towing MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2014 Owners Manual

Parking brake................................169
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees....................23
Calling upamalfunction
see Display messages
Care
Carpets..........................................318
Carwash........................................ 311
Display...........................................315
Exhaustpipe..................................315
Exterior lights................................314
Gearorselectorlever....................316
Interior...........................................315
Matte finish...................................313
NightView Assist Plus...................316
Notes.............................................311
Paint..............................................313
Plastic trim....................................316
Power washer................................312
Rearview camera..........................315
Rooflining ...................................... 318
Seat belt........................................317
Seat cover.....................................317
Sensors.........................................315
Steering wheel...............................316
Trim pieces....................................316
Washing by hand...........................312
Wheels...........................................314
Windows........................................314
Wiper blades..................................314
Wooden trim..................................316
Cargo tie downrings.........................282
Car wash (care).................................311
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer)..........................................225
Center console
Lowersection..................................35
Lowersection (AMG vehicles)..........36
Uppersection..................................34
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer)......................................232
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey)........76
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes..................124
Overview of bulbtypes..................125
Reversing lamps............................125
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes....................64
Reardoors.......................................65
Children
In the vehicle...................................60
Restraint systems............................60
Specialseat belt retractor...............63
Child seat
LATCH-type(ISOFIX) childseat
anchors ............................................ 63
Top Tether.......................................64
Cigarette lighter................................288
Cleaning
Mirrorturn signal...........................314
Climate control
Automatic climate control (3-
zone) .............................................. 134
Controlling automatically...............137
Cooling with airdehumidification..136
Defrosting the windows.................140
Defrosting the windshield..............139
Dual-zone automatic climate
control...........................................131
Important safety notes..................130
Indicator lamp ................................ 137
Information about using dual-zone
automatic climate control..............132
Information on using 3-zone
automatic climate control..............135
Maximum cooling..........................139
Overview of systems......................130
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification............................137
Problem with the rear window
defroster........................................141
Rearcontrol panel.........................134
6Index

Driving tips
AMGceramic brakes.....................173
Automatic transmission.................158
Brakes...........................................172
Break-in period..............................146
Downhill gradient...........................172
Drinking and driving.......................170
Driving abroad...............................116
Driving in winter .............................174
Driving on flooded roads................174
Driving on wet roads......................174
Exhaustcheck...............................170
Fuel ................................................ 170
General..........................................169
Hydroplaning.................................174
Icy road surfaces...........................174
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads...................................172
Snow chains..................................337
Symmetrical low beam..................116
Wet road surface...........................172
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer).....225
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer).....226
E
EASY-ENTRY feature
Activating/deactivating.................233
Function/notes.............................108
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive...........................109
Function/notes.............................108
Switching on/off...........................233
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message............................240
Function/notes ................................ 71
ECOdisplay
Function/notes.............................170
On-board computer.......................223
ECOstart/stop function
Automatic engine switch-off..........151
Deactivating/activating.................152
General information.......................151
Important safety notes..................151
Introduction...................................150
Emergency release
Driver's door....................................84
Fuel filler flap.................................166
Trunk...............................................88
Vehicle.............................................84
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes..................367
Points to remember.......................367
Removing.......................................368
Storage location............................368
Stowing .......................................... 368
Technical data...............................370
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ...........................................59
Safety guidelines.............................41
Emissions control
Service and warranty information....23
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 273
Display message............................248
ECO start/stop function................150
Engine number............................... 373
Irregularrunning............................154
Jump-starting.................................326
Starting problems..........................154
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey.......................................149
Starting with KEYLESS-GO.............149
Switching off..................................168
Tow-starting (vehicle)..................... 331
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction)...................154
Engine oil
Adding...........................................308
Additives........................................376
Checking the oil level..................... 307
Checking the oil levelusing the
dipstick..........................................307
Display message............................250
Filling capacity...............................376
Notes about oil grades ................... 375
Notes on oil level/consumption....307
Temperature (on-board computer).234
Viscosity........................................376
Index9

Setting the air distribution...............138
Settingthe airflow............................139
SETUP (on-board computer).............234
Side impact air bag.............................45
Side marker lamp (display
message)............................................ 247
Side windows
Cleaning ......................................... 314
Convenience closing feature............90
Convenience opening feature..........89
Important safety information...........88
Opening/closing..............................89
Problem (malfunction).....................92
Resetting.........................................91
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes....................92
Opening/closing..............................93
Problem (malfunction).....................95
Resetting.........................................94
SmartKey
Changing the battery.......................79
Changing the programming.............77
Checking the battery.......................79
Convenience closing feature............90
Convenience opening feature..........89
Display message............................262
Door central locking/unlocking.......76
Important safety notes....................76
Loss.................................................81
Mechanical key................................78
Positions (ignition lock).................147
Problem (malfunction).....................81
Starting the engine........................149
Snowchains......................................337
Sockets
Center console..............................289
General notes................................289
Rearcompartment.........................290
Trunk.............................................290
Under the armrest.........................289
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 368
Specialist workshop............................ 26
Special seat beltretractor.................. 63
Speed,controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital............................................223
In the Instrument cluster.........31, 219
Segments......................................220
Selecting the unit of
measurement................................229
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles)..........................................70
Warning lamp ................................. 270
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Display message............................242
Introduction.....................................41
Warning lamp ................................. 272
Warning lamp (function) ................... 41
Standinglamps
Display message............................246
Switching on/off...........................119
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine)................................ 149
Steering (display message)..............262
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically)...................106
Button overview...............................33
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 220
Cleaning ......................................... 316
Important safety notes..................106
Paddle shifters...............................160
Steering wheel heating..................107
Storing settings (memory
function)........................................112
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction)...................108
Switching on/off...........................107
Steering wheel paddle shifters........160
Stopwatch (RACETIMER)................... 235
Stowage areas...................................278
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under).............................280
Center console..............................279
Cupholders...................................284
Eyeglasses compartment...............279
Glove box .......................................279
Important safety information.........278
Rear...............................................281
16Index

Characteristics..............................354
Checking ........................................ 335
Definition of terms.........................354
Direction of rotation......................357
Display message............................258
Distributionofthe vehicle
occupants (definition)....................357
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ...............................................354
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition)............355
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition).....................................355
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition).....................................355
GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition).........................355
Important safety notes..................334
Increasedvehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition)......355
Kilopascal (kPa)(definition)...........355
Labeling (overview)........................351
Load bearing index (definition)......356
Load index.....................................353
Load index (definition)...................355
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition).....................................355
Maximum loadonatire
(definition).....................................356
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 356
Maximum tire load.........................353
Maximum tire load(definition).......356
MOExtended tires..........................336
Optional equipment weight
(definition).....................................356
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition).....................................356
Replacing.......................................357
Service life.....................................336
Sidewall (definition).......................356
Speed rating (definition)................355
Storing...........................................357
Structure and characteristics
(definition).....................................354
Temperature..................................350
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition).....................................356
Tire bead(definition)......................356
Tire pressure (definition)................356
Tire pressures(recommended)......355
Tire size (data)...............................362
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speedrating .................... 351
Tire tread.......................................335
Tire tread (definition).....................356
Total loadlimit (definition).............357
Traction.........................................350
Traction (definition).......................356
Treadwear.....................................350
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards......................................349
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards(definition)....................355
Unladen weight (definition)............356
Wearindicator(definition).............356
Wheelrim (definition)....................355
see Flat tire
Top Tether............................................64
Towing
Important safety guidelines...........328
Installing the towing eye................329
Removing the towing eye...............330
With the rear axle raised................330
Towing away
With both axlesonthe ground.......330
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting............331
Important safety notes..................328
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display.........156
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTlever)......................156
Transporting the vehicle..................330
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions).316
Trip computer (on-board
computer)..........................................222
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 222
Resetting (on-board computer)......223
Trunk
Emergency release..........................87
Important safety notes....................84
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 86
18Index

Opening/closing (automatically
from outside)...................................86
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 85
Trunk lid
Display message............................261
Opening/closing..............................84
Opening dimensions......................379
Trunk load (maximum)......................379
Turn signals
Display message............................245
Switching on/off...........................119
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking.......................84
From insidethe vehicle (central
unlocking button).............................83
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor)........286
Vehicle
Data acquisition...............................27
Display message............................260
Equipment.......................................22
Individualsettings..........................229
Limited Warranty.............................26
Loading..........................................345
Locking (in an emergency)...............84
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 76
Lowering........................................361
Maintenance....................................23
Parking foralong period ................ 169
Pulling away...................................150
Raising...........................................359
Reporting problems.........................26
Securing from rolling away............358
Towing away..................................328
Transporting..................................330
Unlocking (in an emergency)...........84
Unlocking (SmartKey)......................76
Vehicle data...................................379
Vehicle data.......................................379
Vehicle dimensions...........................379
Vehicle emergency locking................84
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate..............372
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC......................................189
Vehicle level (display message).......252
Vehicle tool kit..................................320
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 226
VIN......................................................372
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 267
Brakes...........................................266
Check Engine.................................273
Coolant..........................................273
Distance warning...........................275
DISTRONICPLUS...........................275
ESP®..............................................269
ESP®OFF ....................................... 270
Fuel tank ........................................ 273
Overview .................................. 32, 264
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF...............47
Reserve fuel...................................273
Seat belt........................................265
SPORT handling mode...................270
SRS ................................................ 272
Tire pressure monitor....................276
Warranty............................................372
Washer fluid
Display message............................262
Wheelbolttightening torque...........361
Wheelchock......................................358
Wheels
Changingawheel..........................357
Checking ........................................ 335
Cleaning ......................................... 314
Cleaning (warning).........................357
Emergency spare wheel.................367
Important safety notes..................334
Interchanging/changing................357
Mountinganew wheel...................360
Mountingawheel..........................358
Removingawheel..........................360
Storing...........................................357
Index19

Asaresult, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
critical situations. There isarisk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
Rdirt on the sensorsoranythingelse
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ranarrow vehicle travelinginfront, e.g. a
motorbike
Ravehicle travelinginfrontonadifferent line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the frontend of the
vehicle, have the configurationand operation
of the radarsensorschecked ataqualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where thereisno
visible damage to the frontofthe vehicle.
Braking assistance
To preventacollision with the vehicle in front,
BAS PLUS calculates the brake force
necessary if:
Ryou approach an obstacle, and
RBAS PLUS has detectedarisk of collision
When driving ataspeed under 20 mph
(30 km/h):ifyou depress the brake pedal,
BAS PLUS is activated. The increase in brake
pressure will be carried out at the last
possible moment.
When driving ataspeed greater than
20 mph (30 km/h):ifyou depress the brake
pedal sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises
the brake pressure toavalue adapted to the
traffic situation.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE®)are
activated simultaneously.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergencybraking situation is over.
ABS preventsthe wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes
function as usual if:
Ryou release the brake pedal
Rthere is no longerarisk of collision
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 66).
GWARNING
If ESP®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested onabrake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP®may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: observe the notes
on ESP®(Ypage 330) when towing the
vehicle witharaised rear axle.
ESP®is deactivated if the warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If thewarning lamp and the
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP®is not
available due toamalfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Ypage 269) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Ypage 238).
68Driving safety systems
Safety

Engaging park positionPinAMG
vehicles
XWhen thevehicle is stationary, pressP
button.
Engaging reversegear R
!Only shiftthe automatic transmission to
Rwhen the vehicle is stationary.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutralN
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
Rstartingthe engine.
There isarisk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
toN.
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutralN,e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes withatowing device, please observe
the following instructions:
Using the SmartKey:
RMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
RShift to neutralN.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RIf the parking brake is engaged, release it.
RSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
RMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
REngage park positionP.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RRemove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
RInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
RSwitch on the ignition.
RDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
RShift to neutralN.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RIf the parking brake is engaged, release it.
RSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Automatic transmission157
Driving and parking
Z

Asaresult, DISTRONICPLUSmay neither give
warningsnor interveneinsuchsituations.
There isariskofanaccident.
Alwayspaycarefulattentiontothe traffic
situationand be ready to brake.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUScannotalwaysclearly
identify otherroad users and complex traffic
situations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither giveawarning nor intervene
Raccelerate unexpectedly
There isarisk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient,DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly. There isarisk
of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front,for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintainaconstant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Brakingor
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front,e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving onadifferent line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
coveringthe sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rstrongradar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detectsa
vehicle in front,DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving inafilter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high in the right lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the left (left-handdrive
countries)
Rbe so high in the left lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the right (right-hand
drive countries)
If there isachange of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front.
Vehicles are detected with the aid of the radar
178Driving systems
Driving and parking

Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving thevehicle, it can still rollaway
despitebeingbraked by theHOLD function if:
Rthere isamalfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal,e.g. byavehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment,the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There isarisk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automaticallyincertain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similarsituations:
Rwhen towingthe vehicle
Rin the car wash
Activation conditions
You can activatethe HOLDfunction if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
Rthe parking brakeisreleased
Rthe hood is closed
Rthe transmission is in positionD,RorN
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating theHOLD function
XMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.
XDepress the brakepedal.
XQuickly depressthe brakepedal further
untilappears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLDfunction is activated. You can
release the brakepedal.
iIf depressing the brakepedal the first
timedoes not activatethe HOLDfunction,
wait briefly and thentry again.
Deactivatingthe HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
positionDorR.
Ryou shift the transmission to positionP.
Ryou depress the brake pedalagain with a
certain amount of pressure until
disappears from the multifunction display.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
When the HOLD function is activated,the
transmission is shifted automatically to
positionPif:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat beltisunfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is
automaticallyswitched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Rthe hood is opened.
Rasystem malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supplyisnot sufficient.
Driving systems187
Driving and parking
Z

Load compensation
The vehicle can compensatedifferences in
thevehicle level by raisingorlowering the
rear axle. This is the case, for example, if
people get out or if luggage is being loaded.
Load compensation takes place if:
Radoor or the trunk lid/tailgate is opened
Rthe parked vehicle is unlocked
For larger level changes, the engine must be
running.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front,for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Ifadrive wheel spins due to insufficientgrip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedalasfar
as necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
!Never tow the vehiclewith one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damageofthis sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remaineitheronthe ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires(M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
4MATIC ensures that allfour wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP®,it
improves the traction of yourvehicle
wheneveradrive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
PARKTRONIC
Important safetynotes
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parkingaid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distancebetween your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacementfor your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exitingaparkingspace. When
maneuvering, parkingorpulling out of a
parkingspace, make sure that thereare no
persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detectsuch objects
when they are in theimmediatevicinity of
thevehicle. You could damagethe vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objectsthat absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck orapneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
Rswitch on the ignition
Rshift the transmission to positionD,RorN
Rrelease the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Driving systems193
Driving and parking
Z