towing MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2019 User Guide

!When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC orthe HOLD function is activated, the vehiclebrakes automatically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivateActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC and theHOLD function in the following or similar sit-uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function (Ypage 159).
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been auto-matically switched off by the ECO start/stopfunction
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt isfastened
Rthe electric parking brake is released
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC is deacti-vated
Rthe transmission is in position[,^or\\on vehicles with automatic transmission
Activating the HOLD function
XMake sure that the activation conditions aremet.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XQuickly depress the brake pedal furtheruntilCappears in the multifunction display.The HOLD function is activated. You canrelease the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first timedoes not activate the HOLD function, waitbriefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated automaticallyif:
Ryou accelerate. On vehicles with automatictransmission: only when the transmission is inposition[or^.
Rthe transmission is in position]on vehicleswith automatic transmission.
Ryou depress the brake pedal again with a cer-tain amount of pressure untilCdisappearsfrom the multifunction display.
Ryou activate Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC.
Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric park-ing brake.
iAfter a time, the electric parking brakesecures the vehicle and relieves the servicebrake.
When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-mission is automatically shifted to position]if:
Rthe driver's seat belt is not fastened and thedriver's door is open
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is auto-matically switched off by the ECO start/stopfunction
The electric parking brake secures the vehicleautomatically if the HOLD function is activatedwhen the vehicle is stationary and:
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe power supply is insufficient
Start-off Assist (except Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you use start-off assist, individual wheels
may start to spin and the vehicle may skid. If
ESP®is deactivated, there is a greater danger
of skidding and having an accident. Make sure
that no persons or obstacles are in the vicinity
of the vehicle.
Start-off assist enables optimum accelerationfrom a standstill. For this, a suitably high-grip
Driving systems159
Driving and parking
Z

iIf you do not depress the accelerator pedalwithin a few seconds, RACE START is can-celed. The multifunction display shows theRACE START CanceledRACE START Canceledmessage.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.The engine speed is increased.
TheRACERACESTARTSTARTReleaseReleasebrakebraketotostartstartmessage appears in the multifunction display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal withina short time, RACE START will be canceled.The multifunction display shows theRACERACESTART CanceledSTART Canceledmessage.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep theaccelerator pedal depressed.The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-ation.
TheRACERACESTARTSTARTActiveActivemessage appears inthe multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehiclereaches a speed of approximately 50 km/h.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if yourelease the accelerator pedal during RACESTART or if any of the activation conditions areno longer fulfilled. TheRACE START Not Pos‐RACE START Not Pos‐sible See Operator's Manualsible See Operator's ManualorRACERACESTART CanceledSTART Canceledmessage appears in the mul-tifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within ashort period of time, it is only available againafter the vehicle has been driven a certaindistance.
AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem
General notes
The electronically controlled damping systemworks continuously. This improves drivingsafety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheeland depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Ryour individual selection ofSportorComfort
The suspension setting is adjusted using thecorresponding button in the center console.
iThe mode can also be set using the AMGDYNAMIC SELECT controller (Ypage 130).
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button,Comfortmode isactivated. For further information about startingthe engine, see (Ypage 123).
Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning inSportmode ensures even better contact withthe road. Select this mode when employing asporty driving style, e.g. on winding countryroads.
XPress buttonC.Indicator lampDlights up. You have selectedSportmode.
TheAMG Suspension System SPORTAMG Suspension System SPORTmes-sage appears in the multifunction display.
Comfort mode
InComfortmode, the driving characteristics ofyour vehicle are more comfortable. Select thismode if you favor a more comfortable drivingstyle, but also when driving fast on straightroads, e.g. highways.
XPress buttonCagain so that indicatorlampDgoes out.You have selectedComfortmode.
TheAMGAMGSuspensionSuspensionSystemSystemCOMFORTCOMFORTmes-sage appears in the multifunction display.
4MATIC
!Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.This may damage the differential. Damage ofthis sort is not covered by the Mercedes-BenzLimited Warranty. All wheels must remaineither on the ground or be fully raised.Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-
Driving systems161
Driving and parking
Z

XTo end a call:press thevbutton on themultifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding multimedia systembutton for ending a phone call.
XAfter the emergency call, close coverC.
If the mobile phone network is unavailable,Mercedes me connect is not able to make anemergency call. If you leave the vehicle imme-diately after pressing the SOS buttonD, you donot know if Mercedes me connect has success-fully made the emergency call. In this case,always summon assistance by other means.
Roadside Assistance button
XTo make a call:press Roadside Assistancecall buttonC.This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Cus-tomer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistancecall buttonCflashes while the call is active.TheConnecting CallConnecting Callmessage appears onthe multifunction display. The audio output ismuted.
If a connection can be established, theCallCallConnectedConnectedmessage appears in the multifunc-tion display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS receptionare available, the system transfers data to theMercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,for example:
RCurrent location of the vehicle
RVehicle identification number
The display of the multimedia system indicatesthat a call is active. During the call, you canchange to the navigation menu by pressing theNAVI button on the multimedia system, forexample.
Voice output is not available in this case.
A voice connection is established between theMercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Centerand the vehicle occupants.
From the remote malfunction diagnosis, theMercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Centercan ascertain the nature of the problem(Ypage 253).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-ter either sends a qualified Mercedes-Benz tech-nician or makes arrangements for your vehicleto be transported to the nearest Mercedes-BenzService Center.
You may be charged for services such as repairwork and/or towing.
You can find more information in the separateMercedes me connect manual.
The system has not been able to initiate a Road-side Assistance call, if:
RtheRindicator lamp for the RoadsideAssistance call button is flashing continu-ously.
Rno voice connection to the Mercedes-BenzCustomer Assistance Center was estab-lished.
This can occur if the relevant mobile phone net-work is not available, for example.
TheCallCallFailedFailedmessage appears on the mul-tifunction display.
XTo end a call:press thevbutton on themultifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding multimedia systembutton for ending a phone call.
MB Info call button
XTo make a call:press MB Info call buttonC.This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Cus-tomer Assistance Center.
250Features
Sto wage an d features

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivateActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC and theHOLD function in the following or similar sit-uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a TouchlessAutomatic Car Wash as these use specialcleaning agents. These cleaning agents candamage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that the automatic transmissionis in transmission position\\when washingyour vehicle in a tow-through car wash. Thevehicle may be damaged in another transmis-sion position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroofare fully closed
Rthe blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position

!When Active Brake Assist, Active DistanceAssist DISTRONIC or the HOLD function isactivated, the vehicle brakes automatically incertain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivatethese systems in the following or similar sit-uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake isreleased. If the electric parking brake is faulty,visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at thetowing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could bedamaged.
!Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-poses as this could damage the vehicle. If indoubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly andsmoothly. If the tractive power is too high, thevehicles could be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph(50km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than30 miles (50km), the front axle must be raisedor the entire vehicle raised and transported.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Thiscould damage the vehicle.
!When towing away vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stopbutton. The automatic transmission may oth-erwise shift to position]when you open thedriver's or front-passenger door, which coulddamage the transmission.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission mustnot be started by tow-starting. This could oth-erwise damage the transmission.
It is better to have the vehicle transported thanto have it towed away.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because ofan accident or breakdown, you have the follow-ing options:
RTransporting the vehicle.
As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-ported.
RTowing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar.
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases.
The battery must be connected and charged.Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to positionHinthe ignition lock.
Rcannot release the electric parking brake.
Rcannot shift the transmission to position\\.
The function of the electric parking brake andthe parking lock is dependent on the on-boardvoltage.
If the on-board voltage is low or if there is a sys-tem malfunction:
Rthe electric parking brake may not be appliedin certain circumstances, or
Rit may no longer be possible to shift the trans-mission to position]
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. theradio.
Deactivate the automatic locking feature beforethe vehicle is towed (Ypage 189). You couldotherwise be locked out when pushing or towingthe vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye arelocated in the bumpers. They are at the rear andat the front, under coversC.
XRemove the towing eye from the stowagespace.
Towing and tow-starting285
Breakdown assistance
Z

The towing eye is located with the vehicle toolkit under the cargo compartment floor(Ypage 274).
Vehicles with the TIREFIT kit: the towing eye isbeneath the tire inflation compressor(Ypage 274).
XPress the mark on coverCinwards in thedirection of the arrow.
XTake coverCoff the opening.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XAttach coverCto the bumper and press untilit engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the stowage wellbeneath the cargo compartment floor in thecargo compartment (Ypage 274).
XVehicles with the TIREFIT kit: put back the tireinflation compressor (Ypage 274).
Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
Observe the important safety notes when tow-ing your vehicle with the front axle raised(Ypage 284).
Only vehicles without 4MATIC can be towedwith the front axle raised.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towedwith either the front or the rear axle raised, asdoing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed awaywith both axles on the ground or be loaded upand transported.
!The ignition must be switched off if the vehi-cle is being towed with the front axle raised.
Otherwise, ESP®may intervene and damagethe brake system.
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-LESS-GO start function:you must use theSmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button(Ypage 124).
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to positionHin the igni-tion lock.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal and keep it depressed.
XShift the automatic transmission to position].
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the automatic locking(Ypage 189).
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps(Ypage 103).
XTurn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to posi-tionZand leave the SmartKey in the ignitionlock.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safetyinstructions when towing away your vehicle(Ypage 284).
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-LESS-GO start function:you must use theSmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button(Ypage 124).
The automatic transmission automatically shiftsto position]when you open the driver's orfront-passenger door or when you remove theSmartKey from the ignition lock. In order toensure that the automatic transmission stays inposition\\when towing away the vehicle, youmust observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to positionHin the igni-tion lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position\\.
XLeave the SmartKey in positionHin the igni-tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps(Ypage 103).
iIn order to signal a change of direction whentowing the vehicle with the hazard warninglamps switched on, use the combinationswitch as usual. In this case, only the indicatorlamps for the direction of travel flash. Afterresetting the combination switch, the hazardwarning lamp starts flashing again.
286Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

Permitted towing methods
Mercedes-Benz recommends transporting yourvehicle in the case of a breakdown, rather thantowing it away.
When towing away, use a towing rope or a tow-ing bar with both axles on the ground. Do not useany tow bar systems.
Transporting the vehicle
Vehicles with automatic transmission
!When the vehicle is loaded for transport, thefront and rear axles must be stationary and onthe same transportation vehicle. Positioningover the connection point of the transportvehicle is not permitted. The drive train mayotherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
!You may only secure the vehicle by thewheels, not by parts of the vehicle such asaxle or steering components. Otherwise, thevehicle could be damaged.
XTurn the SmartKey to positionHin the igni-tion lock (Ypage 123).
XShift the transmission to position\\.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away byapplying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position].
XTurn the SmartKey to positionZin the igni-tion lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicleonto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-poses.
Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towedwith either the front or the rear axle raised, asdoing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may only either be towedaway with both axles on the ground or be loadedup and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle isdamaged, have the vehicle transported on atruck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-tem:
If the battery is defective, the automatic trans-mission will be locked in position]. To shift theautomatic transmission to position\\, youmust provide power to the vehicle's on-boardelectrical system in the same way as when jump-starting (Ypage 282).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter ortrailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!Vehicles with automatic transmission mustnot be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-age the automatic transmission.
iYou can find information on "Jump-starting"under (Ypage 282).
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.
This could result in a fire. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
!Only use fuses that have been approved forMercedes-Benz vehicles and which have thecorrect fuse rating for the system concerned.Only use fuses marked with an "S". Other-
Fuses287
Breakdown assistance
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