Operation Manual

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R
the engine is not running.
R
the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
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there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
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:
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the towing eye could detach itself
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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 426).
!
When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
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when towing the vehicle
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in the car wash
!
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.
!
Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt,
recove
r 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 the transmission.
!
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.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
N when the vehicle is being towed.
If the automatic transmission cannot be shifted
to position N, have the vehicle transported on a
transporter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
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cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock
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cannot release the electric parking brake
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cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed (
Y page 87). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles:
Towing and tow-starting
379
Breakdown assistance
Z