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 165).
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 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 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.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
Rthe permissible noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Towing a trailer165
Driving and parking
Z
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 246).
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 or 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 t
he 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.
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.
168Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
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 305). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 315). 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
rating (GCWR), nor the maximum permissible
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and trailer
drawbar noseweight rating of your vehicle.
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This will pre- vent you from exceeding the permissible
gross axle weight (GAWR).
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This will
ensure that you do not exceed the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RMake sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum per-
missible values. Have the vehicle/trailer com-
bination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the driver,
passengers and load, as well as the loaded
trailer.
RCheck the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar (TWR).
Towing a trailer169
Driving and parking
Z
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models as
well as standard and optional equipment of your
vehicle that were available at the time of going
to print. Country-specific variations are possi-
ble. Note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the described functions. This also
applies to systems and functions relevant to
safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (
Ypage 31).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
GWARNING
If you are driving and reach through the steer- ing wheel to operate the adjustment knob,
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Only operate the adjustment knobs when thevehicle is stationary. Do not reach through the
steering wheel when driving.
You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
The on-board computer display only shows mes-
sages and warnings from certain systems. You
should therefore make sure your vehicle is oper-
ating safely at all times. If the operating safety of
your vehicle is impaired, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions. Then consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
The accuracy of the speedometer and odometer
displays is legally prescribed. Determining the
speed is dependent on the wheel size or the
rolling circumference of the wheels. If you
change the wheel size on your vehicle, make
sure it is assigned to the correct wheel size cat-
egory (
Ypage 279). If you change wheel size
category without recoding the control unit, the
speedometer indication will be inaccurate. Driv-
ing safety and driving systems may be impaired
or detect a malfunction and shut down.
An overview of the instrument cluster can be
found under "Instrument cluster":
Rfor vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 37)
Rfor vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 39)
Display and operation
Instrument lighting
Brightness control knob (example: vehicle with
steering wheel buttons)
In daylight, the displays in the instrument cluster
are illuminated. A dimming function is not pos-
sible in daylight.
Display and operation171
On-board computer and displays
Z
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, the
light sensor in the instrument cluster automati-
cally controls the brightness of the display light-
ing.
While the lights are on, the brightness is depend-
ent upon the brightness of the ambient light.
You can also adjust the brightness of the instru-
ment lighting and the display lighting
Rby pressing thefand gbuttons on the
instrument cluster on vehicles without steer-
ing wheel buttons (not in the Settings
menu)
Rby turning brightness control knob :on vehi-
cles with steering wheel buttons
Speedometer
If you change the wheel size on your vehicle,
make sure it is assigned to the correct wheel
size category (
Ypage 279). If you change wheel
size category without recoding the control unit,
the speedometer indication will be inaccurate.
The current vehicle speed may then be higher
than the speed displayed in the speedometer.
The speed can also be shown in the display in
the form of a digital speedometer:
ROn vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 175)
ROn vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 181)
iIn some countries, a warning sounds and/or
the display shows a message when the vehi-
cle reaches the maximum legally permissible speed limit, e.g. at 75 mph (120 km/h).
Tachometer
!
Do not drive in the overrevving range, as this
could damage the engine.
HEnvironmental note
Avoid driving at high engine speeds. This
unnecessarily increases the fuel consumption
of your vehicle and harms the environment as
a result of increased emissions.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
To protect the engine, the fuel supply is inter-
rupted when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Please bear in mind that the outside tempera-
ture display shows the air temperature meas-
ured and not the road temperature.
The display shows the outside temperature in
the header:
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 173)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 179)
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Coolant temperature gauge
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
On vehicles without steering wheel buttons, you
can have the coolant temperature shown in the
display (
Ypage 175).
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, an ana-
log coolant temperature gage is located in the
tachometer in the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 39).
Under normal operating conditions and with the
specified coolant level, the gauge may rise to
248 ‡ (120 †).
172Display and operation
On-board computer and displays
On-board computer (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons)
Operating the on-board computer
Overview
:È and 3buttons
;Display
=f and gbuttons
XTo activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition lock.
If you remove the SmartKey, then quickly re-
insert it and turn to position 1, the on-board
computer and instrument cluster are not acti-
vated.
You can control the display and the settings in
the on-board computer with buttons :and =
on the instrument cluster.
Buttons on the instrument cluster
GWARNING
If you are driving and reach through the steer- ing wheel to operate the adjustment knob,
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Only operate the adjustment knobs when thevehicle is stationary. Do not reach through the
steering wheel when driving.
ÈPress briefly:
RSelects the menu or display
RIn the Settingsmenu: exits the
submenu without adopting the last
setting and returns to the menu's
start screen
ÈPress and hold:
RReturns to the standard display or the Distance menu without adopt-
ing the last setting
3Press briefly:
RSelects a submenu or function
RConfirms the selected entry in the
list or the display, or confirms the
setting
3Press and hold:
RResets the trip odometer and trip
computer values
RIn the start screen of the Settingsmenu: resets settings to the fac-
tory settings
RIn theSettingsmenu: resets val-
ues and returns to the menu's start
screen
f
gRSets the instrument cluster light-
ing (not in the Settingsmenu)
RScrolls through lists
RChanges values or settings
Display
Instrument cluster display
:
Clock (Ypage 189)
V Cruise control (
Ypage 144)
;Permanent display: outside temperature or
speed (Ypage 177)
On-board computer (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)173
On-board computer and displays
Z
Use the buttons in the instrument cluster.
XTo display:pressÈto select the trip com-
puter display.
The values displayed relate to those meas-
ured since the trip computer was last reset.
XTo reset values: press and hold3until all
values are reset.
The trip computer is automatically reset if the
value exceeds 9,999 hours or 99,999 miles.
You can set the unit of measurement for con-
sumption and distance in the Distance Unit:
submenu (Ypage 177).
Range menu
Use the buttons in the instrument cluster.
XPressÈto select the Rangedisplay.
The approximate range that can be covered is calculated according to your current driving
style and the amount of fuel in the tank. If
there is only a small amount of fuel left in the
fuel tank, the display shows a vehicle being
refueled Ïinstead of the approximate
range.
You can set the unit of measurement for dis-
tance in the Distance Unit:
submenu
(Ypage 177).
Current fuel consumption menu
:Recuperation display
;Range Use the buttons in the instrument cluster.
XPress
Èto select the fuel consumption bar
display.
Recuperation display :shows whether, and, if
so, how much kinetic energy is being trans-
formed into electric current whilst the vehicle is
coasting. The recuperated energy is then stored in the starter battery. Recuperation display :is
dependent on the engine installed and is there-
fore not available in all vehicles.
You can set the unit of measurement for con-
sumption in the Distance Unit:
submenu
(Ypage 177).
Digital speedometer menu
Use the buttons in the instrument cluster.
XPress Èto select the speed display.
You can set the unit for the digital speedometer
in the Distance
Unit:submenu (Ypage 177).
Coolant temperature menu
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
Use the buttons in the instrument cluster.
XPress Èto select the ?coolant temper-
ature bar display.
Under normal operating conditions and with the
specified coolant level, the gauge may rise to
248 ‡ (120 †).
On-board computer (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)175
On-board computer and displays
Z
Settings menu
Introduction
Settings menu start screen
The vehicle must be stationary. Use the buttons
in the instrument cluster.
XTo display: pressÈto select the Settingsmenu.
The Settings
menu is only displayed when the
vehicle is stationary. You can think of the order
of the submenus and functions as a circle. Press
3 on the instrument cluster to scroll through
the menu, starting with its start screen and
select its submenus or functions successively.
If you scroll forward using 3, the setting from
the previous submenu or function is adopted.
If you press Èin a submenu, the submenu or
function is exited without adopting the setting.
The display then shows the start screen of the
Settings
menu.
Depending on the vehicle’s equipment, you have the following options in the Settings
menu:
RSetting the language for the display messages
and displays (Ypage 176)
RDeactivating and activating ESP®
(Ypage 176)
RSetting the sensitivity of the rain sensor
(Ypage 177)
RActivating and deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST (Ypage 177)
RSelecting the permanent display in the header
of the display (Ypage 177)
RSetting the unit for distance, consumption
and speed displays (Ypage 177)
RSetting the time and date (Ypage 178)
XTo reset settings to the factory settings:
turn the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock and press and hold 3in the Settings
menu for at least five seconds.
For safety reasons, not all functions are reset.
Setting the display language
The vehicle must be stationary. Use the buttons
in the instrument cluster.
XPress Èto select the Settingsmenu.
XPress3to select the Languagesubmenu.
The display shows the current language selec- tion.
XPress forg to set the language for all dis-
play messages.
XPress 3to confirm.
The next submenu is shown in the display.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
This menu is only available on vehicles without
the å button on the center console.
Please observe the important safety notes
under "ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)"
(Ypage 66).
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
®in the follow-
ing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Further information can be found under "ESP®
(Electronic Stability Program)" (Ypage 66).
The vehicle must be stationary and the engine
must be running. Use the buttons in the instru-
ment cluster.
XPress Èto select the Settingsmenu.
XPress3to select the ESPsubmenu.
The display shows the current status.
If the display shows the Oper.
OnlyPoss.WithEngineOnmessage, confirm the mes-
sage with 3and start the engine. The display
then shows the ESP
submenu and the ESP®
status.
If theESP
Inoperativemessage is shown in
the display, ESP is not available due to a mal-
function and is deactivated. If you confirm the
176On-board computer (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays