Practical advice
Towing and tow-starting
R The selector lever must be in position N
When towing, observe the legal requirements
Towing and tow-starting
in all countries concerned.
when towing a vehicle with AUTO-
Points to remember
TRONIC*.
! When towing, pull away slowly and with-
G Risk of accident
R If you are towing the vehicle over a consid-
out jerking. If the tractive power is too high,
erable distance, this must only be done
the vehicles could be damaged.
If you have the vehicle towed, you must use
with the front axle raised.
a rigid towing bar if:
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
R the engine is not running.
R The ignition must be switched off if you are
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
towing the vehicle with the front/rear axle
R there is a brake system malfunction.
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
raised. Intervention by ESP ® could other-
R there is a malfunction in the voltage sup-
wise damage the brake system.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
ply or the vehicle's electrical system.
of 50 km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
R Before towing the vehicle, make sure that
The electric power steering and the brake
not be exceeded.
the battery is connected and charged. Oth-
force booster do not work when the engine
erwise:
With towing distances over 50 km, the
is not running. Greater braking force will
entire vehicle needs to be lifted up and
- you cannot switch on the ignition
then be required and brake pedal travel will
transported.
you cannot move the selector lever
be longer. If necessary, depress the brake
-
to N (on vehicles with AUTOTRONIC*)
pedal with full force.
! Only secure the tow cable or towing bar
Do not tow the vehicle if the key cannot be
to the towing eyes. You may otherwise
you have no support when braking
-
turned in the ignition lock. If this is the case,
damage the vehicle.
the steering is locked and the vehicle can-
i Switch off the automatic locking feature
R Vehicles with AUTOTRONIC* must not be
not be steered.
before the vehicle is towed ( Y page 111).
tow-started.
You could otherwise be locked out when
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
R If the engine does not start, try jump-start-
pushing or towing the vehicle.
weight must not exceed the maximum per-
ing it ( Y page 266).
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
R If it is not possible to jump-start the vehicle,
have it towed to the nearest qualified spe-
It is better to have the vehicle transported
cialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
than to have it towed.
Service Centre.
* optional
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