towing MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2014 W166 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 Vsocket ...................................... 348
12 Vsocket
see Sockets
360° camera
Function/notes ............................. 225
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 246A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 283
Function/notes ................................ 67
Important safety notes ....................67
Warning lamp ................................. 319
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification .................145
Active Blin dSpot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 273
Display message ............................ 306
Function/informatio n.................... 237
Trailer towing ................................. 240
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 303
Function/notes ............................. 208
Active Driving Assistance package .237
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 273
Display message ............................ 305
Function/informatio n.................... 241
Trailer towing ................................. 243
Active light function .........................125
Active Parking Assist Display message ............................ 306
Exiting aparking spac e.................. 219
Function/notes ............................. 216
Important safety notes ..................216
Parking .......................................... 218
Towing atrailer .............................. 220
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 74 Adaptive Brake Assist
Display message ............................ 290
Function/notes ................................ 70
Adaptive Damping System
see ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 298
Function/notes ............................. 125
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 275
Additives (engine oil) ........................449
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) Function/notes ............................. 207
Airb ags
Display message ............................ 293
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger )....................................... 46
Important safety notes ....................44
Knee bag .......................................... 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Side impact airb ag.......................... 47
Windo wcurtain air bag .................... 48
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airf ilter (display message) ..............301
AIRF LOW ........................................... 147
AIRMATIC package ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ...207
Function/notes ............................. 207
Level control .................................. 209
Airv ents
Glove box ....................................... 153
Important safet ynotes .................. 152
Rea r............................................... 153
Setting ........................................... 152
Setting the center air vents ...........152
Setting the side air vents ...............153
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 275
Setting the color (on-board
computer) ...................................... 2754
Index

AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
................................................ 211
AMG menu (on-board computer) .....278
Anti-loc kbraking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle ..............190
Ashtray ............................................... 346
Assistance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 272
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 272
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ........369
Hiding a service message ..............369
Notes ............................................. 368
Resetting the service interval
displa y........................................... 369
Service message ............................ 368
Special service requirements ......... 369
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................76
Function .......................................... .76
Switching off the alarm ....................76
ATTENTIO NASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................273
Display message ............................ 301
Function/notes ............................. 229
Audio menu (on-board computer) ....269
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Centers
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshops
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 298
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 162
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) ..........................162
Automatic headlamp mode ..............120Automatic transmission
Automatic drive program ...............170
Changing gea r............................... 168
DIRECT SELECT leve r..................... 165
Display message ............................ 312
Drive program displa y.................... 165
Driving tips .................................... 168
Emergency running mode ..............173
Engaging drive position .................. 167
Engaging neutra l............................ 166
Engaging par kposition
automatically ................................. 166
Engaging revers egear ................... 166
Engaging the par kposition ............ 165
Kickdow n....................................... 168
Manual drive program ....................170
Manual drive program (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 171
Manual drive program (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package) ..171
Overview ........................................ 165
Problem (malfunction) ...................173
Progra mselector button ................169
Pulling away ................................... 160
Starting the engine ........................159
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......169
Trailer towing ................................. 168
Transmissio nposition display ........165
Transmission positions ..................167
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 173
Axle load, permissible (trailer
towing) ............................................... 456 B
Bag hook ............................................ 337
Ball coupling Installing ........................................ 255
Removing ....................................... 259
Storing ........................................... 259
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................67
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 68
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 83
Important safety notes ....................83
Replacing ......................................... 83 Index
5

Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 388
Display message ............................ 299
Important safety notes ..................385
Jump starting ................................. 389
Overview ........................................ 385
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 59
Function .......................................... .59
Blind Spo tAssist
Activating/deactivating .................273
Display message ............................ 306
Notes/function .............................. 233
Trailer towing ................................. 235
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 177
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 447
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 289
Notes ............................................. 449
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 132
Display message ............................ 296
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 67
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................70
BAS .................................................. 67
BAS PLUS ........................................ 68
Brake fluid (notes) .........................449
Display message ............................ 283
Driving tips .................................... 184
High-performance brake system ....185
Important safety notes ..................184
Maintenance .................................. 185
Parking brake ................................ 180
Warning lamp ................................. 318
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 377
Car wash ........................................ 370
Display ........................................... 375
Exhaus tpipe .................................. 374
Exterior lights ................................ 373
Gea rors electo rlever .................... 376
Interior ........................................... 375
Matte finish ................................... 372
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................375
Notes ............................................. 370
Paint .............................................. 372
Plastic trim .................................... 376
Power washer ................................ 371
Rea rview camera .......................... 374
Roof lining ...................................... 377
Seat bel t........................................ 377
Seat cover ..................................... 376
Sensors ......................................... 374
Steering wheel ............................... 376
Trim pieces .................................... 376
Washing by hand ........................... 371
Wheels ........................................... 373
Windows ........................................ 373
Wiper blades .................................. 373
Wooden trim .................................. 376
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/ho wtouse......................... 338
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes ..................335
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 342
Stowag ewell (under) ..................... 342
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 340
Important safety information .........340
Cargo tie down rings .........................337
Car keys see SmartKey 6
Index

Exhaus
tcheck ............................... 182
Fuel ................................................ 182
General .......................................... 182
Hydroplaning ................................. 186
Icy road surfaces ........................... 187
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 184
Off-road driving .............................. 188
Off-road fording ............................. 186
Snow chains .................................. 401
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 120
Tire ruts ......................................... 190
Towing atrailer .............................. 253
Traveling uphill ............................... 190
Wet road surface ........................... 184
DSR (Downhill Spee dRegulation)
Display message ............................ 304
Function/notes ............................. 246
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....270
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....270 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................277
Function/notes ............................. 113
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 114
Function/notes ............................. 113
Switching on/off ........................... 277
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ...........340
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 285
Function/notes ................................ 74
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 183
On-board computer .......................267
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start ..................162
Automatic engine switch-off ..........162
Deactivating/activating .................163
General information .......................161
Important safety notes ..................161
Introduction ................................... 161Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electroni cStability Program)
Emergenc yrelease
Driver's door .................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 88
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 436
Important safety notes ..................436
Removing ....................................... 436
Storage location ............................ 436
Technical data ............................... 438
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .59
Safety guideline s............................. 43
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 93
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....24
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 325
Display message ............................ 298
ECO start/stop function ................161
Engine number ............................... 443
Irregularr unning............................ 164
Jump-starting ................................. 389
Starting problems ..........................164
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 159
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............160
Switching off .................................. 180
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 394
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................164
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 366
Additives ........................................ 449
Checking the oil level ..................... 365
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 365
Display message ............................ 300
Filling capacity ............................... 449
Notes about oil grades ................... 448
Notes on oil level/consumption ....365
Temperature (on-board computer) .278
Viscosity ........................................ 44910
Index

Off-road ABS
.................................... 67
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 73
Off-road programs (vehicle swith
the ON&OFFROAD package) ..........248
Oil
see Engine oil
On and Offroad menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 278
On-board computer AMG menu ..................................... 278
Assistance menu ........................... 272
Audi omenu ................................... 269
Convenience submenu ..................277
Displaying a service message ........369
Display messages ..........................282
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 201
Factory settings submenu .............278
Important safety notes ..................262
Instrument cluster submenu ..........274
Lighting submenu .......................... 274
Menu overview .............................. 266
Message memory .......................... 282
Navigation menu ............................ 268
On and Offroa dmenu .................... 278
Operation ....................................... 264
RACETIMER ................................... 279
Service menu ................................. 273
Settings menu ............................... 274
Standard displa y............................ 266
Telephone menu ............................ 270
Trip menu ...................................... 266
Vehicle submenu ........................... 276
Video DVD operatio n..................... 270
On-road programs
AUTO program ............................... 244
Function/notes ............................. 243
Snow program ............................... 245
SPORT program ............................. 244
Trailer program .............................. 245
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 132
Operating safety Declaratio nofconformity ................ 27
Important safety notes ....................26
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment ...........................24Outside temperature display
...........264
Overhead control panel ......................39
Override feature Rea rside windows ........................... 66 P
Pain tcode number ............................ 442
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ...372
Panic alarm .......................................... 42
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel
Opening/closing .............................. 99
Opening/closing the roller
sunblind ......................................... 100
Problem (malfunction) ...................102
Resetting ....................................... 100
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................97
Parking ............................................... 179
Important safety notes ..................179
Parking brake ................................ 180
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 116
Rea rview camera .......................... 220
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist .....................216
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 286
Electric parking brake ....................180
Warning lamp ................................. 324
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ......131
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................215
Driving system ............................... 213
Function/notes ............................. 213
Important safety notes ..................213
Problem (malfunction) ...................216
Range of the sensors .....................214
Trailer towing ................................. 215
Warning displa y............................. 214 Index
15

Direction of rotatio
n...................... 422
Display message ............................ 310
Distributio nofthe vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................421
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. .418
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............419
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 419
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 419
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 419
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................419
Important safety notes ..................398
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......419
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........419
Labeling (overview )........................ 415
Load bearing index (definition) ......420
Load index ..................................... 417
Load index (definition) ...................420
M+S tires ....................................... 400
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 419
Maximum load on a tire (definition) 420
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 420
Maximum tire loa d......................... 417
Maximum tire load (definition) .......420
MOExtended tires ..........................400
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 420
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 420
Replacing ....................................... 421
Service life ..................................... 400
Sidewall (definition) .......................420
Speed rating (definition) ................419
Storing ........................................... 422
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 418
Temperature .................................. 414
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 420
Tire bea d(definition) ...................... 420Tire pressure (definition)
................420
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 419
Tire size (data) ............................... 426
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 415
Tire tread ....................................... 399
Tire tread (definition) .....................420
Total load limit (definition) .............421
Traction ......................................... 414
Traction (definition) .......................421
Trea dwear ..................................... 414
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................421
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s...................................... 413
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s(definition) .................... 419
Unladen weight (definition) ............420
Wea rindicato r(definition) .............421
Whee lrim (definition ).................... 419
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........391
Installing the towing eye ................392
Removing the towing eye. ..............393
With the rear axle raised ................393
Towing atrailer
Activ eParking Assist ..................... 220
Axle load, permissible ....................456
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 374
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 256
Decoupling atrailer ....................... 258
Driving tips .................................... 253
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .73
Important safety notes ..................253
Installing the ball coupling .............255
Mounting dimensions ....................455
Power supply ................................. 259
Pulling away with a trailer ..............160
Removing the ball coupling ............259
Storing the ball coupling ................259
Trailer drive program .....................245
Trailer loads ................................... 456
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......393 20
Index

Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............394
Important safety notes ..................391
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 259
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist .................240
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............243
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 235
PARKTRONI C................................. 215
Permissible trailer loads and
drawba rnoseweights ..................... 259
Transfer case ..................................... 173
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........165
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 165
Transporting the vehicle ..................393
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 191
Driving downhill ............................. 191
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 191
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .376
Trip computer (on-board computer) 266
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 266
Resetting (on-board computer) ......267
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 295
Switching on/off ........................... 123
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 421
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........345
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 312
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individua lsettings .......................... 274
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 409
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 426
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 182
Pulling away ................................... 160
Raising ........................................... 423
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............422
Towing away .................................. 391
Transporting .................................. 393
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........88
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................80
Vehicle data ................................... 452
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 452
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angl e............ 454
Fording depth ................................ 454
Maximum gradient climbing ability 455
Vehicle dimensions ...........................452
Vehicle emergency locking ................88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............442
Vehicle level AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 212
Vehicle level (display message) .......302
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 380
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 270
VIN ...................................................... 442 Index
21

Useful information
............................156
Notes on breaking-in anew vehicle 156
Driving ............................................... 156
Automatic transmission ...................165
Refueling ............................................ 173
Parking ............................................... 179
Driving tips ........................................ 182
Driving systems ................................ 191
Towing atrailer ................................. 253 155Driving and parking

0012
Park position with parking lock
000F Reverse gear
0010 Neutral
0011 Drive
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of arrow P.
i The automatic transmission shifts into
park position Pautomatically:
R if you open the driver's door while the
vehicle is stationary in transmission
position Dor R
R if you open the door while traveling at
very low speeds in transmission position
D or R
Engaging parkp osition P automaticallyPark position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey and remove the SmartKey.
R you switch off the engine using the Start/
Stop button and open one of the front
doors.
R the HOLD (Y page 206) or DISTRONIC
PLUS (Y page 194) function brake your
vehicle until it is stationary and at least one
of the following conditions is fulfilled:
- there is a system malfunction.
- the vehicle is on a steep uphill or downhill
gradient .The electric parking brake is
then also applied. Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start the engine.
There is a risk 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.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push 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
to N.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the
vehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash with
a towing system, observe the following notes: 166
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

0003
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g .to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position Nif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or the Start/Stop
button, the automatic transmission
shifts to neutral Nautomatically.
! Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train. 000B
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gears
Dand Rmay help to free the vehicle if
it has become stuck in slush or snow. The
vehicle's engine management system limits
the speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h)
when shifting back and forth. To shift back
and forth between transmission positions D
and R, move the selector lever up and down
beyond the pressure point.
Towing atrailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Depending on the uphill or downhill
gradient, use left-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (Y page 169) to select a
lowe rgear, even if cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS are activated. 168
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking