Towing and tow-starting
Points to remember
 | Risk of accident |
|
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if:
-
the engine is not running
-
there is a brake system malfunction
-
the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system is damaged
The electric power steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. Greater braking force will then be required and the brake pedal travel will be longer. If necessary, depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Do not tow the vehicle if the key cannot be turned in the ignition lock. If this is the case, the steering is locked and the vehicle cannot be steered.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its weight must not exceed the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle.
|
It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed.
When towing, observe the legal requirements in all countries concerned.
 | |
|
When towing, pull away slowly and without jerking. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged. Do not use the towing eye for recovery.
|
| |
|
You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of 50 km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not be exceeded.
With towing distances over 50 km, the entire vehicle needs to be lifted up and transported.
|
| |
|
Only secure the tow cable or towing bar to the towing eyes. You may otherwise damage the vehicle.
|
-
Vehicles with an automatic transmission* must not be tow-started.
-
If the engine does not start, try jump starting more.
-
If it is not possible to jump-start the vehicle, have it towed to the nearest qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
-
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage, only tow it with the propeller shaft disconnected.
-
The automatic transmission* selector lever must be in the N position when towing the vehicle away.
-
If you are towing the vehicle over a considerable distance, this must only be done with the rear axle raised.
-
The ignition must be switched off if you are towing the vehicle with the front/rear axle raised. Intervention by ESP® could otherwise damage the brake system.
-
Vehicles with 4MATIC* may not be towed with the front or rear axle raised.
-
Before towing the vehicle, make sure that the battery is connected and charged. Otherwise:
-
you cannot switch on the ignition
-
you cannot move the selector lever to N (on vehicles with automatic transmission*)
-
you have no support when braking
 | |
|
Switch off the automatic locking feature before the vehicle is towed. You could otherwise be locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection before towing more.
|
Towing the vehicle
| |
|
You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of 50 km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not be exceeded.
With towing distances over 50 km, the entire vehicle needs to be lifted up and transported.
|
| |
|
Vehicles with 4MATIC* may not be towed with the front or rear axle raised.
|
| |
|
If you have the vehicle towed with the front or rear axle raised, the ignition must be switched off (key in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock). Intervention by ESP® could otherwise destroy the braking system on the front or rear axle.
|
Vehicles with manual transmission
 |
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.
|
| |
Shift to neutral.
|
Vehicles with automatic transmission*
| |
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.
|
| |
Move the selector lever to N.
|
Tow-starting (emergency engine starting)
Please note:
-
Vehicles with an automatic transmission* must not be tow-started.
-
The battery must be connected.
-
The engine and catalytic converter must be cold.
-
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Vehicles with manual transmission
| |
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.
|
| |
Fully depress the clutch pedal.
|
| |
Shift to neutral.
|
| |
Tow the vehicle or let it roll.
|
| |
Shift to a suitable gear and bring the clutch pedal up slowly. Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
|
| |
The engine is started.
|
Removing the towing eye
| |
Take the wheel wrench from the vehicle tool kit more.
|
| |
Insert the wheel wrench handle into the towing eye and turn it anti-clockwise.
|
| |
Unscrew the towing eye.
|
| |
Replace the cover and press it until it engages.
|
| |
Return the towing eye and the wheel wrench to the vehicle tool kit.
|
Transporting the vehicle
The towing eyes can be used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or transporter for transporting purposes.
| |
|
Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle such as axle or steering components. The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
|
Vehicles with manual transmission
| |
Shift to neutral.
|
Vehicles with automatic transmission*
| |
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.
|
| |
Move the selector lever to N.
|
