towing MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2013 W218 Owner's Manual

Maintenance
.................................. 162
Parking brake ................................ 158
Warning lamp .................................
257
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages


Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 309
Car wash ........................................ 303
Display ........................................... 307
Exterior lights ................................ 306
Gear or selector lever ....................309
Interior ........................................... 307
Matte finish ................................... 305
Night View Assist Plus ...................308
Notes ............................................. 303
Paint .............................................. 305
Plastic trim .................................... 308
Power washer ................................ 304
Rear view camera .......................... 307
Roof lining ...................................... 309
Seat belt ........................................ 309
Seat cover ..................................... 309
Sensors ......................................... 307
Steering wheel ............................... 309
Tail pipes ....................................... 307
Trim pieces .................................... 309
Washing by hand ........................... 304
Wheels ........................................... 306
Windows ........................................ 306
Wiper blades .................................. 306
Wooden trim .................................. 309
Cargo tie down rings .........................274
Car wash (care) ................................. 303
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 215Center console
Lower section .................................. 33
Lower section (AMG vehicles) ..........34
Upper section .................................. 32
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 222
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey)

........75
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes .................. 119
Overview of bulb types ..................119
Reversing lamps ............................ 120
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 62
Rear doors ....................................... 63
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 58
Restraint systems ............................ 58
Special seat belt retractor ............... 60
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 61
Top Tether ....................................... 61
Cigarette lighter ................................ 280
Cleaning Mirror turn signal ........................... 307
Climate control
Automatic climate control (3-
zone) .............................................. 127
Controlling automatically ...............129
Cooling with air dehumidification ..128
Defrosting the windows ................. 132
Defrosting the windshield .............. 131
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 125
Important safety notes .................. 124
Indicator lamp ................................ 129
Information on using 3-zone
automatic climate control .............. 128
Maximum cooling .......................... 131
Notes on using automatic climate
control ........................................... 126
Overview of systems ......................124
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 129
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 132
Rear control panel .........................1276
Index

Driving in winter ............................. 164
Driving on flooded roads
................164
Driving on wet roads ...................... 164
Exhaust check
............................... 160
Fuel ................................................ 159
General .......................................... 159
Hydroplaning ................................. 164
Icy road surfaces ........................... 164
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 162
Pedals ............................................ 160
Snow chains .................................. 329
Symmetrical low beam .................. 110
Wet road surface ........................... 162
Drowsiness detection assistance
system
see ATTENTION ASSIST
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 215
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 216E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating

.................223
Function/notes ............................. 104
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 105
Function/notes ............................. 104
Switching on/off ........................... 223
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 231
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 160
On-board computer ....................... 213
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 143
General information ....................... 142
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System) Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 82
Fuel filler flap

................................. 155
Trunk ............................................... 86
Vehicle ............................................. 82
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes .................. 357
Points to remember .......................358
Removing ....................................... 358
Storage location ............................ 358
Stowing .......................................... 359
Technical data ............................... 361
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 264
Display message ............................ 239
ECO start/stop function ................ 142
Engine number ............................... 366
Irregular running ............................ 145
Jump-starting ................................. 317
Starting problems .......................... 145
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 141
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 141
Switching off .................................. 158
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 321
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................145
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 300
Additives ........................................ 369
Checking the oil level ..................... 299
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 299
Display message ............................ 241
Filling capacity ............................... 369
Notes about oil grades ................... 368
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 299
Temperature (on-board computer) . 224
Viscosity ........................................ 369 Index
9

Side impact air bag
............................. 43
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 238
Side windows Cleaning .........................................
306
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 88
Important safety information ........... 87
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Problem (malfunction) .....................90
Resetting ......................................... 89
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes .................... 90
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Problem (malfunction) .....................93
Resetting ......................................... 91
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 77
Changing the programming ............. 76
Checking the battery ....................... 77
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 88
Display message ............................ 253
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Loss ................................................. 79
Mechanical key ................................ 76
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 139
Problem (malfunction) .....................79
Starting the engine ........................ 141
Snow chains ...................................... 329
Sockets Center console .............................. 282
General notes ................................ 281
Rear compartment ......................... 282
Trunk ............................................. 282
Under the armrest .........................281
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 359
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Special seat belt retractor .................. 60
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 213
In the Instrument cluster ......... 29, 209Segments
...................................... 210
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 220
see Instrument cluster

SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 261
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Display message ............................ 233
Introduction ..................................... 39
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Warning lamp (function) ................... 39
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 237
Switching on/off ........................... 112
Starting (engine) ................................ 141
Steering (display message) ..............253
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................103
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 210
Cleaning ......................................... 309
Important safety notes .................. 103
Paddle shifters ............................... 150
Steering wheel heating .................. 103
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 107
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ...................104
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........150
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 225
Stowage areas ................................... 270
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 272
Center console .............................. 271
Cup holders ................................... 276
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 271
Glove box ....................................... 271
Important safety information ......... 270
Rear ............................................... 272
Stowage net ................................... 273
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 272
Stowage net ....................................... 27316
Index

Definition of terms .........................
345
Direction of rotation ...................... 348
Display message ............................ 248
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 348
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 345
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............ 346
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 346
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 346
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................346
Important safety notes .................. 326
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 346
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 346
Labeling (overview) ........................ 342
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 347
Load index ..................................... 344
Load index (definition) ...................346
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 346
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 347
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 347
Maximum tire load ......................... 344
Maximum tire load (definition) .......347
MOExtended tires .......................... 328
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 347
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 347
Replacing ....................................... 348
Service life ..................................... 328
Sidewall (definition) .......................347
Speed rating (definition) ................ 346
Storing ........................................... 348
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 345
Temperature .................................. 341
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 347
Tire bead (definition) ......................347
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 347Tire pressures (recommended) ......
346
Tire size (data) ............................... 353
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 342
Tire tread ....................................... 327
Tire tread (definition) .....................347
Total load limit (definition) ............. 348
Traction ......................................... 341
Traction (definition) ....................... 347
Tread wear ..................................... 341
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 340
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 346
Unladen weight (definition) ............ 347
Wear indicator (definition) .............347
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 346
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 61
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........318
Installing the towing eye ................ 319
Removing the towing eye ...............320
With the rear axle raised ................ 320
Towing away
With both axles on the ground ....... 320
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 321
Important safety notes .................. 318
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........147
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................147
Transporting the vehicle .................. 321
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 309
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 212
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 212
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 213
Trunk
Emergency release .......................... 86
Important safety notes .................... 82
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 85 18
Index

Opening/closing (automatically
from outside)
................................... 84
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................
83
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 252
Opening/closing .............................. 82
Opening dimensions ...................... 371
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 371
Turn signals Display message ............................ 236
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................82
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 81V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........

278
Vehicle Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 251
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................219
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 337
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 82
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 75
Lowering ........................................ 352
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 159
Pulling away ................................... 141
Raising ........................................... 350
Reporting problems .........................24
Securing from rolling away ............349
Towing away .................................. 318
Transporting .................................. 321
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 82
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................75
Vehicle data ................................... 371
Vehicle data ....................................... 371
Vehicle dimensions ...........................371Vehicle emergency locking
................82
Vehicle identification number see VIN


Vehicle identification plate ..............365
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 180
Vehicle level (display message) .......243
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 312
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 216
VIN ...................................................... 365 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 258
Brakes ........................................... 257
Check Engine ................................. 264
Coolant .......................................... 264
Distance warning ........................... 266
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 266
ESP ®
.............................................. 260
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 261
Fuel tank ........................................ 264
Overview .................................. 30, 255
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 45
Reserve fuel ................................... 264
Seat belt ........................................ 256
SPORT handling mode ................... 261
SRS ................................................ 263
Tire pressure monitor .................... 267
Warranty ............................................ 364
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 253
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........352
Wheel chock ...................................... 349
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 348
Checking ........................................ 327
Cleaning ......................................... 306
Cleaning (warning) .........................348
Emergency spare wheel ................. 357
Important safety notes .................. 326
Interchanging/changing ................348
Mounting a new wheel ................... 351
Mounting a wheel .......................... 349
Removing a wheel ..........................351 Index
19

specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
i
This
device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the
device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 63).G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases

the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the rear axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 320).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the å warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction. Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 260) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 229).
If ESP
®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle.

The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull

away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
. 66
Driving safety systems
Safety

Shifting to neutral N
G
WARNING
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.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
to N.
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes

with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions:
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure that 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 the parking brake is engaged, release it.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R engage 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.
R if the parking brake is engaged, release it.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance. Transmission positions
B
Park position
Do not shift the transmission into
position
P (Y page
157) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the parking
brake to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. C
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. 148
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2.
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Cruise control lever :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
? To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance Activating DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS
is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
Activation conditions
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R the parking brake must be released.
R ESP ®
must be active, but not intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.
R the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from P to D or your seat belt must be
fastened.
R the front-passenger door and rear doors
must be closed.
R the vehicle must not skid.
Activating while driving 170
Driving systems
Driving and parking

because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for
obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
example,
the detected vehicle turns a corner
and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle,
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane.
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights
with

crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally. 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.
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if:
R
the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running.
R the

driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the parking brake is released.
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function G
WARNING
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).
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until ë appears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.178
Driving systems
Driving and parking

If indicator lamps = and ? are off:
X
Press button : twice.
Indicator lamps = and ? light up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If indicator lamp ? lights up:
X Press the : button once.
Second indicator lamp = lights up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Comfort mode
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
freeway.
X Press button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
Once the suspension tuning and drive
program have been selected, you can store
and call up your settings using AMG
button ;.
X To store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.
X To call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive
program are selected.
X To display: briefly press AMG button ;.
Your selection appears in the multifunction
display. 4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
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.
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.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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. Driving systems
183
Driving and parking Z