Towing and tow-starting
Points to remember
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If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if:
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the engine is not running
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there is a brake system malfunction
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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.
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It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed.
When towing, observe the legal requirements in all countries concerned.
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When towing, pull away slowly and without jerking. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.
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Do not use the towing eye for recovery, as this will damage the vehicle. If in doubt recover the vehicle with a crane.
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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.
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On vehicles with KEYLESS GO*: use the key instead of the KEYLESS GO* button. Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock and set the automatic transmission to N. Then turn the key back to 0 and leave it in the ignition lock.
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Only secure the tow cable or towing bar to the towing eyes. You may otherwise damage the vehicle.
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Tow-starting the vehicle is not permitted.
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Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed with the front or rear axle raised.
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If the engine does not start, try jump-starting it more.
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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.
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If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage, have it carried away on a transporter or trailer.
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If you are towing the vehicle, move the automatic transmission selector lever to N and turn the key to position 2 more in the ignition lock.
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Before towing the vehicle, make sure that the battery is connected and charged. Otherwise:
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you cannot switch on the ignition
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you cannot move the selector lever to N
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you have no support when braking
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Before towing the vehicle, deactivate tow-away protection* more and the automatic door locking feature more. You could otherwise be locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.
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Towing the vehicle
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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.
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You should not have the vehicle towed with the front or rear axle raised.
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Turn the key to position 2 more in the ignition lock.
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On vehicles with KEYLESS GO*: use the key instead of the KEYLESS GO* button.
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Move the DIRECT SELECT lever to the N position.
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Removing the towing eye
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Take the wheel wrench from the vehicle tool kit more.
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Insert the wheel wrench handle into the towing eye and turn it anti-clockwise.
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Unscrew the towing eye.
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Replace the cover and press it until it engages.
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Return the towing eye and the wheel wrench to the vehicle tool kit.
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Transporting the vehicle
The towing eyes or trailer coupling* can be used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or transporter if you wish to transport it.
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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.
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Recovering a vehicle that has become stuck
Take great care when recovering a vehicle whose drive wheels have become embedded in loose earth or mud, particularly if the vehicle is laden.
When recovering the vehicle do not use jerky movements and do not pull it at an angle. The chassis could otherwise be damaged.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible using the tracks it made when it became stuck.
Towing in the event of the following malfunctions
In the event of
damage to the transfer case
Have the propeller
shafts between the axles and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle
towed with the front axle raised.
In the event of
damage to the front axle
Have the propeller
shaft between the rear axle and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle
towed with the front axle raised.
In the event of damage to the
rear axle
Have the propeller shaft between the front axle and the transfer
case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the rear axle raised.
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New bolts must always be used when the propeller shafts are refitted. The specified tightening torques must be observed.
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Consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
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In the event of
damage to the electrical system
If the battery is
defective, the automatic transmission will be locked in position P. To
shift the automatic transmission to neutral, you must supply power to
the vehicle's electrical system in the same way as jump-starting
more.
Have the vehicle
transported on a transporter or trailer.
