Operation Manual

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The rear axle locks when:
R
the engine is not running
R
the engine stalls while the vehicle is being
towed
R
there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a breakdown, you should
always have the vehicle transported.
G
WARNING
If the brake system or power steering is mal-
functioning and your vehicle is then towed
away, significantly more effort may be
required to steer and brake than is normally
required. There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R
the towing eye could detach itself
R
the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Y page 280).
!
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button when towing the vehicle.
Start the engine and keep it running. Turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition. Set the
transmission to N using the E-SELECT lever.
Make sure that you then leave the SmartKey
in position 2.
Check the transmission position in the instru-
ment cluster.
!
Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!
Secure the tow rope or tow bar to the towing
eye only. Otherwise, the vehicle could
become damaged.
!
When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
i
s activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R
when towing the vehicle
R
in the car wash
!
Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
!
When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
!
Shift the automatic transmission to N and
do not open the driver's or front passenger's
door during towing. The automatic transmis-
sion may otherwise shift to position P, which
could damage both vehicles.
!
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!
The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
!
Observe the transmission fluid temperature
(AMG menu) in the on-board computer when
towing. The transmission fluid temperature
must not exceed 250 ‡ (120 †). If this
occurs, you must
stop to
wing immediately.
!
Tow-starting the vehicle is not permitted.
The transmission may otherwise be damaged.
250
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance