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

There is no power assistance for the steering when the engine is not running.

It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed.

Observe the legal requirements in all countries concerned when towing.

You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of 50 km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not be exceeded.

If the towing distance is greater than 50 km, the propeller shafts to the driven axles must be removed.

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 it 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.

  • The selector lever must be in position N on vehicles with automatic transmission*.

  • If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage, it must only be towed with the rear axle raised.

  • If you are towing the vehicle over a considerable distance, this may 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.

  • 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 more. You could otherwise become locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.

Fitting the towing eye

The fixtures for the removable towing eyes are located in the bumpers. They are located at the front and rear under the covers on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

Opening the front cover

Cover
  

Press the mark on cover  inwards.

  

Take cover off the opening but do not remove it.

Opening the rear cover

Cover
  

Press the mark on cover  inwards.

  

Take cover off the opening but do not remove it.

AMG equipment and CLK 63 AMG

To lever off the cover
  

Use a suitable object such as a screwdriver to lever off the cover from below.

  

Take cover off the opening but do not remove it.

Securing the towing eye

  

Take the towing eye and the wheel wrench from the vehicle tool kit more.

  

Screw in the towing eye clockwise to the stop.

  

Insert the wheel wrench handle into the towing eye and tighten.

Towing the vehicle

The engine must be switched off if the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised or if the parking brake is being tested on a dynamometer. Intervention by ESP® could otherwise damage the brake system.

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 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.

  

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.

Standard vehicles

  

Replace the cover and press it until it engages.

  

Return the towing eye and the wheel wrench to the vehicle tool kit.

AMG equipment and CLK 63 AMG

  

Replace the cover on the front and press it until it engages.

Back cover

To insert the cover
  

Insert the cover on the right and slide it to the right as far as it will go.

  

Gently press the cover onto the left side.

  

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.