Trailer towing*
Folding out the ball coupling
Please also observe the notes on the restricted function of Parktronic* when towing a trailer in more.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle, you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage compartment.
 | Risk of accident |
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Make sure that the ball coupling is engaged, either in its folded out or folded in position, and that the indicator lamp is off.
Do not turn the release wheel when a trailer is coupled up. The trailer might otherwise become detached.
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Saloon
Estate
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 | Indicator lamp |
 | Release wheel for the trailer tow hitch |
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Press the ball coupling in the direction of the arrow by hand until it engages in a vertical position.
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Indicator lamp goes out. The power socket folds down automatically.
Vehicles with a 4-button multi-function steering wheel: the message Trailer hitch Check lock mech. is shown in the multi-function display until the ball coupling has engaged.
Vehicles with a 12-button luxury multi-function steering wheel*: the message Trailer hitch Check lock mech. is shown in the multi-function display until the ball coupling has engaged.
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Remove the protective cap from the ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
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Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling is clean and that, depending on the trailer specification, it is greased or dry (without grease) when used.
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Notes on towing a trailer
| Risk of accident |
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When reversing 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.
Make
sure that the following values are not exceeded:
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The permitted
trailer drawbar noseweight
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The permitted
trailer load
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The permitted rear
axle load of the towing vehicle
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The maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of both the towing vehicle and the trailer
You
will find the applicable permissible values which must not be exceeded in the
vehicle documents.
You will find the
values approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical data" section.
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You will find installation dimensions and loads in the "Technical
data" section
more.
The maximum
permissible trailer drawbar noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the actual noseweight must not exceed the value given on the trailer
coupling and trailer identification plates. The lowest weight applies.
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Use a noseweight as close as possible to the maximum permissible noseweight. Do not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg, otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear axle load are reduced by the actual noseweight.
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The height of the
ball coupling changes with the load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
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Coupling up a trailer
| Risk of injury |
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Do not connect a trailer with an engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could become trapped between the bumper and drawbar.
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Do not uncouple a trailer with overrun brake between the bumper and drawbar, otherwise your vehicle could be damaged by the spring action of the overrun brake.
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Position the
trailer level behind the vehicle.
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Couple up the
trailer.
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Establish the
electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer.
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Driving
tips
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Observe the notes
on ESP® trailer stabilisation
more.
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In Germany, the
maximum permitted speed for vehicle/trailer combinations is
80 km/h.
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A maximum speed of
80 km/h should not be exceeded, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/trailer combinations.
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When towing a
trailer, your vehicle's handling characteristics will be different in
comparison to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer
combination:
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is heavier
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is restricted in
its acceleration and gradient-climbing capability
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has an increased
braking distance
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is affected more by
strong crosswinds
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demands more
sensitive steering
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consumes more
fuel
On long and steep downhill
gradients you must select a lower gear in good time, or in vehicles with
automatic transmission*,
select shift range 1, 2 or 3.
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This also applies
if you have activated cruise control* or Speedtronic*.
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This uses the
braking effect of the engine and you will not have to brake to such an extent
to maintain the same speed. This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather than
continuously.
| Risk of accident |
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Never depress the brake pedal continuously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause the brakes to rub by applying constant slight pedal pressure. This causes the brake system to overheat, increases the braking distance and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
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Driving
tips
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Maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
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Avoid braking
abruptly. If possible, brake gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
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The values given
for gradient-climbing capabilities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the power output of the engine, and
consequently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
If the trailer
swings from side to side:
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Do not
accelerate.
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Do not
counter-steer.
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Brake if
necessary.
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| Risk of accident |
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On no account should you attempt to draw the vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing speed.
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Folding in the ball coupling
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Fold in the ball coupling when you are not using the trailer tow hitch.
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| Risk of injury |
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Make sure that no persons or animals are in the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Otherwise, they could be injured.
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Place the protective cap on the ball coupling.
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The release wheel is located behind the left-hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage compartment.
Saloon
Estate
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| Indicator lamp |
| Release wheel for the trailer tow hitch |
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Press the ball coupling in the direction of the arrow by hand until it engages behind the bumper.
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Indicator lamp goes out and the message in the multi-function display disappears.
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Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's trailer socket outlet is equipped with a permanent power supply and a power supply that is switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin 10.
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You can connect consumers with a power rating of up to 240 W to the permanent power supply and up to 180 W to the power supply that is switched on via the ignition lock.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the power supply.
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You can obtain further information about installing the trailer electrics from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
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To switch the switched power supply on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or 0, respectively.
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