MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2014 Owners Manual

It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, have it transported onatransporter
or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in
positionNwhen the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise,you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to
positionN
iDeactivate the automatic locking feature
(Ypage 83). You could otherwisebelocked
out when pushing or towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There
isarisk of burns when removing the rear
cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe.Take particular
carewhen removingtherear cover.
Example:towing eye covers
Towing eye covers (AMG vehicles)
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (Ypage 320).
XPull coverout of the bumper in the
direction of the arrow by inserting your
fingers into the recess.
XPress the mark on coverinwards in the
direction of the arrow.
Towing and tow-starting329
Breakdown assistance
Z

XTake coveroff the opening.
XScrew in and tighten the towing eye
clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XPosition the top of coverin the bumper
and press it in at the bottom until it
engages.
XAttach coverto the bumper and press
until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
!The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP®could
otherwise damage the brake system.
Only possible for vehicles without
4MATIC.
XSwitchonthe hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 120).
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
XWhen leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is importantthat you observe the
safety instructions (Ypage 328).
Towingavehicle with both axles on
theground
It is importantthat you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Ypage 328).
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to positionPwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. In order
to ensure that the automatic transmission
stays in positionNwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position0.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(Ypage 147).
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 120).
XLeave the SmartKey in position2in the
ignition lock.
iWhen towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usualtosignalachange of
direction. In this case, only the indicator
lamps for the direction of travel flash. After
resetting the combination switch, the
hazard warning lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
!Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
ontoatrailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
330Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionP.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
XSecure the vehicle.
Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
!Vehicles with 4MATICmust not be towed
with either the frontorthe rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it
transported onatransporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system
If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in positionP.To
shift the automatic transmission to position
N,you must provide power to the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jump-starting (Ypage 326).
Have the vehicle transported onatransporter
or trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be started by tow-starting. This
could otherwise damage the transmission.
You can find information on "Jump-starting"
at (Ypage 326).
Fuses
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you manipulate or bridgeafaulty fuse or if
you replace it withafuse withahigher
amperage, the electric cables could be
overloaded. This could result inafire. There
isarisk 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
for Mercedes-Benzvehicles and which
have the correct fuse ratingfor the system
concerned. Otherwise, componentsor
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. Ifafuse blows,all the
componentsonthecircuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fusesmust be replacedwith fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
Ifanewly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified ataqualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-BenzCenter.
Beforechangingafuse
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 167).
XSwitchoff all electrical consumers.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Ypage 147).
or
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (Ypage 147).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
Fuses331
Breakdown assistance
Z

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
RFuse box in the engine compartment on the
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
Rfuse box in the trunk on the right-hand side,
when viewed in the direction of travel
the fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit in the stowage compartment
under the trunk floor (Ypage 320).
Fuse box in the engine compartment
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion,you can be injured
by the wiper linkage. There isarisk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
!Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
!When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
XOpen the hood.
XUseadry cloth to remove any moisture
from the fuse box.
XTo open:remove linesfrom the guides.
XMove linesaside. Route the lines behind
connection$to do this.
XOpen clamp.
XRemove the fuse box cover forwards.
XTo close:check whether the rubber seal is
lying correctly in the cover.
XInsert the cover at the rear of the fuse box
into the retainer.
XFold down cover and close clamps.
XSecure linesin the guides.
XClose the hood.
Fuse box in the trunk
!Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
!When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
XOpen the trunk lid.
XTo open:release coverat the top right
and left-hand sides withaflat object.
XOpen coverdownwards in the direction
of the arrow.
332Fuses
Breakdown assistance

Useful information............................334
Importantsafetynotes....................334
Operation...........................................334
Winter operation...............................336
Check.................................................338
Loading the vehicle..........................345
All about wheels and tires...............349
Changingawheel.............................357
Wheel and tirecombinations...........362
Emergency sparewheel...................367
333
Wheels and tires

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please notethat your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systemsand functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 26).
Important safetynotes
GWARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There isarisk of an
accident.
Always replacewheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmodel
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmanufacturer
Rmodel
GWARNING
Aflat tireseverely impairs the driving,
steeringand braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There isarisk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
Rdo not drive withaflat tire.
Rimmediately replacethe flat tirewith your
emergencyspare wheel or spare wheel, or
consultaqualified specialist workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
Rpay attention to the information and
warningnotices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benzorthat are not
being used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visitaqualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
Rsuitability
Rlegal stipulations
Rfactory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Ypage 362).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
Ron the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
(Ypage 345)
Ron the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Ypage 165)
Runder "Tire pressure" (Ypage 338)
Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect thatatire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
334Operation
Wheels and tires

and wheels checked ataqualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle,makesure that
thetires do notget deformed by the curb or
other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. Asaresult, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There isarisk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly checkthe wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least onceamonth, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can causealoss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Ypage 335). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must haveavalve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benzfor your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Ypage 338).
Observe the notes on the emergencyspare
wheel (Ypage 367).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
RDrivingstyle
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Important safety notes on the tire
tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There isarisk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires:in (3 mm)
RM+S tires:in (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Operation335
Wheels and tires
Z

Bar indicatorfor treadwearisintegrated
into the tire tread.
Treadwear indicators(TWI) are required by
law. Six indicatorsare positioned on the tire
tread. Theyare visible once the treaddepth
is approximatelyin (1.6 mm). If this is the
case,the tire is so worn that it mustbe
replaced.
Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
Exception: it is permissible to install a
different type or make in the event ofaflat
tire. Observe the "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics" section
(Ypage321).
ROnly mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
RBreak in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first 60 miles(100 km).They only reach
their full performance after this distance.
RDo not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
RReplace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear.
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Ypage 367).
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there isatotal loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with
aflat tire (Ypage 321).
iVehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped withaTIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionallyequip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
ATIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop.
Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed ataqualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changingawheel"
section (Ypage 357).
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity significantly,and
therefore traction and braking power as well.
Change the tires on yourvehicle to
M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause crackstoform,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage.
M+S tires
GWARNING
M+S tires withatiretread depthofless than
in (4 mm)are notsuitable for use in winter
and do notprovide sufficient traction.There
isariskofanaccident.
M+S tires withatread depthofless than
in (4 mm)must be replacedimmediately.
At temperatures below 45‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-weather tires. Both typesof
tireare identified by theM+S marking.
336Winteroperation
Wheels and tires

Only winter tires bearing thesnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possiblegrip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allowdriving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP®to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developedspecificallyfor driving in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
Alwaysobserve the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once the winter tires are mounted:
XCheck the tire pressures (Ypage 341).
XVehiclesfor Canada:restart the tire
pressure loss warning system
(Ypage 342).
XRestart the tire pressure monitor
(Ypage 342).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see (Ypage 367).
Snow chains
GWARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There isarisk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
Rnever install snow chains to the front
wheels
Ralways install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
!On vehicles with AIRMATIC, you must
drive at raised vehicle level if snow chains
have been mounted. The vehicle may
otherwise be damaged.
!On some tire sizes there is not enough
space for snow chains. To avoid damage to
the vehicle or tires, observe the "Wheel and
tire combinations" section under "Tires and
wheels".
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been speciallyapproved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,orare of a
corresponding standard of quality.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
RSnow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel-tire combinations (Ypage 362).
ROnly use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow.
Remove the snow chains as soon as
possiblewhen you come toaroad that is
not snow-covered.
RLocal regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate
regulations if you wish to mount snow
chains.
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
iYou may wish to deactivate ESP®when
pulling away with snow chains installed
(Ypage 69). This way you can allow the
wheels to spin inacontrolled manner,
achieving an increased driving force
(cutting action).
For more information on driving with the
emergencyspare wheel, see (Ypage 367).
Winter operation337
Wheels and tires
Z

Check
Tirepressure specifications
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Tireswithtirepressuresthatare toolow or
toohigh are associated withthefollowing
hazards:
Rthey can burst, in particular if thevehicle is
heavily laden or when driven at high
speeds.
Rthetires can wear excessively and/or
unevenly, whichcan severely impairtire
traction.
Rthe driving, steeringand braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
There isarisk of accident.
Follow recommended tireinflation pressures
and checkthe pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel:
Rmonthly, at least
Rif the load changes
Rbefore beginningalong journey
Runder different operating conditions,e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
iThe specifications on the sample Tire and
Loading Information placard and tire
pressure tables are examples. Tire
pressure specifications are vehicle-specific
and may deviate from the data shown here.
The tire pressure specifications that are
valid for your vehicle can be found on the
Tire and Loading Information placard and
tire pressure table on the vehicle.
General notes
The recommended tire pressures for the tires
mounted at the factory can be found on the
labelsdescribed here.
Operation with the emergency spare
wheel(Ypage 367).
Further information on tire pressures can be
obtained ataqualified specialist workshop.
Tire and Loading Information placard
Recommended tire pressures
The Tire and Loading Information placard is
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Ypage 345).
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires. The recommended tire pressures
are valid for the maximum permissible load
and up to the maximum permissible vehicle
speed.
Tire pressuretable
The tire pressure table is on the inside of the
fuel filler flap.
Example: tire pressure table for all tires permittedfor this vehicle by the factory
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended pressures for cold tires for
various operating conditions, i.e. differing
load and speed conditions.
338Check
Wheels and tires