Mercedes-Benz

Towing away the vehicle with both axles on the ground

Observe the notes on permissible towing methods More.

Make sure that the battery is connected and charged.

When the battery is discharged, the following situations occur:

The engine will not start.
It is not possible to release or apply the electric parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission: the automatic transmission cannot be shifted to position or .

NOTE Damage due to pushing the vehicle

A vehicle with a front wheel drive and automatic transmission may be damaged if it is pushed or towed too far and too fast when the engine is switched off.

Do not push the vehicle more than 15 m faster than at walking pace.

NOTE Damage due to towing away at excessively high speeds or over long distances

The drivetrain could be damaged when towing at excessively high speeds or over long distances.

A towing speed of 50 km/h must not be exceeded.

A towing distance of 50 km must not be exceeded.

Vehicles with automatic transmission and rear wheel drive: if there is a malfunction, the automatic transmission may be locked in position .

If the automatic transmission cannot be shifted to position , transport the vehicle More. A towing vehicle with lifting equipment is required for vehicle transport.

Vehicles with automatic transmission and front wheel drive: if there is a malfunction, the automatic transmission may be locked in position . You can release the parking lock manually More.

If the automatic transmission cannot be shifted to position , transport the vehicle More. A towing vehicle with lifting equipment is required for vehicle transport.

WARNING Risk of accident due to towing away a vehicle that is too heavy

If the vehicle being tow started or towed away is heavier than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the following situations may arise:

The towing eye may become detached.
The vehicle/trailer combination may even tip over.

Before tow starting or towing away a vehicle, check that it does not exceed the permissible gross weight.

If a vehicle is towed or tow started, its weight should not be greater than the permissible gross mass of the towing vehicle.

Information on the vehicle's permissible gross mass can be found on the vehicle identification plate More.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

do not open the driver's or co-driver door. Otherwise, the automatic transmission automatically shifts to position

Fit the towing eye More.

Secure the towing device.

NOTE Damage due to incorrect connection of the tow bar

Only connect the tow rope or tow bar to the towing eyes.

You can also secure the towing device to the trailer hitch.

NOTE Damage and risk of accident when towing with a tow rope

There is a risk of an accident if you do not observe safety and protective measures when towing using a tow rope.

Observe the following points when towing with a tow rope:

Secure the tow rope on the same side on both vehicles.

Make sure the tow rope does not exceed the legally prescribed length.

Mark the tow rope in the middle, e.g. with a white cloth (30 x 30 cm). This will make other road users aware that a vehicle is being towed.

Observe the brake lamps of the towing vehicle while driving. Always maintain a distance that ensures the tow rope does not sag.

Do not use steel cables or chains to tow your vehicle. Otherwise, you could damage the vehicle.

Deactivate automatic locking More.

Do not activate the HOLD function.

Deactivate tow-away protection More.

Deactivate Active Brake Assist More.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

shift the automatic transmission to

Vehicles with manual transmission:

shift to neutral

Release the parking brake.

Vehicles with manual transmission:

switch the ignition on. Otherwise, the steering wheel lock engages.

WARNING Risk of accident due to limited safety-related functions during the towing process

Safety-related functions are limited or no longer available in the following situations:

the ignition is switched off.
the brake system or power steering system is malfunctioning.
the energy supply or the on-board electrical system is malfunctioning.

When your vehicle is then towed away, significantly more effort may be required to steer and brake than is normally required.

Use a tow bar.

Make sure that the steering wheel can move freely before towing the vehicle away.

NOTE Damage due to excessive tractive power

If you pull away sharply, the tractive power may be too high and the vehicles could be damaged.

Pull away slowly and smoothly.