tow bar MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2015 Owners Manual

Manual gearshifting ....................... 179
Kneebag ............................................... 48 L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................2 49
Display message ............................ 278
Function/informatio n.................... 228
Lane package ..................................... 226
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 254
Lashing eyelets ................................. 311
Licence plate lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 272
Light sensor (display message) ....... 274
Lighting
see Lights
Lights
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............. 123
Automatic headlamp mode ............ 120
Dipped-beam headlamp s............... 121
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Hazard warning lamps ................... 123
Headlamp flashe r........................... 123
Headlamp range ............................ 122
Light switch ................................... 120
Main-beam headlamp s................... 122
Misted up headlamp s.................... 124
Parking lamps ................................ 121
Rear foglamp ................................. 121
Setting exterior lighting ................. 120
Side lamps ..................................... 121
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 251
Turn signals ................................... 122
LIM indicator lamp
Cruise control ................................ 192
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 198
Variable SPEEDTRONIC ................. 195
Limiting the speed
see SPEEDTRONIC
Loading guidelines ............................ 306
Locking
see Central locking Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 91
Emergency locking ........................... 92
From inside (central locking but-
ton) .................................................. 90
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 252
Luggage compartment enlarge-
ment ................................................... 309
Luggage compartment floor
Important safety notes .................. 312
opening/closing ............................ 312
stowage well, under ....................... 312
Lumbar support
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port ................................................ 110 M
M+S tyres ........................................... 360
Main-beam headlamps
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............. 123
Changing bulb s.............................. 127
Display message ............................ 272
Switching on/of f........................... 122
Maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Manual transmission
Drive program ................................ 169
DYNAMIC SELECT button .............. 166
Engaging reverse gear ................... 168
Gear lever ...................................... 168
Pulling away ................................... 160
Shift recommendation ................... 168
Shifting to neutral .......................... 168
Starting the engine ........................ 159
Matt finish (cleaning instructions) .. 331
Memory card (audio) ......................... 245
Memory function ............................... 116
Mercedes-Benz emergency call
system
Switch in the overhead control
panel .............................................. 317
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 223 Index
13

Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 253
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt ......................... 45
Adjusting the height ......................... 44
Cleaning ......................................... 335
Display message ............................ 266
Fastening ......................................... 44
Important safety guidelines ............. 42
Introduction ..................................... 42
Rear seat belt status indicator ......... 46
Releasing ......................................... 45
Warning lamp ................................. 292
Warning lamp (function) ................... 45
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 109
Adjusting (manually) ...................... 108
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port ................................................ 110
Adjusting the head restraint .......... 109
Cleaning the cover ......................... 335
Correct driver's seat position ........ 106
Important safety notes .................. 107
Seat heating problem .................... 112
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 116
Switching seat heating on/of f....... 111
Securing a load
see Stowage space
Securing luggage ............................... 311
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 334
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 332
Service
see ASSYST PLUS
Service Centre
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 250
Service message
see ASSYST PLUS
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 402
Coolant (engine) ............................ 402
Engine oil ....................................... 400
Fuel ................................................ 396
Important safety notes .................. 396 Washer fluid ................................... 403
Setting the air distribution ............... 143
Setting the airflow ............................ 143
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 253
On-board computer ....................... 250
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 254
Shifting to neutral (manual trans-
mission) ............................................. 168
Side lamps
Switching on/of f........................... 121
Side windows
Convenience closing ........................ 95
Convenience opening ...................... 95
Important safety notes .................... 94
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 98
Resetting ......................................... 96
Reversing feature ............................. 94
Sidebag ................................................ 48
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama sliding sunroof
Snow chains ...................................... 361
Socket
Luggage compartment ................... 317
Sockets
Centre console .............................. 317
General notes ................................ 316
Rear compartment ......................... 317
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Spectacles compartment ................. 307
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the addi-
tional speedometer ........................ 250
Digital ............................................ 243
In the Instrument cluster ................. 30
Segments ...................................... 238
Selecting a display uni t.................. 250
SPEEDTRONIC
Deactivating variable ..................... 196
Display message ............................ 281
Function/note s............................. 194
Important safety notes .................. 194
LIM indicator lamp ......................... 195
Permanent ..................................... 196 Index
17

Also select the
Comfortdrive program when
driving fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of motorway.
X Press DYNAMIC SELECT button :
(Y page 166) repeatedly until the Comfort
drive program is selected.
Selecting Sport mode The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
the Sport drive program ensures even better
contact with the road. Select this drive pro-
gram when employing a sporty driving style,
e.g. on winding country roads.
X Press DYNAMIC SELECT button :
(Y page 166) repeatedly until the Sport
drive program is selected. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It monitors the area
around your vehicle using six sensors in the
front bumper and six sensors in the rear
bumper. PARKTRONIC indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a substi- tute for your attention to the immediate sur-
roundings. The responsibility for safe
manoeuvring and parking remains with you.
Make sure that there are no persons, animals
or objects in range while manoeuvring and
parking.
! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and
objects which absorb ultrasonic sources. Ultrasonic sources, such as an automatic
car wash, a lorry's compressed-air brakes
or a pneumatic drill, could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
! Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow
hitch is not required. PARKTRONIC meas-
ures the minimum detection range to an
obstacle from the bumper, not the ball cou-
pling.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift to position D,Ror Non vehicles with
automatic transmission
R release the electric parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower speeds.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer.
Range of the sensors General notes
PARKTRONIC does not take into account
obstacles located:
R below the detection range, e.g. persons,
animals or objects
R above the detection range, e.g. overhang-
ing loads, tail sections or loading ramps of
goods vehicles Driving systems
209Driving and parking Z

Active Parking Assist may also display spaces
not suitable for parking, e.g.:
R parking or stopping prohibitions
R in front of driveways or entrances and exits
R unsuitable surfaces
Parking tips:
R on narrow roads, drive as closely as possi-
ble past the parking space
R parking spaces that are littered or over-
grown might be identified or measured
incorrectly
R parking spaces that are partially occupied
by trailer drawbars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 210 )warning messages during the
parking procedure
R you can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be cancelled
R when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist
R never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are fitted
R make sure that the tyre pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the vehi-
cle.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces
that are:
R parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel.
R on straight roads, not bends
R on the same level as the road, e.g. not on
the pavement
For vehicles with the trailer tow hitch folded
out, the minimum length for parking spaces is slightly longer.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle,
you should not use Active Parking Assist.
Once the electrical connection is established between your vehicle and the trailer, Active
Parking Assist is no longer available.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area.
Detecting parking spaces Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. G
WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range:
R Active Park Assist may steer too early
R the vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
This could cause a collision. There is a risk of
an accident.
If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Active Parking
Assist.
For further information on the detection
range (Y page 209).
Active Parking Assist does not assist you
parking in spaces at right angles to the direc-
tion of travel if:
R two parking spaces are located directly
next to one another
R the parking space is directly next to a low
obstacle such as a low kerb
R you forward park
Active Parking Assist does not assist you
parking in spaces that are parallel or at right
angles to the direction of travel if:
R the parking space is on a kerb
R the system reads the parking space as
being blocked, for example by foliage or
grass paving blocks
R the area is too small for the vehicle to
manoeuvre into
R the parking space is bordered by an obsta-
cle, e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer Driving systems
213Driving and parking Z

Under the following circumstances, the
reversing camera will not function, or will
function in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning
(Y page 333)
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
case, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
The field of vision and other functions of the
reversing camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. licence plate holder, bicycle rack).
Activating/deactivating the reversing
camera X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the Activation by R
Activation by R
gear
gear function is selected in Audio 20/ COMAND Online; see the Digital Owner's
Manual.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown with
guide lines in the Audio 20/COMAND
Online display.
The image from the reversing camera is
available throughout the manoeuvring
process.
X To change the function mode for vehi-
cles with trailer tow hitch: using the
Audio 20/COMAND controller, select sym- bol :for the "Reverse parking" function or
symbol ;for "Coupling up a trailer".
The symbol of the selected function is high- lighted.
To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the Audio 20/COMAND dis-
play The reversing camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles or show them incorrectly or
not at all. Obstacles are not shown by the
reversing camera in the following locations:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline. 218
Driving systemsDriving and parking

:
Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 0.30 mfrom the rear of the vehicle
; White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel
= End of parking space
X Reverse carefully until you have reached
the end position.
Red guide line :is then at the end of park-
ing space =. The vehicle is almost parallel
in the parking space.
"Coupling up a trailer" function :
Vehicle centre point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 1.0 m
from the rear of the vehicle
; Trailer drawbar
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch.
X Before coupling up a trailer, set the height
of trailer drawbar ;so that it is slightly
higher than the ball coupling.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar ;. :
Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 0.30 m from the ball coupling
; Trailer drawbar locating aid
= Trailer drawbar
? Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
function
A Ball coupling
X Select symbol ?using the controller.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec- ted. The distance specifications now only
apply to objects that are at the same level
as the ball coupling.
X Reverse carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ;points approx-
imately in the direction of trailer drawbar
=.
X Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar =
reaches the red guide line.
The distance between the trailer drawbar
and the red guide line is now approximately 0.30 m.
X Couple up the trailer (Y page 231). Driving systems
221Driving and parking Z

appears. The bar display then changes the
display, e.g. if you are driving at a speed
below 60 km/h or above 200 km/h.
Activating ATTENTION ASSIST X
Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-
board computer (Y page 249).
The system determines the attention level
of the driver depending on the setting
selected:
If Standard
Standard is selected: the sensitivity with
which the system determines the attention
level is set to normal.
If Sensitive
Sensitive is selected: the sensitivity is set
higher. The attention level detected by
ATTENTION ASSIST is adapted accordingly
and the driver is warned earlier.
When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the é symbol appears in the multifunction
display in the assistance graphic display.
When ATTENTION ASSIST has been deactiva- ted, it is automatically reactivated after the
engine has been switched off. The sensitivity
selected corresponds to the last selection
activated (standard/sensitive).
Warning in the multifunction display If fatigue or increasing lapses in concentra-
tion are detected, a warning appears in the
multifunction display: ATTENTION ASSIST
ATTENTION ASSIST
Take a break!
Take a break! .
In addition to the message shown in the mul-
tifunction display, you will then hear a warn-
ing tone.
X If necessary, take a break.
X Confirm the message by pressing the a
button on the steering wheel.
On long journeys, take regular breaks in good
time that allow for adequate recuperation. If
you do not take a break and ATTEN-
TION ASSIST still detects increasing lapses in
concentration, you will be warned again after
15 minute sat the earliest. This will only hap-
pen if ATTENTION ASSIST still detects typical indicators of fatigue or increasing lapses in
concentration.
If a warning is output in the multifunction dis-
play, a service station search is performed in
COMAND Online. You can select a service
station and navigation to this service station
will then begin. This function can be activated
and deactivated in COMAND Online. Traffic Sign Assist
General notes Traffic Sign Assist displays the maximum
speed permitted and overtaking restrictions
to the driver in the instrument cluster. Driving onto a section of road in the wrong direction
triggers a warning. Traffic Sign Assist detects traffic signs with multifunction camera :
attached at the top of the windscreen. The
data and general traffic regulations stored in
the navigation system are also used to deter- mine the current speed limit.
If a traffic sign that is relevant to your vehicle
is passed, the display of the speed limits and
overtaking restrictions is updated.
The display can also be updated without a
visible traffic sign if:
R the vehicle changes roads (e.g. motorway
exit or slip road)
R a village or town boundary is passed which
is stored in the digital map
R the last traffic sign detected by the camera
has not been repeated Driving systems
223Driving and parking Z

road users. There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
Never exceed the maximum permissible load
when using a carrier.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball cou-
pling may cause damage to the following:
R your vehicle
R the trailer
R the ball coupling
R trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could
become unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the min- imum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unsta-
ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum noseweight
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies. You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech- nical data" (Y page 406). G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. 230
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Notes on towing a trailer
General notes Trailer towing is not permissible on the fol-
lowing models:
R
A 250 Sport
R A 250 Sport 4MATIC
R Mercedes‑AMG A 45 4MATIC
R A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition
R Vehicles with AMG Line
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the
maximum load. Further information on the
tyre pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 362).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the
following driving systems have limited avail-
ability or are not available at all.
R PARKTRONIC (Y page 209)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 226)
The height of the ball coupling changes with
the load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 405).
Driving tips Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilisa-
tion (Y page 76).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/ trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles
with automatic transmission, you need to
have selected manual drive program M
(Y page 177).
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, SPEEDTRONIC or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive
program Mis temporarily activated (vehicles
with automatic transmission): the automatic
transmission may switch back to the last
active automatic drive program Eor S. The
automatic transmission may shift to a higher
gear. This can reduce the engine's braking
effect.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas, Towing a trailer
231Driving and parking Z

Coupling up a trailer
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
A connected trailer is only recognised when
the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is
working properly. The function of other sys-
tems, such as ESP ®
or PARKTRONIC also
depends on this. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over- run brake, you could trap your hand between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
! Remove the installed adapter cable
before folding in the ball coupling. Other-
wise, damage may occur to the rear
bumper and the adapter cable.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Fold the ball coupling back in if you are not
using the trailer tow hitch.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side panelling in the luggage compart-
ment.
X Place the protective covering on the ball
coupling. X
To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise, then fold down and remove
cover ;. Towing a trailer
233Driving and parking Z