
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
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 identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and 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 weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes !
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the cooling system and drive train may be necessary, depending on the vehicle
type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
R Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum 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.
More information on availability and installa-
tion can be obtained at any qualified special-
ist workshop.
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 the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
(Y page 346).
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 173)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 191)
R Active Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 197)
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 installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 367).
Driving tips Also observe the notes on pulling away with a
trailer (Y
page 130).
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
permissible speed is for your trailer. Observe the 200
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

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 Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
R Active Parking Assist
R Parking Package with rear view camera
R Active Blind Spot Assist
R Active Lane Keeping Assist
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC Package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following:
R If the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R The Sport drive program is not available.
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: R Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-woundunder 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 triggers the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric- tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina-
tion complies with the local regulations:
R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli- able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at regular
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.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
R The 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. Towing a trailer
203Driving and parking Z

R
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but instead
depress the brake pedal moderately at first sothat the trailer can activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill gra- dients, 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.
R When 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 instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
R If 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 open-
ing the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temperature to the
highest level.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer com-
bination, you require additional road space in relation to the vehicle you are overtaking
before you can change back to the original
lane. 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 Shift the transmission to position 005D.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum allowable gross mass
The gross vehicle weight of the trailer is calcu-
lated by adding 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" (Y page 367).
Permissible noseweight You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 367).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross weight of the trailer
nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight 204
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you install wheels and tires with incorrect
dimensions, the service brake or wheel sus-
pension components may be damaged. There is a risk of an accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with ones
that comply with the specifications of the
original part.
When replacing wheels, pay attention to the:
R Designation
R Model
When replacing tires, pay attention to the:
R Designation
R Manufacturer
R Model G
WARNING
A flat tire will severely affect the driving char- acteristics as well as the steering and braking
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R Do not drive on with a flat tire.
R Change the flat tire immediately with an
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel.
Alternatively, consult a qualified specialist
workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R Observe the information and warning notes
on MOExtended tires (run-flat tires).
Accessories that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being used cor- rectly can impair the operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Further information regarding wheels and tires
can be found under "Wheel/tire combinations"
(Y page 352). You can ask for information regarding permitted
wheel/tire combinations at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tire pressure information can be found:
R on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
R in the tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap
R in the "Tire pressure" section Operation
Information on driving
Check the tire pressure when the vehicle is
heavily laden and adjust prior to a trip.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pull-
ing to one side. This may indicate that the
wheels or tires are damaged. If you suspect that
a tire is defective, reduce your speed immedi-
ately. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tires for damage. Hidden tire damage could also be causing the unusual
handling characteristics. If you find no signs of
damage, have the tires and wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that the
tires do not get deformed by the curb or other
obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over curbs,
speed humps or similar elevations, try to do so
slowly and at an obtuse angle. Otherwise, the
tires, particularly the sidewalls, may be dam-
aged. Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Check wheels and tires for damage at least once a month. Check wheels and tires after driving
off-road or on rough roads. Damaged wheels
can cause a loss of tire pressure.
Pay particular attention to damage such as:
R cuts in the tires
R punctures in the tires Operation
327Wheels and ti res Z

PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire width
in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an out-
ward force to each square inch of the tire's sur-
face. The tire pressure is specified in pounds per
square inch (psi), in kilopascal (kPa) or in bar.
The tire pressure should only be corrected when
the tires are cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked with the tires
out of direct sunlight for at least three hours
and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further than
1 mile (1.6 km)
Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact with
the road.
BeadThe tire bead ensures that the tire sits securely
on the wheel. There are several steel wires in the
bead to prevent the tire from coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-per-
formance battery, are not included in the curb
weight and the weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number) This is a unique identifier which can be used by
a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for example for a product recall, and thus identify the pur-
chasers. The TIN is made up of the manufactur-
er's identity code, tire size, tire type code and
the manufacturing date. Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a code that contains the maximum load bearing capa-
city of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the tires and the road surface.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support.
Treadwear indicators Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tire tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit of 00CDin (1.6 mm)
has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their designated seating positions.
Total load limit Nominal load and luggage load plus 68 kg
(150 lbs) multiplied by the number of seats in
the vehicle. Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 310) contains information and notes on
how to deal with a flat tire. Information on driv-
ing with MOExtended tires in the event of a flat
tire can be found under "MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics" (Y page 311).
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel: in
the event of a flat tire, mount the emergency
spare wheel according to the description under "Mounting a wheel" (Y page 348). Rotating the wheels
G
WARNING
Rotating the front and rear wheels if the
wheels or tires have different dimensions may severely impair the driving characteristics.
The service brake or wheel suspension com- Changing a wheel
347Wheels and tires
Z

ponents may also be damaged. There is a risk
of an accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are located
in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used near
the valve. This could damage the electronic
components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(Y page 348).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires in
the center.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can rotate the wheels accord-
ing to the intervals in the tire manufacturer's
warranty book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to
10,000 km). Depending on tire wear, this may
be required earlier. Do not change the direction
of wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is rota-
ted. Check the tire pressure and, if necessary,
restart the tire pressure loss warning system or
the tire pressure monitor (Y page 334).Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of hydro-
planing. These advantages can only be gained if the tires are installed corresponding to the
direction of rotation.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates its
correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tires
from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Vehicle with emergency spare wheel:
when mounting the emergency spare wheel in
the event of a flat tire, follow the additional
notes on vehicle preparation under "Flat tire" (Y page 310).
X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-ahead
position.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position
005D.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that the normal vehicle level is
selected (Y page 170).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the driv-
er's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in position
0092. This means no SmartKey is in the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 127).
X Make sure that the engine cannot be started
via your smartphone (Y page 129).
X If included in the vehicle equipment, remove
the tire-change tool kit from the vehicle.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, vehicles are not equipped with a tire-
change tool kit. For more information on
which tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult a qualified
specialist workshop. 348
Changing a wheelWheels and tires

The recommended pressures for various oper-
ating conditions can be found:
R on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
R in the tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire pres-
sures under various operating conditions
(Y page 330).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only when
the tires are cold. Comply with the maintenance recommendations of the tire manufacturer in
the vehicle document wallet.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always equip
the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size on a given axle (left
and right)
R with the same type of tires at a given time
(summer tires, winter tires, MOExtended
tires)
i Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the fac- tory. It is therefore recommended that you
additionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT
kit if you mount tires that do not feature run- flat properties, e.g. winter tires. A TIREFIT kit
may be obtained from a qualified specialist
workshop. Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type of the spare wheel or emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel may
severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
R never mount more than one spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size.
R only use a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size briefly. R
do not switch ESP ®
off.
R have a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles with
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel: only
use the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
on the rear axle. If you mount the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel on the
front axle, this could result in damage to the
brake system.
If a tire on the front axle is defective, an intact
wheel from the rear axle must first be
replaced with the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel. The damaged wheel on the front
axle can then be replaced by the undamaged wheel from the rear axle.
Make sure to note the placard on the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel.
When using an emergency spare wheel or spare wheel of a different size, you must not exceed
the maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You should regularly check the pressure of the
emergency spare wheel, particularly prior to
long trips, and correct the pressure as neces-
sary (Y page 330). The value on the wheel is
valid.
Snow chains must not be mounted on emer-
gency spare wheels. General notes
Information regarding permitted emergency
spare wheels can be found at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Mounting the emergency spare wheel is descri- bed under "Mounting a wheel" (Y page 348).
An emergency spare wheel may also be moun-
ted against the direction of rotation. Observe
the time restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the emergency spare
wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
When you are driving with the collapsible spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure loss warning
system or the tire pressure monitor cannot func- Emergency spare wheel
353Wheels and tires Z

cable regulations, as well as SAE standard J639,
must be adhered to.
Always have work on the climate control system
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Refrigerant instruction label Example: refrigerant instruction label
0043 Warning symbol
0044 Refrigerant filling capacity
0087 Applicable standards
0085 PAG oil part number
0083 Type of refrigerant
Warning symbol 0043advises you about:
R Possible dangers
R Having service work carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop
Filling capacities Refrigerant Capacity
All models
37.0 ± 0.4 oz
(1050 ± 10 g) PAG oil Capacity
All models
3.9 ± 0.4 oz
(110 ± 10 g) Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle data: R The heights specified may vary as a result of
- Tires
- Load
- Condition of the suspension
- Optional equipment
R Optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload
Observe the information relating to level con-
trol:
R AIRMATIC Package (Y page 170) Dimensions and weights
0043 0043
Height when
opened 0044
0044
Max.
headroom Mercedes-
AMG GLE 43
4MATIC Coupe
77.7 in
1972 mm Mercedes-
AMG GLE 63 S
4MATIC Coupe
77.6 in
(1971 mm) 364
Vehicle dataTechnical data