tow MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2018 Repair Manual

After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely
Rthe blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position 0
Rthe 360° camera or the rear view camera is
deactivated
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
!If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk:
Rusing a car wash
Rusing a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft (3 m) awa yfrom the vehicle.
!Make sure that the automatic transmission
is in neutral position iwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehicle
may otherwise be damaged.
ROperating with the SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door
when the engine is switched off or at very
low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmis-
sion position hork, the automatic
transmission will automatically switch to
park position jand block the wheels.
ROperating with the Start/Stop button:
Do not open the driver's door when the
engine is switched off or at very low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmission
position
hork, the automatic transmis-
sion will automatically switch to park posi-
tion jand block the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in neutral i:
Operating with the SmartKey and Start/Stop
button:
XMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
Operating with the Start/Stop button only:
XEngage park position j.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRemove Start/Stop button from ignition lock
(Ypage 137).
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XSwitch on the ignition.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
Operating with the SmartKey and Start/Stop
button:
XEngage neutral i.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake, if neces-
sary.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each country.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
Care309
Maintenance and care
Z

XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-work.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about the
correct distance is available from the equip-
ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
RTires
RDoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
RElectrical components
RBattery
RConnectors
RLamps
RSeals
RTrim
RVentilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components can
lead to leaks or failures.
!Vehicles with decorative film: parts of your
vehicle are covered with a decorative film.
Maintain a distance of at least 27.5 in (70 cm)
between the parts of the vehicle covered with
the film and the nozzle of the high pressure
cleaner. Information about the correct distance
is
a

vailable from the equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
!If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk:
Rusing a car wash
Rusing a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft
(3 m) away from the vehicle.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recommen-
ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five months,
depending on the climate conditions and the
care product used.
The cleaning product Paint Cleaner, which has
been recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz, shoul d b
e used when dirt has
penetrated the paint surface.
Also use Paint Cleaner on paint that has become
dull.
310Care
Maintenance and care

Where will I find...?
Reflective safety jacket
Removing/replacing the reflective
safety jacket
The reflective safety jackets are located in the
safety jacket compartments in the stowage
compartments of the front doors. There are also
safety jacket compartments in the stowage
compartments of the rear doors, in which reflec-
tive safety jackets can be stowed.
XTo remove: pull out safety jacket bag :with
the reflective safety jacket by loop ;.
XOpen safety jacket bag:and pull out the
reflective safety jacket.
XTo stow: fold the reflective safety jacket, roll
it up and stow it in safety jacket bag :.
XSlide safety jacket bag:along the lower
edge of the armrest into the safety jacket
compartment. Meanwhile, ensure that
loop ;hangs out well within reach.
XObserve the legal requirements in each indi-
vidual country for the use of safety jackets.
iRemove a new reflective safety jacket from
its packaging material before sliding it into
the safety jacket compartment. The packag-
ing material may otherwise cause it to slip out
or make removing it difficult.
Information on reflective safety jackets
:Maximum number of washes
;Maximum wash temperature
=Do not bleach
?Do not iron
ADo not use a laundry dryer
BDo not dry-clean
CThis is a class 2 jacket
RThe safety jackets only meet the require-
ments defined by the legal standard:
-if the correct size is used
-if the reflective safety jackets are correctly
fastened
RBefore use, ensure that the reflective safety
jackets are clean and intact. The special prop-
erties may otherwise be compromised.
RThe reflective safety jackets should be stored
in their original packaging in a dry place away
from sources of heat and light.
RThe maximum number of washes specified is not the only factor influencing the life span of
the reflective safety jackets. Their life span
also depends on use, care, storage, etc.
RThe reflective safety jackets should be dis-
posed of and replaced with new ones:
-after 15 washes, and/or
-if the reflective strips have become
scratched, and/or
-if the backing material and/or reflective
strips have become soiled and cannot be
cleaned off, and/or
-if the fluorescence has faded, for example
due to the effects of sunlight
RDispose of reflective safety jackets in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner. To do so,
contact your local waste disposal company.
316Where will I find...?
Breakdown assistance

Towing eye
The towing eye is located in the stowage well
under the trunk floor.
XTo remove:open the trunk lid.
XLift the trunk floor up (Ypage 287).
XRemove towing eye :.
In vehicles with MOExtended tires (tires with
run-flat characteristics) the towing eye is in a
bracket under the parcel shelf.
XTo remove:open the trunk lid.
XPull towing eye :to the left and remove it.
XTo replace: slide towing eye :with the
thread into the rear end of the bracket.
XPush towing eye :on the eyelet towards the
right until it engages in the bracket.
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
Removing the TIREFIT kit
:Tire inflation compressor
;Tire sealant filler bottle
The TIREFIT kit is located in the stowage well
under the trunk floor.
XTo remove: open the trunk lid.
XLift the trunk floor up (Ypage 287).
XUse the TIREFIT kit (Ypage 319).
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit
General notes
Apart from certain country-specific variations,
the vehicles are not equipped with a tire-change
tool kit.
Some tools for changing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. For more information on which tire
changing tools are required and approved to
perform a wheel change on your vehicle, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Necessary tire-changing tools can include, for
example:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
RAlignment bolt
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat proper-
ties) (Ypage 318)
Flat tire317
Breakdown assistance

!Do not operate the tire inflation compressor
for longer than ten minutes at a time without
a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be operated
again once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer’s safety instruc-
tions on the sticker on the tire inflation com-
pressor.
Using the TIREFIT kit
XDo not remove any foreign objects which have
penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or nails.
XRemove the tire sealant bottle, the accompa-
nying TIREFIT sticker and the tire inflation
compressor from the stowage well under-
neath the trunk floor (
Ypage 317).
XAffix part :of the TIREFIT sticker to the
instrument cluster within the driver's field of
vision.
XAffix part ;of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire.
XRemove filler hose Band connector =from
the bottom section of tire inflation compres-
sor housing ;.
XSlide the yellow filler hose connector into the
mounting on yellow cap Aof tire sealant filler
bottle :until the connector engages.
XWith the sealing rings in front, slide yellow cap
Aof tire sealant bottle :into the mounting
of tire inflation compressor ;. The cap must
engage in both hooks.
XRemove the cap from valve Con the faulty
tire.
XScrew filler hose Donto valve C.
XInsert plug =into cigarette lighter socket
(Ypage 292) or into another 12 V socket in
your vehicle (Ypage 292).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 136).
XPress on and off switch ?on the tire inflation
compressor to ONposition.
The tire inflation compressor is switched on.
The tire is inflated.
First, tire sealant is pumped into the tire. The
pressure may briefly rise to approximately
500 kPa (5 bar/73 psi).
Do not switch off the tire inflation com-
pressor during this phase.
XLet the tire inflation compressor run for a
maximum of ten minutes. The tire should then
have attained a pressure of at least 200 kPa
(2.0 bar/29 psi).
If a pressure of 200 kPa (2.0 bar/29 psi) has
been attained after five minutes, see "Tire pres-
sure reached" (
Ypage 321).
If a tire pressure of 200 kPa (2.0 bar/29 psi) has
not been attained after five minutes, see "Tire
pressure not reached" (
Ypage 321).
320Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

If tire sealant has escaped, clean it off affected
areas as quickly as possible. Use plain water if
possible.
If your clothes are soiled with tire sealant, have
them cleaned with perchloroethylene at a dry
cleaner as soon as possible.
Tire pressure not reached
If a tire pressure of 200 kPa (2.0 bar/29 psi) has
not been attained after ten minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tire.
Tire sealant may escape when the filler hose is
unscrewed.
XVery slowly drive forwards or reverse approx-imately 30 ft (10 m).
XPump up the tire again.
After a maximum of ten minutes, the tire pres-
sure must be at least 200 kPa (2.0 bar/
29 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tire is too badly
damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair the
tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a tire
pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Tire pressure reached
GWARNING
A tire temporarily sealed with tire sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds. There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed the specified maximum speed with a tire that
has been repaired using tire sealant.
The maximum permissible speed for a tire
sealed with tire sealant is 50 mph (80 km/h).
The upper part of the TIREFIT sticker must be affixed to the instrument cluster in the driver's
field of vision.
If a tire pressure of 200 kPa (2.0 bar/29 psi) has
been attained after ten minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tire.
Tire sealant may escape when the filler hose is
unscrewed.
XStow the tire sealant bottle and the tire infla-
tion compressor.
XPull away immediately
.
XStop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with the
tire inflation compressor.
The tire pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair
the tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a
tire pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
In cases such as the one mentioned above, con- tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Or
call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
XCorrect the tire pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side or the tire pressure table in
the fuel filler flap for values.
XTo increase the tire pressure: switch on the
tire inflation compressor.
Flat tire321
Breakdown assistance
Z

Position numberCidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-starting
device.
XLift up panel B.
XSlide coverAof positive terminal :in the direction of the arrow.
XConnect positive terminal :on your vehicle to positive terminal ;of donor battery Cusing the
jumper cable, Always begin with positive terminal :on your own vehicle first.
XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal =of donor battery Cto earth point ?of your vehicle using the
jumper cable. beginning with donor battery Cfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point ?and negative terminal =, then from pos-
itive clamp :and positive terminal ;. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
XClose coverAof positive terminal :after removing jumper cables.
XFold panel Bshut.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
Hybrid vehicles: make sure that you read the
separate operating instructions. You could oth-
erwise fail to recognize dangers, e.g. due to high
voltage.
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
Towing and tow-starting327
Breakdown assistance
Z

If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 360).
!When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Secure the tow rope or tow bar to the towing
eye only. Otherwise, the vehicle could
become damaged.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery. This
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, have
the vehicle recovered using a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
!Shift the automatic transmission to position
i and do not open the driver's or front pas-
senger's door during towing. The automatic
transmission may otherwise shift to position
j, which could damage the transmission.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
i w

hen the vehicle is being towed. If the auto-
matic transmission cannot be shifted to position
i, have the vehicle transported on a trans-
porter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to
position i
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the vehicle is towed (
Ypage 85). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There is
a risk of burns when removing the rear cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe. Take particular
care when removing the rear cover.
328Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the rear and
at the front, under covers:.
XRemove the towing eye from the retainer
(Ypage 317).
XPress the mark on cover:inward and
remove.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XAttach cover :to the bumper and press until
it engages.
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
Only vehicles without 4MATIC can be towed
with the rear axle raised.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be towed with the rear axle raised. The
vehicle/trailer combination may otherwise
swerve or even roll over.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position jwhen you open the driver's or
front-passenger door or when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. It is essential to observe the following steps to ensure that the
automatic transmission remains in position i
during towing.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N .
XLeave the SmartKey in position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 115).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
!When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
Towing and tow-starting329
Breakdown assistance
Z

vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
Vehicles with ADS PLUS (Adaptive
Damping System PLUS)
GWARNING
The weaker damping forces of the vehicle to
be transported can cause the vehicle/trailer
combination to swing.
As a result, when transporting vehicles with
Adaptive Damping System PLUS, the vehicle/
trailer combination may start to skid. Conse-
quently, you could lose control of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
When transporting, make sure that:
Rthe vehicle is has been loaded onto the
transporter correctly
Rthe vehicle is secured at all four wheels with
suitable tensioning straps
Ryou do not exceed the maximum permissi-
ble speed of 35 mph (60 km/h)
!After loading, the vehicle must be secured at
all four wheels. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
A minimum distance of 8 in (20 cm) up and
4 in (10 cm) down must be maintained to the
transport platform.
XSecure all four wheels after loading the vehi-
cle.
All vehicles
!You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
i. As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
j.
XTurn the SmartKey to position
uin the igni-
tion lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To shift
the automatic transmission to position N, you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
(
Ypage 325).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
iYou can find information on "Jump-starting"
under (Ypage 325).
Fuses
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher amper- age, the electric cables could be overloaded.
330Fuses
Breakdown assistance