ESP MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 2017 Workshop Manual

360° camera
General notes The 360° camera is a system consisting of four
cameras.
The system processes images from the follow-
ing cameras: R
Rear view camera R
Front camera R
Two side cameras in the exterior mirrors
The cameras cover the immediate surroundings
of the vehicle. The system supports you, for
example when parking or if vision is restricted at
an exit.
You can show images from the 360° camera in
full-screen mode or in seven different split-
screen views on the multimedia system. A split-
screen view also includes a top view of the vehi-
cle. This view is calculated from the data sup-
plied by the installed cameras (virtual camera).
The seven split-screen views are: R
Top view and picture from the rear view cam-
era (130° viewing angle) R
Top view and image from the front camera
(130° viewing angle without displaying the
maximum steering wheel angle) R
Top view and enlarged rear view R
Top view and enlarged front view R
Top view and trailer view (vehicles with trailer
tow hitch) R
Top view and images from the rear-facing side
cameras (rear wheel view) R
Top view and images from the forward-facing
side cameras (front wheel view)
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from [ or ^ to \\ , the guide
lines are hidden in the multimedia system.
When you change between transmission posi-
tions [ and ^ , you see the previously selec-
ted front or rear view.
Distances measured by PARKTRONIC will also
be optically displayed: R
in split screen view as red or yellow brackets
around the vehicle icon in the top view, or R
at the bottom right as red or yellow brackets
around the vehicle symbol in full-screen mode
The line thickness and color of the brackets
show how far the vehicle is from an object. R
yellow brackets with thin lines: PARKTRONIC
is active R
yellow brackets with normal lines: an object is
present in close range of the vehicle R
red line: an object is present in the immediate
close range of the vehicle
Important safety notes The 360°camera is only an aid and may show a
distorted view of obstacles, show them incor-
rectly or not at all. The 360°camera is not a
substitute for attentive driving.
You are always responsible for safe maneuver-
ing and parking. Make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the maneuvering
area while maneuvering and parking in parking
spaces.
You are always responsible for safety, and must
always pay attention to your surroundings when
parking and maneuvering. This applies to the
areas behind, in front of and beside the vehicle.
You could otherwise endanger yourself and oth-
ers.
The 360° camera will not function or will func-
tion in a limited manner: R
if the doors are open R
if the exterior mirrors are folded in R
if the tailgate is open R
in heavy rain, snow or fog R
at night or in very dark places R
if the cameras are exposed to very bright light R
if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker) R
if the camera lenses fog up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a rapid
change in temperature R
if the camera lenses are dirty or covered R
if the vehicle components in which the cam-
eras are installed are damaged. In this case,
have the camera position and setting checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
Do not use the 360° camera in this case. You
can otherwise injure others or cause damage to
objects or the vehicle.
The guide lines in the multimedia system display
show the distances to your vehicle. The distan-
ces only apply to road level.
In trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the
level of the trailer tow hitch.Driving systems 187
Driving and parking Z

Warning lamp
C
Warning lamp
Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds below
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). Vehicles in
the monitoring range are then not indicated.
If a vehicle is detected within the blind spot
monitoring range at speeds above 20 mph
(30 km/h), warning lamp C on the correspond-
ing side lights up red. This warning is always
emitted when a vehicle enters the blind spot
monitoring range from behind or from the side.
When you overtake a vehicle, the warning only
occurs if the difference in speed is less than
7 mph (12 km/h).
If you select the reverse gear, Blind Spot Assist
is not operational.
The brightness of the warning lamps is auto-
matically adapted to the brightness of the sur-
roundings.
Collision warning If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range of
Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the corre-
sponding turn signal, a double warning tone
sounds. The red warning lamp flashes on the
relevant exterior mirror. If the turn signal
remains on, detected vehicles are indicated by
the flashing of the red warning lamp on the exte-
rior mirror. There are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activated
in the on-board computer ( Y
page 221).X
Turn the SmartKey to position H in the igni-
tion lock.
The red warning lamps on the exterior mirrors
light up until the engine is started. Display in the assistance graphic
When Blind Spot Assist is activated, gray radar
waves propagating backwards appear next to
the vehicle in the assistance display in the mul-
tifunction display ( Y
page 219). Above a speed
of 20 mph (30 km/h), the color of the radar
waves in the assistance graphic changes to
green C . Blind Spot Assist is then ready for use.
Towing a trailer When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical connection.
This can be accomplished by checking the trailer
lighting. In this event, Blind Spot Assist is deac-
tivated. The Blind Spot Assist Not Avail‐
able When Towing a Trailer See Opera‐
tor's Manual message appears in the multi-
function display.
Lane Keeping Assist
General notes
Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front of
your vehicle by means of multifunction cam-
era C which is attached behind the top of the
windshield. Active Lane Keeping Assist detects
lane markings on the road and can warn you
before you leave your lane unintentionally.Driving systems 195
Driving and parking Z

This function is available in the range between
40 mph and 120 mph (60 km/ ha nd 200 km/h).
A warning may be given if a front wheel passes
over a lane marking. It will warn you by means of
intermittent vibration in the steering wheel for
up to 1.5 seconds.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Lane Keeping Assist may not always clearly
recognize lane markings.
In this case, Lane Keeping Assist may: R
give an unnecessary warning R
not give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and stay in lane, in particular if
warned by Lane Keeping Assist.
G WARNING
The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not
return the vehicle to the original lane. There is
a risk of an accident.
You should always steer, brake or accelerate
yourself, in particular if warned by Lane Keep-
ing Assist.
Lane Keeping Assist can neither reduce the risk
of an accident if you fail to adapt your driving
style nor override the laws of physics. Lane
Keeping Assist cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Lane Keep-
ing Assist is merely an aid. You are responsible
for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehi-
cle speed, for braking in good time and for stay-
ing in your lane.
The Lane Keeping Assist does not keep the vehi-
cle in the lane.
The system may be impaired or may not function
if: R
there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient
illumination of the road, or due to snow, rain,
fog or spray R
there is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
the road surface is wet) R
the windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicin-
ity of the camera R
there are no, several or unclear lane markings
for a lane, e.g. in areas with road construction
work R
the lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-
e red up, e.g. by dirt or snow R
the distance to the vehicle in front is too small
and the lane markings thus cannot be detec-
ted R
the lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off, cross one another or merge R
the road is narrow and winding R
there are highly variable shade conditions on
the roadway
Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
X
To activate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C lights up. The Lane Keep‐
ing Assist On message appears in the mul-
tifunction display. If all conditions have been
satisfied, there may be a warning.
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,
the lines in the assistance graphics display
( Y
page 219) are shown in green. Lane Keep-
ing Assist is ready for use. X
To deactivate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C goes out. Lane Keeping
Assist is deactivated. The Lane Keeping
Assist Off message appears in the multi-
function display.
Selecting Standard or Adaptive setting X
In the DriveAssist menu on the on-board
computer, select the Lane Keeping Assist
function ( Y
page 221). X
Select Standard or Adaptive .
Standard196
Driving systems
Driving an d parking

When Standard is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if: R
you switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ABS,
BAS or ESP ®
.
Adaptive
When Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if: R
you switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ABS,
BAS or ESP ®
.R
you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown. R
you brake hard. R
you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly. R
you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sary and in good time if you cross the lane mark-
ing, the system recognizes certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if: R
you approach the outer lane marking on a
bend. R
the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a highway. R
the system detects solid lane markings.
The warning vibration occurs later if: R
the road has narrow lanes. R
you cut the corner on a bend.
Driving Assistance PLUS package
General notes The Driving Assistance PLUS package consists
of DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y
page 164), Active Blind
Spot Assist ( Y
page 197) and Active Lane Keep-
ing Assist ( Y
page 200).
Active Blind Spot Assist
General notes
Active Blind Spot Assist uses a radar sensor
system, pointed toward the rear of the vehicle,
to monitor the area to the sides of the vehicle
which the driver is unable to see. A warning lamp lights up in the exterior mirrors and draws your
attention to vehicles detected in the monitored
area. If you then switch on the corresponding
turn signal to change lane, you will also receive
an optical and audible warning. If a risk of lateral
collision is detected, corrective braking may
help you avoid a collision. Before a course-cor-
recting brake application, Active Blind Spot
Assist evaluates the space in the direction of
travel and at the sides of the vehicle. For this,
Active Blind Spot Assist uses the forward-facing
radar sensors.
Active Blind Spot Assist supports you from a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes Active Blind Spot Assist is only an aid and is not
a substitute for attentive driving.
G WARNING
Active Blind Spot Assist does not react to: R
vehicles overtaken too closely on the side,
placing them in the blind spot area R
vehicles which approach with a large speed
differential and overtake your vehicle
As a result, Active Blind Spot Assist may nei-
ther give warnings nor intervene in such sit-
uations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the traffic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.
i USA only: This device has been approved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
ing, or altering of the device will void any war-
ranties, 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.Driving systems 197
Driving and parking Z

If you select the reverse gear, Active Blind Spot
Assist is not operational.
The brightness of the warning lamps is auto-
matically adapted to the brightness of the sur-
roundings.
When Active Blind Spot Assist is activated, gray
radar waves propagating backward appear next
to the vehicle in the assistance display in the
multifunction display. Above a speed of 20 mph
(30 km/h), the color of the radar waves in the
assistance display changes to green D . Active
Blind Spot Assist is then ready for use.
Visual and acoustic collision warning If you switch on the turn signals to change lanes
and a vehicle is detected in the side monitoring
range, you receive a visual and acoustic collision
warning. You will then hear a double warning
tone and red warning lamp C flashes. If the turn
signal remains on, detected vehicles are indica-
ted by the flashing of red warning lamp C .
There are no further warning tones.
Course-correcting brake application
If Active Blind Spot Assist detects a risk of a lat-
eral collision in the monitoring range, a course-
correcting brake application is carried out. This
is meant to assist you in avoiding a collision.
G WARNING
A course-correcting brake application cannot
always prevent a collision. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,
especially if Active Blind Spot Assist warns
you or makes a course-correcting brake appli-
cation. Always maintain a safe distance at the
sides. If a course-correcting brake application occurs,
red warning lamp C flashes in the exterior mir-
ror and a double warning tone sounds. In addi-
tion, a display underlining the danger of a side
collision appears in the multifunction display.
In very rare cases, the system may make an
inappropriate brake application. A course-cor-
recting brake application may be interrupted at
any time by countersteering slightly or acceler-
ating.
The course-correcting brake application is avail-
able in the speed range between 20 mph
(30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Either no braking application, or a course-cor-
recting brake application adapted to the driving
situation occurs if: R
there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, located on both sides of your vehicle. R
a vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side. R
you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds. R
you clearly brake or accelerate. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake. R
ESP ®
is switched off. R
a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire is
detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that Active Blind Spot Assist is
activated in the on-board computer
( Y
page 221). X
Switch on the ignition.
Warning lamps C in the exterior mirrors light
up red for approximately 1.5 seconds.
Gray radar waves propagating backwards
appear next to the vehicle in the assistance
graphic in the multifunction display D .
Above a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h), the color
of the radar waves in the assistance display
changes to green D . Active Blind Spot Assist
is then ready for use.Driving systems 199
Driving and parking Z

Active Lane Keeping Assist Genera l notes
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t monitors th e area in
fron t of your vehicl e by mean s of multifunction
camera C at th e to p of th e windshield. Various
differen t areas to th e front, rear and side of your
vehicl e are also monitore d wit h th e aid of th e
radar sensor system. Active Lan e Keepin g
Assis t detects lan e marking s on th e road and
can warn you before you leav e your lan e unin-
tentionally. If you do no t reac t to th e warning , a
lane-correcting application of th e brakes can
bring th e vehicl e bac k int o th e original lane.
This function is available in th e range between
40 mph and 12 0 mph (60 km/h and 20 0 km/h).
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your drivin g style, Active Lan e
Keepin g Assis t can neither reduce th e ris k of an
acciden t no r override th e laws of physics . Active
Lan e Keepin g Assis t canno t tak e accoun t of
road and weather conditions. It may no t recog-
niz e traffic situations. Active Lan e Keepin g
Assis t is only an aid. You are responsibl e for th e
distanc e to th e vehicl e in front, for vehicl e
speed, for braking in goo d time and for stayin g in
your lane.
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t canno t continuously
keep your vehicl e in it s lane.
G WARNIN G
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t canno t always
clearly detec t lan e markings. In suc h cases, Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t
can : R
giv e an unnecessary warning and then
mak e a course-correcting brak e application
to th e vehicl e R
no t giv e a warning or interven e
There is a ris k of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to th e traffic
situation and keep within th e lane, especially
if Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t alerts you. Ter -
minate th e intervention in a non-critical driv-
ing situation .
The system may be impaire d or may no t function
if: R
there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficien t
illumination of th e road , or due to snow, rain ,
fog or spray R
there is glare, e.g. from oncomin g traffic, th e
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
th e road surfac e is wet )R
th e windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in th e vicin-
it y of th e camera R
th e radar sensor s in th e fron t or rear bumpers
or th e radiato r trim are dirty, e.g. obscured by
snow R
there are no , several or unclear lan e marking s
for a lane, e.g. in areas wit h road construction
wor k R
th e lan e marking s are wor n away, dark or cov-
ere d up, e.g. by dir t or snowR
th e distanc e to th e vehicl e in fron t is to o small
a nd th e lan e marking s thus canno t be detec -
te d R
th e lan e marking s chang e quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off , cross on e another or mergeR
th e road is narrow and windin gR
there are highly variable shad e condition s on
th e roadway
If no vehicl e is detecte d in th e adjacent lan e and
broke n lan e marking s are detected, no lane-cor-
recting brak e application is made .
Warning vibration in th e steering wheel
A warning may be given if a fron t whee l passes
ove r a lan e marking . It will warn you by mean s of
intermittent vibration in th e steering whee l for
up to 1. 5 seconds.200
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Lane-correcting brake application If you leave your lane, under certain circumstan-
ces the vehicle will brake briefly on one side.
This is meant to assist you in bringing the vehicle
back to the original lane.
G WARNING
A lane-correcting brake application cannot
always bring the vehicle back into the original
lane. There is a risk of an accident.
Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,
especially if Active Lane Keeping Assist warns
you or makes a lane-correcting brake appli-
cation.
If a lane-correcting brake application occurs,
display C appears in the multifunction display.
The brake application also slightly reduces vehi-
cle speed.
A lane-correcting brake application can be made
after driving over a lane marking detected as
being solid or broken. Before this, a warning
must be given by means of intermittent vibration
in the steering wheel. In addition, a lane with
lane markings on both sides must be recog-
nized.
In the case of a broken lane marking being
detected, a lane-correcting brake application
can only be made if a vehicle has been detected
in the adjacent lane. Oncoming vehicles, over-
taking vehicles and vehicles in adjacent lanes
can be detected.
A further lane-correcting brake application can
only occur after your vehicle has returned to the
original lane.
No lane-correcting brake application occurs if: R
you clearly and actively steer, brake or accel-
erate. R
you cut the corner on a sharp bend. R
you have switched on the turn signal. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist. R
you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-
eration. R
ESP ®
is switched off. R
the transmission is not in position [ .R
on vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the elec-
trical connection to the trailer has been cor-
rect ly established. R
a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire has
been detected and displayed. R
an obstacle has been detected in the lane in
which you are driving.
Active Lane Keeping Assist may not detect other
road users or traffic situations. An inappropriate
brake application may be interrupted at any time
if you: R
steer slightly in the opposite direction. R
switch on the turn signal. R
you brake or accelerate significantly.
A lane-correcting brake application is interrup-
ted automatically if: R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist. R
lane markings are no longer detected.
Activating/deactivating Active Lane
Keeping Assist
X
To activate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C lights up. The Lane Keep‐
ing Assist On message appears on the
multifunction display. If all conditions have
been satisfied, a warning or steering inter-
vention may be made.
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,Driving systems 201
Driving and parking Z

the lines in the assistance graphic
( Y
page 219) appear in green. Active Lane
Keeping Assist is ready for use. X
To deactivate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C goes out. The Active Lane
Keeping Assist is deactivated. The Lane
Keeping Assist Off message appears on
the multifunction display.
Selecting Standard or Adaptive setting X
In the DriveAssist menu on the on-board
computer, select the Active Lane Keep‐
ing Assist function ( Y
page 221).X
Select setting Standard or Adaptive .
When Standard is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if: R
you switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
When Adaptive
is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if: R
you switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.R
you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown. R
you brake hard. R
you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly. R
you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sary and in good time if you cross the lane mark-
ing, the system recognizes certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if: R
you approach the outer lane marking on a
bend. R
the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a highway. R
the system detects solid lane markings.
The warning vibration occurs later if: R
the road has narrow lanes. R
you cut the corner on a bend.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical connection. This can be accomplished by checking the trailer
lighting.
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the
ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" ( Y
page 371).
G WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be
necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
The installation of a trailer tow hitch is only per-
missible if a towing weight is specified in your
vehicle documents. If this is not the case, then
the vehicle is not approved for the towing of a
trailer.202
Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

For more information, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
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
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found: R
in the vehicle documents R
on the type plate for the trailer R
on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
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
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and wea ther conditions. Do
not
exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes R
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country. This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load; see the tire pressure table in the fuel
filler flap ( Y
page 354).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 175) R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 193)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 200)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" ( Y
page 371).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer stabili-
zation ( Y
page 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 135).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permitted speed is. Observe the maximum per-
missible speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle ( Y
page 371). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the vehicle/trailer combination
may not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operat-
ing permit. This also applies in countries inTowing a trailer 203
Driving and parking Z

X
Switch off the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Couple up the trailer. X
Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer. X
Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing. X
Push the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example: R
ESP ®
R
PARKTRONIC R
Active Parking Assist R
Active Blind Spot Assist R
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you couple
up a trailer, the vehicle always remains at high-
way level. Observe the following note when cou-
pling up a trailer: R
Unless highway level has been set manually,
the vehicle is automatically lowered to high-
way level. If a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) has
been reached, this may be the case.
These restrictions apply to accessories that are
supplied with power via the trailer socket in your
vehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law: R
Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible. R
A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer. R
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer There are several legal requirements for towing
a trailer, e.g. the maximum permissible speed.
Make sure that your car/trailer combination
complies with the local regulations: R
in your place of residence R
at your destination
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
To accumulate driving experience and accustom
yourself to the new handling characteristics,
practice the following at a location where there
is no traffic: R
Cornering R
Stopping R
Backing up
Check the following before the journey: R
Trailer tow hitch R
Safety switch for braked trailers R
Safety chains R
Electrical connections R
Lighting system R
Wheels and tires R
Load securing
Adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have a
clear view of the rear section of the trailer.
If the trailer is equipped with electronically con-
trolled brakes, pull away carefully in the car/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whether the brakes
function correctly.
Regularly check that the load is secure.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
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
Avoid sudden steering movements.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently
at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.Towing a trailer 205
Driving and parking Z