tailgate MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ESTATE 2014 Owner's Manual

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 405)
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).
i The reversing camera is protected from
raindrops and dust by means of a flap.
When the reversing camera is activated,
this flap opens.
The flap closes again when:
R you have finished the manoeuvring proc-
ess
R you switch off the engine
R you open the luggage compartment
Observe the notes on cleaning
(Y page 405).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the reversing camera has been deactivated.
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 reversing camera flap opens. 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.
Further information on the Audio 20/
COMAND controller, see the Digital Owner's
Manual.
To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Messages in the Audio 20/COMAND
Online display 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 Driving systems
249Driving and parking Z

level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. 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.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle, you must fold out the ball coupling.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Open the tailgate.
X Pull release knob :until the ball coupling
unlocks.
The ball coupling folds out from under the
rear bumper. The indicator lamp on the release knob
flashes. The trailer socket folds away auto- matically. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow until it engages in a vertical posi-
tion.
The indicator lamp on the release knob
goes off.
The multifunction display shows the
Check trailer hitch lock Check trailer hitch lock message
until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
Hybrid vehicles: observe the safety notes
for hybrid vehicles (Y page 273). 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.
X Push the combination switch upwards/
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer is flash-
ing. 288
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

A connected trailer is only recognised when
the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is
working properly. The functioning of other
systems, e.g. ESP ®
, PARKTRONIC, Active
Parking Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist or
Lane Keeping Assist 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. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.
! 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. X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective covering on the ball
coupling.
X Open the tailgate. X
Pull release knob :until the ball coupling
unlocks.
The ball coupling folds down from under the rear bumper. The indicator lamp on the
release knob flashes.
Do not attempt to speed this process up by
applying additional pressure with your foot. The system could otherwise be mechani-
cally damaged. Towing a trailer
289Driving and parking Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions A The tailgate is open.
G WARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the tailgate. ? The bonnet is open. A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The open bonnet may then block your view when the vehicle is in
motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 211).
X Close the bonnet. Active bonnet mal‐ Active bonnet mal‐
function See Own‐ function See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual The active bonnet (pedestrian protection) is not active due to a
malfunction or because it has already been triggered.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. C C At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X Close all doors. j
Check trailer Check trailer
hitch lock hitch lock The trailer tow hitch is not correctly engaged.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer may come loose.
There is a risk of an accident. X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 211).
X Engage the trailer coupling's ball coupling in the end position
(Y page 288). &
Pre-entry climate Pre-entry climate
control (via key) control (via key)
available again available again
after engine start after engine start Hybrid vehicles: with the engine switched off, you have attempted
to switch on the pre-entry climate control more than twice.
X Let the engine run for ten seconds.
After running the engine, the pre-entry climate control is opera-
tional again. Display
messages
349On-board computer and displays Z

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 27). Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open. G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly changing directions.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight or the permissible axle
loads for the vehicle (including occupants).
R the luggage compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the luggage com-
partment as possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. Pad sharp
edges for protection.
i Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre. Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you do not correctly store objects in the
vehicle interior, they can slip or be flung
around, thus striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, especially when brak- ing or abruptly changing directions.
R Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around in these or in similar situa-
tions.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage compartments, lug-
gage nets or stowage nets. 370
Stowage areasStowing and features

Observe the loading guidelines (Y
page 370).
The outside and the middle rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down separately to
increase the luggage compartment capacity.
The division ratio is 40% to 20% to 40%.
The locking mechanisms of both outer rear
seat backrests open electrically. To do so,
press the button either to the side of the rear seat backrests or in the luggage compart-
ment when the tailgate is open. The corre-
sponding rear seat backrests then fold
forward automatically.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward X
Vehicles without memory function: if nec-
essary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.
X Vehicles with memory function: when one
or both parts of the rear seat backrest are
folded forwards, the respective front seat
moves forward slightly, when necessary, in order to avoid contact.
X Fully insert the rear seat backrest head
restraints. Release handle in the luggage compartment
Release handle next to the seat backrest
Left and right seat backrest:
X Pull the left-hand or right-hand release han-
dle at the rear in load compartment :or at
the side beside backrests :.
The corresponding backrest folds for-
wards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. 374
Stowage areasStowing and features

using lashing material, even if you are using
the luggage compartment cover.
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the luggage
compartment higher than the lower edge of the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the luggage compartment
cover.
The luggage compartment cover and the
safety net are attached to anchorages on the right and left in the luggage compartment as a
combined luggage cover and net.
When the luggage compartment cover is clip-
ped in, there should be no objects obstructing
the downwards movement of the cover in the
luggage compartment when the tailgate is
closed. The luggage compartment cover will
otherwise be raised again.
Extending and retracting the luggage
compartment cover X
To extend: pull luggage compartment
cover :back by grab handle ;and clip it
into the retainers on the left and right.
When the tailgate is open, the extended lug-
gage compartment cover can be raised to
make loading easier.
On vehicles with an automatic tailgate, the
luggage compartment cover is automatically
raised and lowers again when the tailgate is
closed. X
Vehicles without an automatic tailgate:
press grab handle ;and guide luggage
compartment cover :upwards. X
To retract: unhook luggage compartment
cover :from the retainers on the left and
right and guide it forwards by grab han-
dle ;until it is fully retracted.
Fitting/removing combined luggage
cover and net You can reach the combined luggage cover
and net to install and remove it from the lug-
gage compartment and, with the seat back-
rest folded forwards, from the left-hand rear
door.
X Make sure that the safety net and the lug-
gage compartment cover are rolled up.
X To remove: press button ;.
X Fold the combined luggage cover and net
forwards on the left-hand side with the seat
backrest folded forwards, and fold it back-
wards with the seat backrest folded up. Stowage areas
377Stowing and featu res Z

Safety net with luggage compartment
enlargement:
X Make sure that the safety net is fitted to the
rear seat backrest (Y page 377).
X Guide the safety net up by tab :and hook
it into eyelets ;. Coat hooks on the tailgate
:
Coat hook EASY-PACK load-securing kit
General notes The EASY-PACK load-securing kit allows you
to use your luggage compartment for a variety of purposes. The following accessory parts
are located under the luggage compartment
floor:
R one telescopic rod
R two mounting elements
R two retaining feet Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive when the luggage compartment
floor is open, objects could be flung around,
thus striking vehicle occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly
changing directions.
Always close the luggage compartment floor
before a journey.
Fitting X
Open luggage compartment floor ;
(Y page 380).
X Attach retaining feet :in the desired posi-
tion on the side of luggage compartment
floor ;.
X Closing luggage compartment floor :. X
Turn mounting elements =to=.
X Insert mounting elements =into retaining
feet :.
X Pull telescopic rod ?apart. Stowage areas
379Stowing and features Z

X
Insert telescopic rod ?into mounting ele-
ments =.
X Turn both mounting elements =to&
until you feel them engage. Stowage well underneath the luggage
compartment floor G
WARNING
If you drive when the luggage compartment
floor is open, objects could be flung around,
thus striking vehicle occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly
changing directions.
Always close the luggage compartment floor
before a journey. EASY-PACK load-securing kit, TIREFIT, the
vehicle tool kit, etc. are located underneath
the luggage compartment floor.
X To open: open the tailgate.
X Holding the ribbing, press handle :down-
wards.
Handle :folds upwards.
X Swing the luggage compartment floor up
using handle :until it stands vertically.
X To close: fold the luggage compartment
floor down.
X Using handle :, press the luggage com-
partment floor down until it engages. Roof carrier
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When a load is transported on the roof, the
vehicle's centre of gravity rises and the han-
dling changes. If you exceed the maximum
roof load, the handling as well as steering and braking characteristics are severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the maximum roof load and
adapt your driving style.
The maximum roof load can be found in the
"Technical data" (Y page 478).
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the vehi-
cle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain dam-
age even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is fitted
you can:
R raise the sliding sunroof/panorama slid-
ing sunroof fully
R open the boot lid fully
! To avoid damaging or scratching the cov-
ers, do not use metallic or hard objects to
open them.
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof
load may become detached from the vehicle.
You must therefore ensure that you observe
the roof carrier manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Vehicles with panorama sliding sunroof: if
a roof carrier is fitted, the panorama sliding
sunroof cannot be opened. In order to allow
ventilation of the vehicle interior, you can
raise the panorama sliding sunroof.
If a roof carrier approved by Mercedes-Benz
makes contact with the panorama sliding 380
Stowage areasStowing and features

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 27). Where will I find...?
Warning triangle
Removing/replacing the warning trian-
gle X
To remove: open the tailgate.
X Open cover :of the stowage compart-
ment.
X Remove warning triangle ;.
X To replace: place warning triangle ;back
into the stowage compartment.
X Close the stowage compartment. Setting up the warning triangle X
Fold feet =down and out to the side.
X Fold side reflectors ;upwards to form a
triangle and lock them at the top using
press stud :. First-aid kit
First-aid kit
:is in the luggage compartment
in the left-hand stowage net.
X Open the tailgate.
X Remove first-aid kit :.
Check the expiry date on first-aid kit :at
least once a year. Replace the contents if
necessary, and replace any missing items. 410
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance