trailer MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE 2009 Owner's Manual

Thus, you should replace tyres that have
insufficient tread.
R winter tyres should be replaced when the
tread depth is 4 mm or less as they will no
longer provide adequate grip.
R the tread on a tyre may not wear evenly.
Thus, you should regularly check the tread
depth and the condition of the tread across
the entire width of all tyres. If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the tyre tread more easily.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident due to the reduced
grip of the tyres on the road. Tyre pressures
i You will find a table of tyre pressures for
various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The applicable value for the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel* is stated on the
spare wheel and in the technical data sec-
tion.
The applicable value for the maximum load
during trailer towing is stated on the tyre
pressure information label on the inside of
your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The load condition "partially laden" or "fully
laden" is defined in the table by the differing
number of passengers and amount of lug-
gage. The actual number of seats may vary
from this – more information can be found on
the vehicle's registration document.
If no other data is stated, the tyre pressures
specified on the fuel filler flap apply for all
tyres approved for this vehicle. If the tyre pressures are preceded by a tyre
size, the tyre pressure specified only applies
to this tyre size.
Instead of the complete tyre size, it may be
that only the rim diameter is stated, e.g.
R 16
or16". Rim diameter
:is part of the tyre size and
can be found on the sidewall of the tyre. G
Risk of accident
Tyre pressure that is either too high or too low
has a negative effect on the vehicle’s driving
safety, which could lead you to cause an acci- Tyres and wheels
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dent. Therefore, you should regularly check
the pressure of all the tyres, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as nec-
essary.
To test tyre pressure, use a suitable pressure
gauge. The outer appearance of a tyre does
not permit any reliable conclusion about the
tyre pressure. On vehicles fitted with the elec-
tronic tyre pressure monitor*, the tyre pres-
sure can be checked in the on-board com-
puter. G
Risk of accident
Do not fit anything else to the tyre valve other
than the standard valve cap. In particular, ret-
rofitted tyre pressure monitors which are
screwed on to the valve may overload it and
cause it to fail. Due to their design, the valve
is kept open continuously, which may lead to
air loss. G
Risk of accident
Should the tyre pressure drop repeatedly:
R check the tyre for foreign bodies.
R check whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
R make sure that only a valve cap approved
by Mercedes-Benz is fitted on the tyre
valve.
Tyre pressures that are too low have a nega-
tive effect on vehicle safety, which could lead
to your causing an accident.
If possible, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold. Depending on
the ambient temperature, the speed you are
driving at and the load on the tyres, the tyre
temperature and thus the tyre pressure may
change by approximately 0.1 bar per 10 †.
Take this into account when checking the
pressure of warm tyres and only correct it if
it is too low for the current operating condi-
tions. Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R
shorten the service life of the tyres
R increase the likelihood of tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics (e.g. by causing aquaplaning)
Also check the pressure of the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel*. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days.
Speeds up to 210 km/h:
Despite the values stated on the tyre pressure
information label (fuel filler flap), for speeds
up to 210 km/h andwith 16" or 17" tyres,
the values stated can be reduced as follows,
without a reduction in safety:
Saloon: -0.3 bar / (-4 psi)
Estate: -0.2 bar (-3 psi)
This does not apply to vehicles towing a
trailer.
This improves the ride comfort of your vehi-
cle; however, the fuel consumption may
increase slightly. Tyre pressure loss warning
While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed
of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of
a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appear in the multi-function dis-
play. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pres-
sure. The table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap will help you decide whether the tyre
pressures should be corrected. 226
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The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not replace the need to regularly check your
vehicle's tyre pressures, since an even loss of
pressure on several tyres at the same time
cannot be detected by the tyre pressure loss
warning system.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object.
In the event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring
the vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Do
not make any sudden steering movements
when doing so.
The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, consult the table of tyre
pressures on the inside of the fuel filler flap
to ensure that the tyre pressure in all four
tyres is set correctly for the respective
operating conditions.
X Observe the notes in the section on tyre
pressures (Y page 225). G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tyre pressure.
If an incorrect tyre pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tyre with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus increas-
ing the risk of an accident.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
In the multi-function display you will see the
standard display (Y page 119).
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre pressure.
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Run Flat Indicator active Restart
with OK
If you wish to confirm the restart:
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Tyre press. now OK?
X Press the 9or: button to select
Yes.
X Press the abutton.
You will see the following message in the
multi-function display:
Run Flat Indicator restarted
After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tyre pressures of all four tyres.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the %button.
or
X When the Tyre press. now OK? message
appears, press 9or: to select
Cancel. Tyres and wheels
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and wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R snow chains must not be fitted to emer-
gency spare wheels, e.g. a "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel.
R Only fit snow chains in pairs and to the rear
wheels, even on vehicles with 4MATIC*.
Comply with the manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
On vehicles with AIRMATIC*, if snow chains
have been fitted, you may only drive at raised
vehicle level (Y page 154).
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
i You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
when
pulling away with snow chains fitted
(Y page 60). This way, you can allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner, ach-
ieving an increased driving force (cutting
action). Winter driving
G
Risk of accident
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Vehicles with manual transmission: engage
neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
shift the selector lever to N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering. Driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off
G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake when the engine is not
running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Brakes
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill stretches, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift to a lower gear in good time or,
on vehicles with automatic transmission*,
select shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. Driving tips
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Converting dipped-beam headlamps on
vehicles with halogen headlamps :
Protective cap
; Switchover lever
X Turn protective cap :anti-clockwise and
remove it.
X Push switchover lever ;down.
X Insert protective cap :and turn it clock-
wise.
When you are driving back on the same side
of the road as the country where the vehicle
is registered, have the headlamps changed
back to asymmetrical dipped beam as soon
as possible after crossing the border. Trailer towing
Folding out the ball coupling
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that the ball coupling is engaged,
either in its folded-out or folded-in position,
and that the indicator lamp is off.
Do not turn the release wheel when a trailer
is coupled up. Otherwise, the trailer might
detach. Saloon
Estate
X
To open the cover (saloon): turn han-
dle :anti-clockwise and fold down
cover ;.
X To open the cover (estate): pull han-
dle :in the direction of the arrow and fold
down cover ;. 234
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X
Grasp release wheel ;with your hand
such that the thumb is in the thumb rest
and turn it anti-clockwise.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
from under the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp :flashes. X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
The multi-function display shows the
Trailer hitch Check lock mech. mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective cap from the ball
coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that, depending on the trailer
specification, it is greased or dry (without
grease) when used.
The power socket is integrated in the ball
coupling. Notes on towing a trailer
G
Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached. Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section.
i When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 356).
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 84 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer coupling or
trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC* ( Ypage 159), parking guid-
ance* (Y page 162) and Blind Spot
Assist* (Y page 261) are only available with
limitations, or not at all. Trailer towing
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i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tips G
Risk of accident
If the Check trailer hitch locking
mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whether the
ball coupling is correctly engaged.
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 60).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission*, select
shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. 236
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Driving tips
R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. G
Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed. Folding in the ball coupling
i Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-
wise, they could be injured.
X Place the protective cap on the ball cou-
pling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment. Saloon
Estate
X
To open the cover (saloon): turn han-
dle :anti-clockwise and fold down
cover ;.
X To open the cover (estate): pull han-
dle :in the direction of the arrow and fold
down cover ;. Trailer towing
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X
Grasp release wheel ;with your hand
such that the thumb is in the thumb rest
and turn it anti-clockwise.
The ball coupling unlocks and lowers. Indi-
cator lamp :flashes. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow until it engages behind the
bumper.
Indicator lamp :goes out and the mes-
sage in the multi-function display disap-
pears. Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket outlet is equipped with a per-
manent power supply and a power supply that
is switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket
pin 10.
! You can connect consumers with a power
rating of up to 240 W to the permanent
power supply and up to 180 W to the power
supply that is switched on via the ignition
lock.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest. You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer electrics from a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X
To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2or 0, respectively. Bulb failure indicator for LEDs
i If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, an
error message may appear in the multi-
function display – even if there is no fault –
if the corresponding LED chain's current
draw drops below 50 milliamperes (mA).
To ensure reliable operation of the bulb failure
indicator, a minimum current of 50 mA must
be guaranteed by the manufacturer of each
LED chain in the trailer lighting. Trailer with 7-pin connector
If your trailer has a 7-pin connector, you can
connect it to the 13-pin socket on the ball
coupling using an adapter or, if necessary, an
adapter cable. Both of these can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Fitting the adapter 238
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X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn the con-
nector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
! Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering. Service
ASSYST PLUS service interval display
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
The service due date is shown in the multi-
function display, for example:
Next service A in .. days
Next service A in ... km
Service A due
The letter indicates which service is due. A
stands for a minor service and Bfor a major
service. A number or another letter may be
displayed after the letter. This figure indicates
any necessary additional maintenance work
to be performed. If you report this displayed
information to a qualified specialist work-
shop, for example a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre, they can inform you of the costs the
service will incur.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted. Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X
Note down the service due date displayed
before disconnecting the battery.
or
X Subtract the battery disconnection periods
from the service date shown on the display
after reconnecting the battery.
Hiding a service message X
Press %ora on the steering wheel.
Service overdue A display message is shown in the multi-func-
tion display, for example:
Service A overdue by ... days
Service A overdue by .. km
i
If you fail to have the service performed
by the specified date, you may be violating
applicable laws. Your warranty may be inva-
lidated and goodwill settlements may be
refused.
Calling up a service due date X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press =or; to select the Service
menu on the steering wheel.
X Press 9or: to select the ASSYST
PLUS submenu and press ato confirm.
The multi-function display shows the
service due date. AdBlue
®
service indicator
i For Blue-TEC vehicles only.
The BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment
must be operated with a reducing agent
(AdBlue ®
) in order for it to function correctly.
AdBlue ®
is topped up as part of maintenance
work. Under normal operating conditions, a
full tank of AdBlue ®
should last until the next
service due date. Service
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