towing MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2019 Owners Manual

Features .............................................. 244
Maintenance and care......................260
Engine compartment ........................... 260
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 264
Care ..................................................... 265
Breakdown assistance.....................273
Where will I find...? .............................. 273
Flat tire ................................................ 274
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 279
Jump-starting ....................................... 282
Towing and tow-starting ...................... 284
Fuses ................................................... 287
Wheels and tires...............................290
Important safety notes ........................ 290
Operation ............................................ 290
Winter operation .................................. 292
Tire pressure ....................................... 293
Loading the vehicle .............................. 301
All about wheels and tires ................... 304
Changing a wheel ................................ 310
Wheel and tire combinations ............... 315
Emergency spare wheel ....................... 315
Technical data...................................317
Information regarding technical data ... 317
Vehicle electronics .............................. 317
Identification plates ............................. 318
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 319
Vehicle data ......................................... 325
Contents3

Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode.......................................139
B
Back button....................................... 232
Backup lamp
Display message ............................ 205
BAS (Brake Assist System)................. 61
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 73
Important safety notes .................... 73
Replacing ......................................... 73
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 281
Display message ............................ 208
Important safety notes .................. 279
Jump starting ................................. 282
Replacing ....................................... 281
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning......................................... 44
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 188
Display message ............................ 210
Notes/function .............................. 174
Bluetooth®
Searching for a mobile phone ........235
Searching for a mobile phone
(device manager) ........................... 236
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................231
Telephony ...................................... 235
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 199
Notes ............................................. 322
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamp
Replacing bulbs .............................107
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 204
Brakes
ABS ..................................................61
BAS .................................................. 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 322
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 63
Display message............................ 194
EBD .................................................. 67
Hill start assist ............................... 126
HOLD function ............................... 158
Important safety notes .................. 147
Maintenance .................................. 148
Parking brake ................................ 143
Riding tips ...................................... 147
Warning lamp ................................. 221
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation
Function/notes................................ 63
Breakdown assistance
Where will I find...? ........................ 273
see Flat tire
see Tow-starting
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)................................... 33
Buttons on the steering wheel......... 179
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 265
Carpets .......................................... 272
Display ........................................... 270
Exhaust pipe .................................. 270
Exterior lights ................................ 269
Gear or selector lever .................... 271
Interior ........................................... 270
Matte finish ................................... 267
Notes ............................................. 265
Paint .............................................. 267
Plastic trim .................................... 270
Power washer................................ 266
Rear view camera .......................... 269
6Index

Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 131
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving
Towing vehicles ............................. 129
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 265
Driving on flooded roads.................. 150
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 62
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation .....................................63
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE............................. 68
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 61
Distance warning function ............... 62
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 67
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 64
Important safety information ........... 61
Overview .......................................... 61
STEER CONTROL ............................. 68
Driving system
DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL ............ 162
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 162
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 160
Start-off assist ............................... 159
Driving systems
Active Parking Assist ..................... 165
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 161
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 173
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 174
Cruise control ................................ 150
Display message ............................ 209
HOLD function ............................... 158
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 176
Lane Tracking package .................. 174
Rear view camera .......................... 169
Driving tips
Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC ............................ 152, 158
Automatic transmission ................. 134
Brakes ........................................... 147
Break-in period .............................. 122
Checking brake lining thickness .... 149
Downhill gradient ........................... 147
Drinking and driving ....................... 146
Driving in winter ............................. 150
Driving on flooded roads ................ 150
Driving on wet roads ...................... 149
Exhaust check ............................... 146
Fuel ................................................ 146
General .......................................... 145
Hydroplaning ................................. 149
Icy road surfaces ........................... 150
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 148
Snow chains .................................. 293
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 122
Wet road surface ........................... 148
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 185
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 231
DYNAMIC SELECT button
Climate control (3-zone automatic
climate control) ............................. 116
Climate control (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 113
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles).................................................... 129
DYNAMIC SELECT controller............ 130
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)................. 130
E
EASY-PACK tailgate
see Tailgate
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system
Cargo compartment enlargement .. 242
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 196
Function/notes................................ 67
ECO display
Function/notes............................. 146
On-board computer ....................... 182
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 127
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 127
Index9

Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 310
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................310
Replacing ....................................... 310
Service life ..................................... 291
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 310
Speed rating (definition) ................ 309
Storing ...........................................311
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 308
Summer tires ................................. 292
Temperature .................................. 305
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 310
Tire bead (definition) ......................310
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 310
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 309
Tire size (data) ............................... 315
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 305
Tire tread ....................................... 291
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 310
Total load limit (definition) ............. 310
Traction ......................................... 304
Traction (definition) ....................... 310
Tread wear..................................... 304
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 304
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 309
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 310
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 309
see Flat tire
Top Tether............................................ 57
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 287
Important safety notes .................. 284
Installing the towing eye ................ 285
Removing the towing eye ............... 286
Towing
Permitted towing methods ............ 287
Towing a trailer
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 67
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 284
Installing the towing eye ................ 285
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 287
Removing the towing eye ............... 286
Transporting the vehicle ................ 287
With both axles on the ground ....... 286
With the front axle raised ............... 286
Towing eye......................................... 274
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 231
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever)...................... 131
Transporting the vehicle.................. 287
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions).................................................. 271
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter).................................................. 182
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 182
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 183
Trunk
Emergency release .......................... 82
Emergency release button ............... 82
Important safety notes .................... 78
Opening (automatically from out-
side) ................................................. 79
Opening (from outside the vehi-
cle, HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .............. 80
Opening automatically from
inside ............................................... 81
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 79
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 217
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 204
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 107
Switching on/off........................... 102
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 317
Installation ..................................... 317
Transmission output (maximum) .... 317
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
20Index

Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint systemsis required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
If you install a rearward-facing child restraintsystem on the center rear seat, the rear arm restmust be folded back as far as possible.
You can obtain further information about thecorrect child restraint system from any author-ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under
or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowingobjects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-lines" (Ypage 239).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing systems of child restraint systemsare:
Rthe seat belt system
Rthe LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
Rthe Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child onthe front-passenger seat, be sure to observe theinformation on the "Occupant ClassificationSystem (OCS)" (Ypage 47). There you will alsofind information on deactivating the front-passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-lowing standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system cor-responds to the standards can be found on aninstruction label on the child restraint system.This confirmation can also be found in the instal-lation instructions that are included with thechild restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-rior and on the child restraint system.
56Children in the vehicle
Safety

Drive on carefully. Have ESP®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Vehicles without 4MATIC:when towing yourvehicle with the front axle raised, it is important
that you observe the notes on ESP®
(Ypage 286).
If the

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine does notstart. You cannot hearthe starter motor.
The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak ordischarged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 282).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two minutes.
XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not runningsmoothly and is misfir-ing.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanicalcomponent of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converterand damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-shop.
The coolant temperaturegauge shows a valueabove 248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant warninglamp may also be on anda warning tone maysound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is nolonger being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant tocool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 263). Observe the warning notesas you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle is not suitable for attaching tow barsystems, such as those used for flat towing ordinghy towing.
Attaching or using tow bar systems may result indamage to the vehicle.
When towing a vehicle with tow bar systems,safe driving characteristics cannot be guaran-teed for the towing vehicle or the towed vehicle.
The vehicle/trailer combination may swerve.
Observe the permissible towing methods(Ypage 287) and the notes on towing with bothaxles on the ground (Ypage 286).
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to change thedrive program. Depending on the drive programselected the following vehicle characteristicswill change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension (vehicles with damping sys-tem or AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-tem)
Rthe sound of the exhaust system (vehicleswith sports exhaust system)
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe climate control
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)129
Driving and parking
Z

the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatictransmission shifts to]automatically.
With the Start/Stop button:if you then openthe driver's door or the front-passenger door,the automatic transmission shifts to]auto-matically.
If you want the automatic transmission toremain in neutral\\, e.g. when having the vehi-cle cleaned in an automatic car wash with atowing system:
XVehicles with the Start-Stop button:remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-tion lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles:switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XEngage neutral\\.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKeyin the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XIf the transmission is in position^or\\:push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past thefirst point of resistance.
XIf the transmission is in position]: depressthe brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECTlever down past the first point of resistance.
Selector lever (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
Overview of transmission positions
]Park position with parking lock
^Reverse gear
\\Neutral
[Drive
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-gram appear in the multifunction display.
CTransmission position display
DDrive program display
If the transmission position display in the mul-tifunction display is not working, you should pullaway carefully to check whether the desiredtransmission position is engaged. Ideally, youshould select transmission position[anddrive programCorS.
Engaging park position P
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, press but-tonC.
Engaging reverse gear R
!Only move the automatic transmission to^when the vehicle is stationary.
XDepress the brake and keep it pressed.
XPush the selector lever forwards past the firstpoint of resistance.
Automatic transmission133
Driving an d parking
Z

To ensure that the vehicle is secured againstrolling away unintentionally:
Rthe electric parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in position]andthe transmission position display must show]in the multifunction display.
Rthe SmartKey must be removed from the igni-tion lock.
Ron uphill or downhill gradients, the frontwheels must be turned towards the curb.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral positionNwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.
XAll vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):shift the transmission to position].
XMercedes-AMG vehicles:press buttonC.
XWith the SmartKey :turn the SmartKey topositionZin the ignition lock and remove it.The immobilizer is activated.
XWith the Start/Stop button:press theStart/Stop button (Ypage 123).The engine stops and all the indicator lamps inthe instrument cluster go out.
If the driver's door is closed, this is the sameas key positionG. If the driver's door is open,this is the same as key positionZ, i.e. theSmartKey having been removed.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-sion in position^or[, the automatic trans-mission shifts to\\automatically.
With the SmartKey:if you then open the driv-er's door or the front-passenger door or removethe SmartKey from the ignition, the automatictransmission shifts to]automatically.
With the Start/Stop button:if you then openthe driver's door or the front-passenger door,the automatic transmission shifts to]auto-matically.
If you want the automatic transmission toremain in neutral\\, e.g. when having the vehi-cle cleaned in an automatic car wash with atowing system:
XVehicles with the Start-Stop button:remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-tion lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles:switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XEngage neutral\\.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKeyin the ignition lock.
Electric parking brake
General notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment
Parking143
Driving and parking
Z

iCanada only: This device complies withRSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation issubject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,and
2. This device must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that maycause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the devicewill void any warranties, and is not permitted.Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this devicecould void the user's authority to operate theequipment.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC does not
react to:
Rpeople or animals
Rstationary objects in the road, e.g. stopped
or parked vehicles
Roncoming vehicles and crossing traffic
As a result, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
may neither give warnings nor intervene in
such situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cannot
always clearly identify other road users and
complex traffic situations.
In such cases, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC can:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate or brake unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, especially if Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC warns you.
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC brakes
your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum
possible deceleration. If this deceleration is
not sufficient, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC alerts you with a visual and acous-
tic warning. There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust your speed in these cases and main-
tain sufficient distance.
Apply the brakes yourself and/or take evasive
action.
!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
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC can neitherreduce the risk of an accident if you fail to adaptyour driving style, nor override the laws of phys-ics. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cannottake into account road, weather or traffic con-ditions. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC isonly an aid. You are responsible for the distanceto the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, forbraking in good time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC:
RIn road and traffic conditions which do notallow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. inheavy traffic or on winding roads
ROn slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-erating could cause the drive wheels to losetraction and the vehicle could then skid
RIn poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain orsnow
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC may notdetect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g.motorcycles, or vehicles driving in a staggeredformation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can beimpaired if:
RThere is dirt on the sensors or anything elsecovering the sensors
RThere is snow or heavy rain
Driving systems153
Driving and parking
Z