towing MERCEDES-BENZ CL-Class 2011 C216 Owner's Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 23At a glance ........................................... 29Safety ................................................... 39Opening and closing ...........................71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91COMAND ............................................ 105Lights and windshield wipers ..........243Climate control ................................. 255Driving and parking ..........................265On-board computer and displays ....327Loading, stowing and features ........383Maintenance and care ......................403Roadside Assistance ........................419Tires and wheels ............................... 437Technical data ................................... 465
Contents3

Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 459
Maximum tire load .........................452
Maximum tire load (definition) .......459
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 460
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 459
Replacing ....................................... 460
Service life ..................................... 440
Sidewall (definition) .......................460
Speed index (definition) .................458
Storing ........................................... 461
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 457
Temperature .................................. 453
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 460
Tire bead (definition) ......................459
Tire pressure (definition) ................459
Tire pressures (recommended) ......458
Tire size (data) ............................... 461
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................454
Tire tread ....................................... 439
Tire tread (definition) .....................459
Total load limit (definition) .............460
Traction ......................................... 453
Traction (definition) .......................460
Tread wear ..................................... 453
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 452
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................458
Unladen weight (definition) ............459
Wear indicator (definition) .............460
Wheel rim (definition) ....................458
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 438
Toggling .............................................. 185
Tone settings Balance and fader ..........................125
Treble and bass ............................. 125
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........430
Installing the towing eye ................431
Removing the towing eye ...............432Traffic jam function ........................... 155
Traffic Program Switching off .................................. 124
Traffic report
Real-time traffic report ..................161
Traffic report read-aloud function ... 159
Traffic reports .................................... 159
Transfer case ..................................... 281
Transmission position display ......... 276
Transmission positions .................... 276
Treble and bass Adjusting ....................................... 125
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 332
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 332
Resetting (on-board computer) ......333
True Image™ ...................................... 127
Trunk Automatic opening ..................... 82, 83
Emergency release ..........................84
Important safety guidelines .............81
Limiting the opening angle ............. 234
Locking separately ...........................83
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 372
Trunk lid opening height
restriction .......................................... 234
trunk load (maximum) ...................... 474
Turn signal (display message) ......... 356
Turn signals ....................................... 246
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79
Using the telephone .......................... 184
20Index

V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 388
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 27
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Equipment ....................................... 23
Exterior view .................................... 30
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 341
Loading .......................................... 448
Lowering ........................................ 425
Maintenance .................................... 24
Parking up ..................................... 286
Raising ........................................... 422
Reporting problems .........................26
Towing away .................................. 430
Tow-starting ................................... 430
Transporting .................................. 433
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 474
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 467
Vehicle level ...................................... 304
Active Body Control .......................305
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 364
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 420
Vehicle weights ................................. 474
Video (DVD) ........................................ 335
Video DVD Fast forward/rewind ...................... 225
Operation ....................................... 223
Pause function ............................... 226
Selecting ........................................ 225
Selecting a film/title ...................... 226
Selecting a scene/chapter ............226
Stop function ................................. 226
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 335
Video DVD mode Switching to ................................... 224
VIN ...................................................... 467
Voice Control System Settings ................................. 130, 131Volume
Adjusting ....................................... 124
Navigation announcements ...........124
Phone calls .................................... 124
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 377
Brakes ........................................... 375
Check Engine ................................. 380
ESP ®
.............................................. 378
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 379
Fuel tank ........................................ 380
Overview .......................................... 33
Reserve fuel ................................... 380
Seat belt ........................................ 376
SRS ................................................ 379
Tire pressure monitor ....................381
Warranty ............................................ 466
Waveband Switching (radio) ............................ 196
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 425
Wheel chock ...................................... 422
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................460
Changing a wheel .......................... 421
Checking ........................................ 438
Cleaning ......................................... 412
Mounting a wheel .......................... 424
Removing a wheel ..........................424
Storing ........................................... 461
Tightening torque ........................... 425
Wheel size/tire size .......................461
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 347
Operation ......................................... 46
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 413
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 260
Infrared reflective .......................... 400
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 373
Windshield washer system Adding washer fluid .......................408
Notes ............................................. 473
Index21

Exterior viewFunctionPage:Trunk lid81Vehicle tool kit420;Lights250=Rear window defroster261?Fuel filler flap281AExterior mirrors100BSliding sunroof88CDefrosting the windshield260Cleaning the windows413FunctionPageDWindshield wipers251EOpens the hood404Engine oil405Coolant407FTowing430GTires and wheels438Flat tire42130Exterior viewAt a glance

Problems with the navigation systemProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCOMAND is unable to
continue route
guidance after the
journey has been
interrupted.Route guidance is canceled if you interrupt the journey for more
than two hours.
"Interrupting the journey" refers to stopping the vehicle and
switching off COMAND. "Continuing route guidance" refers to
switching COMAND back on and driving on.XContinue route guidance ( Y page 154).
COMAND determines the vehicle's position. Depending on the
driving situation, this may take some time.
Route guidance may be restricted during the determination of
the vehicle's position.
When positioning is complete, route guidance is resumed with
navigation announcements and route guidance displays.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCOMAND is unable to
determine the vehicle's
position.COMAND has to redetermine the position of the vehicle if the
vehicle has been transported (e.g. by ferry, by motorail or after
towing).XStart the vehicle and pull away.
COMAND determines the vehicle's position. Depending on the
driving situation, this may take some time.
Route guidance may be restricted during the determination of
the vehicle's position.
When positioning is complete, route guidance is resumed with
navigation announcements and route guidance displays.176NavigationCOMAND

Engaging park position PXPush the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of the arrow P.
i
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically into park position P if you
open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or at very low speed and the
transmission is in position D or R.
! If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the
automatic transmission directly from D to
R , from R to D or directly to P. The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
i The ECO start/stop function is not
available when reverse gear is engaged.
For further information on the ECO start/
stop function ( Y page 270).
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Neutral N with ECO start/stop function
activated
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle is
stationary if the vehicle is braked to a
standstill with neutral N engaged and the
brake depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function ( Y page 270).
Shifting to neutral N
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.When the engine is switched off, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
Remaining in neutral N
If you wish to keep the automatic
transmission in neutral N, e.g. to wash the
vehicle in a car wash with a towing device,
observe the following:GWarning!
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the electric parking
brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to park position P.
R release the brake pedal.
R remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
R insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
R switch on the ignition.
R depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
Automatic transmission275Driving and parkingZ

HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary.
Rthe driver's door is closed or if your seat
belt is fastened.
Rthe electric parking brake is released.
Rthe hood is closed.
Rthe transmission is in position R, N or D.
The trunk lid must be closed in position R.
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function
XMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.
XDepress the brake pedal.XQuickly depress the brake pedal further
until HOLD display : appears in the
instrument cluster.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
GWarning
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
Rthe transmission is in position P.
Ryou apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until HOLD disappears
from the instrument cluster.
Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
iAfter a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
GWarning
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electric parking brake and must not be used
for parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
Driving systems303Driving and parkingZ

whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
RAdapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
GWarning!
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
Rswitch on the ignition.
Rshift the transmission to position D, R or
N.
Rrelease the electric parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
:Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example)
Range of the sensors
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise they may not function
correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
(Y page 414).
Driving systems307Driving and parkingZ

Vehicle equipment ............................384
Loading guidelines ............................384
Stowage compartments ...................384
Stowage areas .................................. 386
Features ............................................. 387383Loading, stowing and features

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Loading guidelines
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle 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 when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants). The values are
specified on the vehicle identification plate
on the driver's door frame.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear 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.
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find the following installed in the
glove box: an audio and video AUX jack, a
USB socket or Media Interface, a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod or USB device, and a bracket for
a remote control (see the COMAND section
of this Operator's Manual.
384Stowage compartmentsLoading, stowing and features