
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

120km/h!(only for certain countries) max-
imum permissible speed exceeded
=Display panel for display messages, menus
and menu bar
?Transmission position (Ypage 129)
AFuel level
Bè ECO start/stop function
(Ypage 125)
Cè Rear window wiper (Ypage 106)
Display panel =shows the selected menu or
submenu and display messages.
Menu overview
The Settingsmenu is only displayed when the
vehicle is stationary. You can think of the order
of the menus and functions as a circle. Press È
on the instrument cluster to scroll through the
menus.
If you scroll forward in the Settings
menu 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.
Operation information can be found under
"Operating the on-board computer"
(
Ypage 173).
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can
call up the following menus, displays or func-
tions:
Rtrip odometer and odometer display
(Ypage 174)
Rtrip computer display (Ypage 174)
Rcurrent range display (Ypage 175)
Rcurrent fuel consumption display
(Ypage 175)
Rdigital speedometer (Ypage 175)
Rcoolant temperature gage (Ypage 175)
Rdisplay messages in the message memory
(Ypage 191)
The following menus, displays and functions are only displayed when the vehicle is stationary:
Rnext service due date display (Ypage 260)
Rtire pressure monitor restart (Ypage 286)
RSettingsmenu for setting or activating/
deactivating driving and driver assistance systems as well as display options
(
Ypage 176)
Distance menu
Odometer
If the display shows the speed in the header, the
display beside trip odometer
:also shows the
outside temperature.
You can switch the permanent display in the
header (
Ypage 177).
Use the buttons in the instrument cluster.
XTo display: press and hold Èuntil the dis-
play shows trip odometer :and odome-
ter ;.
XTo reset: press and hold 3until the trip
odometer is reset to 0.0
.
You can set the unit of measurement for the trip odometer in the Distance Unit:
submenu
(Ypage 177).
Trip computer menu
Trip computer
:
Distance
;Length of journey
=Average fuel consumption
?Average speed
174On-board computer (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays

%Press briefly:
RBack
RIn theAudiomenu: exits the track
or station list
RHides display messages
RExits the telephone book/redial
memory
RVehicles with a navigation system:
switches off voice-operated con-
trol of the navigation system (see
the manufacturer's operating
instructions)
%Press and hold:
RCalls up the standard display in the
Tripmenu
Right control panel on the steering wheel
6RMakes or accepts a call
RSwitches to the redial memory
~RRejects or ends a call
RExits the telephone book/redial
memory
W
XRAdjusts the volume
óRVehicles with a navigation system:
switches on voice-operated con-
trol of the navigation system (see
the manufacturer's operating
instructions)
8RMute
iThe audio devices, telephone and voice-
operated control using the steering wheel
buttons in the right control panel only func-
tion with a Mercedes-Benz audio or naviga-
tion system. If you are using an audio or nav-
igation system from another manufacturer,
the described functions may be restricted or
not available at all.
Display
Instrument cluster display
:
Clock (Ypage 189)
;Ä COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST dis-
tance warning function (Ypage 146)
j Active Parking Assist (
Ypage 156)
=Permanent display: outside temperature or
speed (Ypage 188)
120
km/h!(only for certain countries) max-
imum permissible speed exceeded
?Menu bar
Outside temperature (only if header Fdis-
plays the additional speedometer)
ADrive program (Ypage 130)
BTransmission position (Ypage 129)
CGearshift recommendation (Ypage 133)
DStatus area
EDisplay panel for display messages, menus
and menu bar
FHeader
XTo call up menu bar ?in the display
panel: press the =or; steering wheel
button.
The menu bar is faded out after a few sec-
onds.
Display panel Eshows the selected menu or
submenu and display messages.
On-board computer (vehicles with steering wheel buttons)179
On-board computer and displays
Z

Trip computer "From Start" or "From
Reset"
:Distance
;Length of journey
=Average fuel consumption
?Average speed
Using the steering wheel buttons
XPress =or; to select the Tripmenu.
XPress:or9 to select the FromStartorFrom Resetsubmenu.
The values in the From
Startsubmenu are cal-
culated from the start of a journey whilst the
values in the From Reset
submenu are calcu-
lated from the last time the submenu was reset
(
Ypage 181).
The From
Starttrip computer function is auto-
matically reset in the following situations:
Rthe ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R999 hours have been exceeded.
R9,999 miles have been exceeded.
The From Reset
trip computer is automatically
reset if the value exceeds 9,999 hours or
99,999 miles.
Digital speedometer
:Gearshift recommendation
Automatic transmission (
Ypage 133)
;Digital speedometer
Use the steering wheel buttons.
XPress =or; to select the Tripmenu.
XSelect the digital speedometer by press-
ing: or9.
Resetting values
Resetting values (example: "From start" trip com-
puter)
Using the steering wheel buttons
XPress =or; to select the Tripmenu.
XPress:or9 to select the function you
would like to reset.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress :to select Yesand press ato
confirm.
You can reset the values of the following func-
tions:
RTrip odometer
R"From start" trip computer
R"From reset" trip computer
On-board computer (vehicles withsteering whee lbu ttons)181
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Wheel Sensor(s)MissingThere is no signal from th etire pressur esensor of on eor several
wheels. The pressur eof th eaffecte dtire is no tshown in th edisplay.
XHav eth efault ytire pressur esensor replace dat aqualified special -
ist workshop .
TirePressure Moni‐tor Inoperative NoWheel Sensor s
The wheels installed do no thav esuitable tire pressur esensors. The
tire pressur emonitor is deactivated.
XInstall wheels wit hsuitable tire pressur esensors.
The tire pressur emonitor is activated automatically after drivin gfor
a few minutes.
Tir ePress.Monito rInoperativeThe tire pressur emonitor is malfunctioning .
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
Shiftto'P'or'N'to Start EngineYou haveattempte dto start th eengin ein transmission position kor
h.
XShift th etransmission to position jori.
Auxiliary Batter yMalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for th etransmission is no longer bein gcharged.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
Apply Brake toShift from'P'You attempte dto shift th etransmission to position h,kori
without depressing th ebrak epedal .
XDepress th ebrak epedal .
Riskof Rolling:TransmissionNotinP
An additional warning tone sounds. The driver's door is open and th e
transmission is in position k,iorh.
XShift th etransmission to position j.
XSecureth evehicl eto preven tit from rollin gaway (Ypage 135).
Servic eRequiredDoNot Shift GearsVisit Dealer
An additional warning tone sounds. You canno tchang eth etransmis -
sion position due to amalfunction .
If transmission position his selected:
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop without shifting transmis -
sion position h.
If transmission position k,iorj is selected:
XNotify aqualified specialist workshop .
OnlyShift to 'P'whe nVehicl eisSta‐tionar y
The vehicl eis still moving .
XPull overand stop th evehicle, payin gattention to roa dand traffic
conditions.
XShift th etransmission to position j.
220Display messages (vehicles withsteering whee lbu ttons)
On-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
ò!NThe yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ABS has been deactivated due to a malfunction. BAS, hill start assist and ESP®as
well as its driving safety systems, for example, are therefore also deactivated.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could be automati-
cally deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above. The wheels could therefore lock prematurely if you brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The braking distance
may increase in emergency braking situations.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XSwitch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
XCheck if the display message has disappeared and ESP®is operational.
XIf the display message continues to be displayed:
RDrive on with care.
RVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such
as the automatic transmission, will be restricted or unavailable.
÷N The yellow ESP®warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP®or traction control is intervening because there is a risk of skidding or at least
one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated.
XWhen starting off, do not depress the accelerator pedal more than is necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while driving.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the weather and road conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
In rare cases , it may be best to deactivate ESP®(Ypage 66).
224Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Engine
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
;NThe yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
There may be a malfunction, for example:
Rin the engine management
Rin the transmission management
Rin the fuel injection system
Rin the exhaust system
Rin the ignition system (for vehicles with a gasoline engine)
Rin the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be running in
emergency mode.
XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
æN The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp is on while the engine is running.
The fuel level has dropped to the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
?N The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
On vehicles without steering wheel buttons, the coolant temperature gage is at the
start of the bar display (
Ypage 175).
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, the coolant temperature gage is at the
start of the scale in the instrument cluster (
Ypage 39).
The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gage is faulty.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a risk of engine
damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
XStop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions,
and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster227
On-board computer and displays
Z