tow MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON 2011 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2011, Model line: E-CLASS SALOON, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON 2011Pages: 409, PDF Size: 10.47 MB
Page 224 of 409
Active Lane Keeping Assist does not detect
road and traffic conditions. An inappropriate
brake applicatio nmay be interrupted at any
time if:
R you steer slightly in th eopposite direction.
R you use a turn signal.
R you clearly brake or accelerate.
Al ane-correcting brake applicatio nis inter-
rupted automatically if:
R a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind
Spot Assist.
R lane markings can no longer be recognised.
Activating Active Lane Keeping Assist Example: vehicles featuring automatic transmis-
sion with a DIRECT SELECT lever
X Activate Active Lane Keeping Assist using
the on-board computer (Y page 242).
Symbol :appears in the multifunction
display.
If you drive at speeds above 60 km/h and
lane markings are detected, symbol :is
highlighted. Active Lane Keeping Assist is
ready for use.
Trailer towing
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Towing
atrailer Notes on towing
atrailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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 no tcouple 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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer. Towing
atrailer
221Driving an d parking
Z
Page 225 of 409
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 has a larger turning circle
As a result, the handling characteristics may
be impaired and you may lose control of the
vehicle. This could lead to an accident with
serious or even fatal injuries.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed. G
WARNING
If you exceed the maximum noseweight when
using a carrier system on the ball coupling:
R the carrier system may be thrown around.
R the ball coupling and the carrier system
may become detached from the vehicle.
As a result, you may injure others or cause an
accident.
Do not exceed the maximum noseweight.
When driving with a loaded carrier system,
always adjust your driving style to the prevail- ing road, traffic and weather conditions and
drive particularly carefully.
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
General notes 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 (Y page 365).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 395).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 84 kg 21
. However,
the actual noseweight must not exceed the
value given on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 200), parking guidance
(Y page 203) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 212) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
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.
21 Missing values for the E300 model were not available at the time of going to print. 222
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
Page 226 of 409
Driving tips
i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 75).
The maximum permissible speed fo rvehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benzv ehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must shift to a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission, select
the shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to prevent the
vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously. 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. 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
WARNING
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. Towing
atrailer
223Driving an d parking Z
Page 227 of 409
Saloon
Estate
X
To open the cover (Saloon): push down
luggage net ;.
X Turn handle :anti-clockwise and fold
dow ncover =.
X To open the cover (Estate): pull han-
dle :in the direction of the arrow and fold
down cover ;. X
Grip release wheel ;so that your thumb
lies on the thumb rest.
X Turn release wheel ;anti-clockwise until
the ball coupling releases 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 multifunction display shows the
Check trailer hitch lock message
until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering 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 it is either greased or dry
(grease free), depending on the instruc-
tions for the trailer.
The power socket is integrated in the ball
coupling. Coupling up a trailer
G
WARNING
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer. 224
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
Page 228 of 409
X
Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check tha tthe trailer lighting system is
working. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
As soon as you raise the trailer drawbar, the
unladen vehicle rises slightly. The vehicle then
lowers to driving level.
Make sure tha tnobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody. You could oth-
erwise trap yourself or others. G
WARNING
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. Make sure that nobody
is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody. You could otherwise trap yourself
or others.
As soon as you decouple the trailer, the unla-
den vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you
or others are not injured in the process.
! 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 Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
i Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
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): push down
luggage net ;.
X Turn handle :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 ;. Towing
atrailer
225Driving an d parking Z
Page 229 of 409
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.
Indicato rlamp :goes out and the mes-
sage in the multifunction display disap-
pears. Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socke tis equipped with a permanent
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 accessories with a
power rating of up to 240 W to the perma-
nent power supply and with a power rating
of up to 180 W to the power supply that is
switched on via the ignition lock.
The trailer battery may not be charged from
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 find more information abouti nstal-
ling the trailer electrics at a qualified special-
is tw orkshop.
X To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2or 0respectively. Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps
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. The
reason for the error message may be that
the current has fallen below the minimum
of 50 mA.
To ensure reliable operation of the bulb failure
indicator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting
must be guaranteed a minimum current of
50 mA. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes 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 can be obtained in a
qualified specialist workshop.226
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
Page 230 of 409
Fitting the adapter
X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn the con-
nector clockwise to the stop.
X Let 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 sufficien tcable
play so that the cable canno tbecome
detached when cornering. Towing
atrailer
227Driving an d parking Z
Page 265 of 409
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
b
Intell. Light Sys‐
tem inoperative The Intelligent Light Syste
mis faulty. The lights remain available
without the Intelligent Light System.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Malfunction See
Owner's Manual The exterior lighting is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: a fuse may have blown.
X
Check the fuses (Y page 359).
X If necessary, replace the blown fuse. Observe the warning notes
as you do so.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
AUTO
lights inoper‐
ative The light sensor is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Switch off lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Turn the light switch to Ã.Adaptive Main-beam
Assist inoperative Adaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Adaptive Main-beam
Assist currently
unavailable See
Owner's Manual Adaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily inoper-
ative. Possible causes:
R
the windscreen is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
X Cleant he windscreen.
If the system detects that the camera is fully operational again,
the Adaptive Main-beam Assist available again message
is displayed.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is operational again. 262
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Page 272 of 409
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Blind Spot Assist
currently unavail‐
able See Owner's
Manual orActive
Blind Spot Assist
currently unavail‐
able See Owner's
Manual Blind Spot Assis
torActive Blind Spot Assist is temporarily inop-
erative .Possible causes:
R you have established the electrical connection between the
trailer and your vehicle.
R the sensors are dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio sta-
tions or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior mir-
rors.
X When towing a trailer, confirm the display message with a.
If you are driving without a trailer and the display message does
not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Clean the sensors (Y page 330).
X Restart the engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again. Blind Spot Assist
inopera‐
tive orActive Blind
Spot Assist inoper‐
ative Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow 9indicator lamps also light up in the exterior mir-
rors.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Parking Guidance
inoperative Parking Guidance is malfunctioning (Y
page 203).
X Restart the engine.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
269On-board computer and displays Z
Page 280 of 409
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
_
Rear left seat
backrest not
locked or
Rear right seat back‐
rest not locked G
Risk of injury
Saloon with through-loading feature in the rear bench seat:
The backrest in the rear is no tengaged on the left-hand and/or
right-hand side .Awarning tone also sounds.
X Push the backres tback until it engages. j
Check trailer
hitch lock G
Ris
kofa ccident
The trailer tow hitch is no tcorrectly engaged.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attentio ntoroad and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Allow the trailer tow hitch ball coupling to engage in the end
position (Y page 223). D
Power
steering mal‐
function See Own‐
er's Manual G
Risk of accident
The power steering assistance is faulty.
You will need to use more force to steer.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Chec kwhether you are able to apply the extra force required.
X If you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.
X If you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop. &
inoperative Bat‐
tery low The on-board voltage is too low. The auxiliary heating has switched
itself off or cannot be switched on (Y page 145).
X Drive for a longer distance.
The battery is being charged. The auxiliary heating is operational
again as soon as the on-board electrical system voltage is suf-
ficient. &
inoperative
Refuel
vehicle The fuel level in the fuel tank is too low. The auxiliary heating can-
not be switched on (Y page 145).
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. Display messages
277On-board computer and displays Z