
jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery Bfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point =and negative terminal A, then from pos-
itive clamp ;and positive terminal ?. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
XClose cover:of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
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 (
Ypage 282).
!When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat-
ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
Towing and tow-starting251
Breakdown assistance
Z
Radio type approval for the tire pres-
sure monitor
CountryRadio type approval number
USAFCC ID: MRXGG4
FCC ID: MRXMC34MA4
CanadaIC: 2546A-GG4
Loading the vehicle
Instruction labels for tires and loads
GWARNING
Overloaded tires can overheat, causing a
blowout. Overloaded tires can also impair the steering and driving characteristics and lead
to brake failure. There is a risk of accident.
Observe the load rating of the tires. The load
rating must be at least half of the GAWR of
your vehicle. Never overload the tires by
exceeding the maximum load.
Two instruction labels on your vehicle show the maximum possible load.
(1) The Tire and Loading Information placard is on the B-pillar on the driver's side. The Tire
and Loading Information placard shows the
maximum permissible number of occu-
pants and the maximum permissible vehicle
load. It also contains details of the tire sizes
and corresponding pressures for tires
mounted at the factory.
(2) The vehicle identification plate is on the B- pillar on the driver's side. The vehicle iden-
tification plate informs you of the gross
vehicle weight rating. It is made up of the
vehicle weight, all vehicle occupants, the
fuel and the cargo. You can also find infor-
mation about the maximum gross axle
weight rating on the front and rear axle.
The maximum gross axle weight rating is
the maximum weight that can be carried by
one axle (front or rear axle). Do not exceed
the maximum gross vehicle we ight o
r the
maximum gross axle weight rating for the
front or rear axle.
:B-pillar, driver's side
Maximum permissible gross mass
XSpecification for maximum permissible
load :is listed on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard: "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kilograms or XXX lbs."
The gross weight of all vehicle occupants, cargo,
luggage and trailer load/noseweight (if applica-
ble) must not exceed the specified value.
iThe specifications shown on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in the illustration are examples. The maximum permissible load
is vehicle-specific and may deviate from the
data shown here. The maximum permissible
load that applies for your vehicle can be found
on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard.
266Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires