tow MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2017 Owner's Manual

Activating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC Acti va tion conditions
! When Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C or th e
HOLD function is activated, th e vehicl e
brakes automatically in certain situations.
To avoi d damag e to th e vehicle, deactivat e
Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C and th e HOLD
function in th e followin g or similar situations:R
when towin g th e vehicl eR
in th e car wash
To activat e Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONIC, th e fol -
lowin g condition s mus t be fulfilled :R
th e engin e mus t be started. It may tak e up to
two minute s of drivin g before Distanc e Pilo t
DISTRONI C is read y for use.R
th e electric parking brak e mus t be released.R
ES P ®
mus t be active , but no t intervening .R
Parking Pilo t mus t no t be activated.R
th e transmission mus t be in position D .R
th e driver's door mus t be closed when you
shif t from P to D or your seat belt mus t be
fastened. R
th e front-passenger door mus t be closed.R
th e vehicl e mus t no t skid.
Acti va tingX
Briefly pull th e cruise control lever toward s
you

HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations: R
when pulling away, especially on steep slopes R
when maneuvering on steep slopes R
when 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.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by the HOLD function if: R
there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply. R
the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant. R
the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with. R
the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
! When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the
HOLD function is activated, the vehicle
brakes automatically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD
function in the following or similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function ( Y
page 156). Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if: R
the vehicle is stationary R
the engine is running or if it has been auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function R
the driver's door is closed or your seat belt is
fastened R
the electric parking brake is released R
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated R
the transmission position D , R or N is engaged
while driving a vehicle with an automatic
transmission
Activating the HOLD function X
Make sure that the activation conditions are
met. X
Depress the brake pedal. X
Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until C appears in the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first time
does not activate the HOLD function, wait
briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated automatically
if: R
you accelerate. On vehicles with automatic
transmission: only when the transmission is in
position D or R . R
the transmission is in position P on vehicles
with automatic transmission. R
you depress the brake pedal again with a cer-
tain amount of pressure until C disappears
from the multifunction display. R
you activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC. R
you secure the vehicle using the electric park-
ing brake.156
Driving systems
Driving and parking

The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
Sport mode ensures even better contact with
the road. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads. X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up. You have selected
Sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Comfort mode In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of
your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this
mode if you favor a more comfortable driving
style, but also when driving fast on straight
roads, e.g. highways. X
Press button C again so that indicator
lamp D goes out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG
Suspension System COMFORT mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
4MATIC
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the differential. 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 vehi-
cle with all wheels in full contact with the
ground.
4MATIC, together with ESP ®
, improves the trac-
tion of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor override
the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic conditions.
4MATIC is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip: R
Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away. R
Accelerate less when driving. i In 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.
Suspension with Adaptive Damping
System
General notes A suspension with the Adaptive Damping Sys-
tem provides improved driving comfort and con-
tinuously controls the calibration of the damp-
ers. The damping characteristics adapt to the
current operating and driving situation.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface conditions R
the drive program selected
The drive program can be set using the
DYNAMIC SELECT button ( Y
page 127).
Selecting Comfort mode In the Comfort drive program, the driving char-
acteristics of your vehicle are more comforta-
ble. Therefore, select this drive program if you
prefer a more comfortable driving style. Also
select the Comfort drive program when driving
fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches
of highway. X
Press DYNAMIC SELECT button ( Y
page 127)
as many times as necessary until the Com-
fort 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 program
when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads. X
Press DYNAMIC SELECT button ( Y
page 127)
as many times as necessary until the Sport
drive program is selected.Driving systems 159
Driving and parking Z

R
that are parallel to the direction of travel and
at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) longer than your vehi-
cle R
that are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wider than
your vehicle
i Note that Parking Pilot cannot measure the
length of a parking space if it is at right angles
to the direction of travel. You will need to
judge whether your vehicle will fit into the
parking space.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see parking symbol D as a
status indicator in the instrument cluster. When
a parking space has been detected, an arrow
towards the right or the left also appears. Park-
ing Pilot only displays parking spaces on the
front-passenger side as standard. Parking
spaces on the driver's side are displayed as
soon as the turn signal on the driver's side is
activated. When parking on the driver's side,
this must remain activated until you confirm the
use of Parking Pilot by pressing the v button
on the multifunction steering wheel. The system
automatically determines whether the parking
space is parallel or at right-angles to the direc-
tion of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are driv-
ing past it, and until you are approximately 50 ft
(15 m) away from it.
Parking
G WARNING
If you leave the vehicle when it is only being
braked by Parking Pilot, it could roll away if: R
there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply. R
the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-
pered with. R
the battery is disconnected. R
the vehicle is accelerated, e.g. by a vehicle
occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away.
i If Parking Assist PARKTRONIC detects
obstacles, Parking Pilot brakes automatically whilst the vehicle is parking. You are respon-
sible for braking in good time. X
Stop the vehicle when the parking space sym-
bol shows the desired parking space in the
instrument cluster. X
Shift the transmission to position R .
The Start Parking Pilot? Yes: OK No:
8 message appears in the multifunction
display. X
To cancel the procedure: press the 8
button on the multifunction steering wheel or
pull away.
or X
To park using Parking Pilot: press the v
button on the multifunction steering wheel.
The Parking Pilot Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display. X
Let go of the multifunction steering wheel. X
Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at all
times. When backing up, drive at a speed
below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Oth-
erwise Parking Pilot is canceled.
Parking Pilot brakes the vehicle to a standstill
when the vehicle approaches the rear border
of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight parking
spaces.
The Parking Pilot Active Select D
Observe Surroundings message appears in
the multifunction display. X
Shift the transmission to position D while the
vehicle is stationary.
Parking Pilot immediately steers in the other
direction.
The Parking Pilot Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
i You will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete before
pulling away. X
Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
Parking Pilot brakes the vehicle to a standstill
when the vehicle approaches the front border
of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight parking
spaces.
The Parking Pilot Active Select R
Observe Surroundings message appears in
the multifunction display.164
Driving systems
Driving and parking

R
if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
Observe the notes on cleaning
( Y
page 262) 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 rear
view camera may be restricted due to additional
accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.
license plate holder, bicycle rack).
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey is
in position 2 in the ignition lock.X
Make sure that the Activation by R gear
function is selected in the multimedia system;
see the Digital Operator's Manual. X
Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown with
guide lines in the multimedia system display.
The image from the rear view camera is avail-
able throughout the maneuvering process.
To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to P or after
driving forwards a short distance.
Messages in the multimedia system dis-
play The rear view camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera does not show objects in
the following positions: R
very close to the rear bumper R
under the rear bumper R
in close range above the handle on the trunk
lid
! 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 bottom-
most guideline. C
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle D
White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The yellow $ warning lamp and th e red I (US A only) or $
(Canada only) indicator lamp ligh t up.
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning .
To release: X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e manually.
or X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e automatically ( Y
page 141).
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Do no t drive on .X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
The red I (US A only) or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes
and th e yellow $ warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning .
To release: X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e manually.
To apply : X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Apply th e electric parking brak e manually.
If th e red I (US A only) or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp con-
tinue s to flash: X
Do no t drive on .X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 302).X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Turn th e fron t wheels toward s th e curb.X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .192
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

tem and for the PBAP and MAP Bluetooth ®
profiles. The prompt to confirm may take up
to two minutes to be displayed (see the man-
ufacturer's operating instructions).
Switching between mobile phones If you have authorized more than one mobile
phone, you can switch between the individual
phones.
Multimedia system: X
Select Connect Device .X
Select a mobile phone from the device list.
Media mode
General notes If you wish to play external media sources, the
default display must already be turned on. Fur-
ther information on media mode (see the Digital
Operator's Manual).
The following external media sources can be
used: R
Apple ®
devices (e.g. iPhone ®
)R
USB devices (e.g. USB stick, MP3 player)
( Y
page 232)R
CD R
DVD (COMAND) R
SD cards R
via devices connected by Bluetooth ®
i Information on single CD/DVD drive or DVD
changer (see the Digital Operator's Manual).
Using the device list Multimedia system: X
Select Media { Devices .
The available media sources will be shown.
The ; dot indicates the current setting.X
Select the media source.
Playable files are played. Inserting/removing an SD card Important safety notes
G WARNING
SD cards are small parts. They can be swal-
lowed and cause choking. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Keep the SD card out of the reach of children.
If a SD card is swallowed, seek medical atten-
tion immediately.
! If you are no longer using the SD card, you
should remove it and store it outside the vehi-
cle. High temperatures can damage the card.
Inserting an SD card The SD card slot is on the control panel. X
Insert the SD card into the SD card slot until
the SD card engages. The side with the con-
tacts must face downwards.
Removing an SD card X
Press the SD card.
The SD card is ejected. X
Remove the SD card.
Connecting USB devices
There are two USB ports in the stowage space
under the armrest. X
Connect the USB device to the USB port. X
Select the media source ( Y
page 232).232
Operating system
Multimedia system

Loading guidelines
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, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the
trunk lid is open when the engine is running,
especially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a
risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the trunk lid. Never drive with the trunk lid
open.
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 vehicle
are dependent on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle.
Observe the following notes on loading and
transporting a load: R
Never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle mass or the gross axle weight
rating for the vehicle (including occupants).
The values are specified on the vehicle iden- tification plate on the B-pillar of the driver's
door. R
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects. R
Position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible 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 or front
seat backrests. Make sure that the seat
backrests are securely locked into place. R
Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible. R
Use the cargo tie-down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage. R
Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening mate-
rials appropriate for the weight and size of the
load. R
Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistan t tie-downs. Pad sharp edges for
protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage spaces
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants. In
addition, cupholders, open stowage spaces
and mobile phone brackets cannot always
retain all objects they contain. There is a risk
of injury, particularly in the event of sudden
braking or a sudden change in direction. R
Always stow objects so that they cannot be
thrown around in such situations. R
Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage spaces, parcel nets or
stowage nets. R
Close the lockable stowage spaces before
starting a journey. R
Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or bulky objects in
the trunk.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 233).Stowage areas 233
Stowage and features Z

Stowage compartments in the front Glove box X
To open: pull handle C and open glove box
flap D .X
To close: fold glove box flap D upwards until
it engages.
There is a pen holder at the top of the glove box
flap.
Eyeglasses compartment
X
To open: press marking C .
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion. Stowage compartment in the front center
console X
To open: press the marking on cover C .
i Depending on the vehicle equipment, there
may be an ashtray in the center console
instead of a storage compartment.
Stowage compartment in front of the arm-
rest (vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion)
X
To open: press the marking on cover C .
i You can remove the non-slip mat and the
insert for cleaning. When removing the insert
you will have to overcome some slight resist-
ance.234
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Stowage compartment under the armrest X
To open: on vehicles with movable armrests,
make sure that the armrest is in the rearmost
position. X
Press button C and fold the armrest up.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the arm-
rest can be moved backwards or forwards in a
longitudinal direction.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the fol-
lowing may be in the stowage compartment: a
multimedia connector unit with an SD card slot
and 2 USB ports, e.g. for use with an iPod ®
,
iPhone ®
or MP3 player; see the separate oper-
ating instructions.
Stowage compartment under the driver's
seat and front-passenger seat
G WARNING
If you exceed the maximum load for the stow-
age compartment, the cover may not be able
to restrain the items. Items may be thrown out
of the stowage compartment and hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Never exceed the maximum permissible load
for the stowage compartment. Stow and
secure heavy objects in the trunk.
The maximum permissible load of the stowage
compartment is 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). X
To open: pull handle C up and fold cover D
forwards.
Stowage space in the rear Stowage compartment in the rear center
console
X
To open: pull down the top of stowage com-
partment C by the edge of the handle.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be an open stowage space above
the stowage compartment.
Parcel nets Stowage nets are located: R
in the front-passenger footwell R
on the back of the driver's and the front-
passenger seat R
on the left and right-hand side in the trunk
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 233)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 233).Stowage areas 235
Stowage and features Z