towing MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 2017 Owner's Guide

Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID vehicles: it is essential to
comply with the separate operating instruc-
tions. You could otherwise fail to recognize dan-
gers e.g. due to high voltage.
G WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if: R
the engine is not running. R
the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning. R
there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
G WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the: R
the towing eye could detach itself R
the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate ( Y
page 372).
! When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations. To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope: R
Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles. R
Ensure that the tow cable is not longer than
legally permitted. Mark the tow cable in the
middle, e.g. with a white c loth (30 x 30
cm).
This will make other road users aware that
the vehicle is being towed. R
Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eye. R
Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag. R
Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as
possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow-
ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Otherwise, the automatic transmission may336
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

shift to position P when the driver's or front-
passenger door are opened, which could lead
to damage to the transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make sure
the differential locks are in automatic mode.
When towing, the differential locks must not
be switched on. The transmission may other-
wise be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you: R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock R
cannot release the electric parking brake R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed ( Y
page 233). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
If the vehicle is in a dangerous area, it can be
towed out of that area with both axles on the
ground. In this case, the towing distance must
not be greater than 165 ft (50 m) and must not
exceed a towing speed of 6 mph (10 km/h). For
longer distances, have the vehicle loaded and
transported. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front and
rear behind covers CD .X
Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit ( Y
page 326). X
To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover C inwards in the direction of
the arrow. X
To open the cover at the rear: insert a flat,
blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover D out of the bumper. X
Take cover C or D off the opening.X
Screw in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove the towing eye. X
Position cover C or D in the bumper and
press the cover on until it engages. X
Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position P when you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the Smart-
Key from the ignition lock.Towing and tow-starting 337
Breakdown assistance Z

In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position N when towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points: X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N . X
Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the igni-
tion lock. X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
( Y
page 109).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
! When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged. All vehicles
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N .
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded: X
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P . X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it. X
Secure the vehicle.
Information on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P . To shift
the automatic transmission to position N , you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
( Y
page 333).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.338
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs). X
Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehi- cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity cal-
culated in step 4.
Example: steps 1 to 3 The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying
seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of
1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load
limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard ( Y
page 351).
The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer ( Y
page 216).
Step 1
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
Step 2
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Number of people in
the vehicle (driver and
occupants) 5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the occu-
pants Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Occupant 2: 180 lbs
(82 kg)
Occupant 3: 160 lbs
(73 kg)
Occupant 4: 140 lbs
(63 kg)
Occupant 5: 120 lbs
(54 kg) Occupant 1: 200 lbs
(91 kg)
Occupant 2: 190 lbs
(86 kg)
Occupant 3: 150 lbs
(68 kg) Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants 750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)Loading the vehicle 353
Wheels and tires Z

R
do not switch ESP ®
off.R
have a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles with
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel: only
use the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
on the rear axle . If you mount the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel on the
front axle, this could result in damage to the
brake system.
If a tire on the front axle is defective, an intact
wheel from the rear axle must first be
replaced with the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel. The damaged wheel on the front
axle can then be replaced by the undamaged
wheel from the rear axle.
Make sure to note the placard on the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel.
When using an emergency spare wheel or spare
wheel of a different size, you must not exceed
the maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/ h) .
Snow chains must not be mounted on emer-
gency spare wheels.
General notes You can ask for information regarding permitted
emergency spare wheels at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Mounting the emergency spare wheel is descri-
bed under "Mounting a wheel" ( Y
page 362).
You should regularly check the pressure of the
emergency spare wheel, particularly prior to
long trips, and correct the pressure as neces-
sary ( Y
page 344). The value on the wheel is
valid.
An emergency spare wheel may also be moun-
ted against the direction of rotation. Observe
the time restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the emergency spare
wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
When you are driving with the collapsible spare
wheel mounted, the tire pressure loss warning
system or the tire pressure monitor cannot func- tion reliably. Only restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor when
the defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: after
mounting an emergency spare wheel, the sys-
tem may still display the tire pressure of the
removed wheel for a few minutes. The value dis-
played for the mounted emergency spare wheel
is not the same as the current tire pressure of
the e mergency spare wheel.
Removing/stowing the emergency
spare wheel
Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel under the cargo compart-
ment floor Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
( Y
page 362).
The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can be
found in the stowage well under the cargo com-
partment floor.
Removing the emergency spare wheel X
Lift the cargo compartment floor upwards
( Y
page 296). X
Vehicle without a lockable cargo compart-
ment floor: turn emergency spare wheel
retainer D counter-clockwise and remove it. X
Remove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel C .Emergency spare wheel 367
Wheels and tires Z

Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
( Y
page 369).
Take the following steps to stow a used collaps-
ible spare wheel. Otherwise, it will not fit into the
spare wheel well. Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you have this work performed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Stowing the emergency spare wheel X
Unscrew the valve cap from the valve. X
If possible, unscrew the valve insert from the
valve and release the air.
i Fully deflating the tires can take a few
minutes. X
Screw the valve insert back into the valve. X
Screw the valve cap back on. X
Lay collapsible spare wheel C in the emer-
gency spare wheel well. X
Screw in retaining screw D clockwise in the
collapsible emergency wheel to the stop. X
Swing the cargo compartment floor down
( Y
page 296).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a collaps-
ible spare wheel in the emergency
spare wheel bag Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
( Y
page 362).
On Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a Bang & Oluf-
sen sound system, the collapsible spare wheel is
packed in an emergency spare wheel bag. The
emergency spare wheel bag is secured to the
cargo tie-down rings in the cargo compartment. Removing the emergency spare wheel X
Unhook retaining spring hooks C of fasten-
ing strap D from the cargo tie-down rings. X
Remove the emergency spare wheel bag with
the emergency collapsible spare wheel. X
Open the bag and remove the emergency col-
lapsible spare wheel.
Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
( Y
page 369).
Stowing the emergency spare wheel X
Place the collapsible spare wheel into the
emergency spare wheel bag and close the
emergency spare wheel bag. X
Place the emergency spare wheel bag with
the collapsible spare wheel into the cargo
compartment with the carrying strap at the
back. X
Hook retaining spring hooks C of fastening
strap D into the cargo tie-down rings. X
Tighten fastening strap D .
Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
(Mercedes-AMG GLE 63)
! Inflate the collapsible spare wheel using the
tire inflation compressor before lowering the
vehicle. The wheel rim could otherwise be
damaged.
! Do not operate the tire inflation compressor
for longer than eight minutes at a time without
a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be operated
again once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer's safety instruc-
tions on the tire inflation compressor label and
on the tire sealant bottle. X
Mount the collapsible spare wheel as descri-
bed ( Y
page 362).
The collapsible spare wheel must be mounted
before it is inflated. X
Remove the tire inflation compressor from
the stowage space under the trunk floor
( Y
page 326).Emergency spare wheel 369
Wheels and tires Z