towing MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS 2007 Owner's Manual

474 Practical hintsWhere will I find ...?Collapsible tire (ML 63 AMG only)The collapsible tire is located underneath
the cargo compartment floor
(
page 469).
Removing the collapsible tire
1Electric air pump
2Collapsible tire
3Vehicle tool kit storage well casing
4Alignment bolt
5Towing eye bolt
6Wheel bolt wrenchFor access the collapsible tire, see “Vehi-
cle tool kit” (
page 469).

Remove the vehicle tool kit storage
well casing3.
7Retaining screw

Loosen retaining screw7 by turning it
counterclockwise.

Remove collapsible tire2.
Warning!
G
The dimensions of the collapsible tire are
different from those of the road wheels. As
a result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a collapsible tire
mounted. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.
The collapsible tire is for temporary use
only. When driving with a collapsible tire
mounted, ensure proper tire inflation
pressure and do not exceed a vehicle speed
of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible to have the
collapsible tire replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than
one collapsible tire mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP
® when a
collapsible tire is mounted.
i
For information on how to mount the
collapsible tire, see “Mounting the spare wheel”
(
page 498).
i
Remove collapsible tire to gain access to
remaining tools in the vehicle tool kit
(
page 469).
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518 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on
the ground only so far as necessary to have
the vehicle moved to a safe location where
the recommended towing methods can be
employed.!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment,
with the SmartKey in starter switch turned to
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Use the towing eyes.
Switch off the ESP
® (page 99) and the auto-
matic central locking (page 126).
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground. Observe
instructions for towing the vehicle with all
wheels on the ground.
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, the automatic transmission must be
in positionN and the starter switch must be in
position2 (
page 40).
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, the vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed
not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
Keep in mind that it is important for the
SmartKey to be in the respective starter switch
positions as described above. As soon as the
SmartKey is removed from the starter switch or
the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is removed
from the vehicle, the automatic transmission will
shift to park positionP see “Starter switch posi-
tions” (
page 39).
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519 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the starter switch is
in position2 (
page 40).
Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
i
To signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, set the starter
switch to position2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in usual manner
– only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
i
If the battery is disconnected or discharged,
the automatic transmission will remain locked in
positionP and the SmartKey will not turn in the
starter switch. For more information, see “Bat-
tery” (page 507) and “Jump starting”
(
page 515).
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the ignition in position2 (
page 40), the vehicle
doors lock if the left front wheel is turning at a
speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
above.
To prevent the vehicle doors from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking
(
page 126).
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using
the towing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame or sus-
pension parts.
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520 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleInstalling towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing
eye bolt can be screwed into threaded
holes which are located behind covers on
the right-hand side of each bumper.
1Cover1Cover
Vehicles with Sport Package*1CoverRemoving cover

Press mark on cover1 as indicated by
the arrow.
Vehicles with Sport Package*:
Pry cover1 with a screwdriver or
similar tool at point indicated by the
arrow.

Lift off cover1 to reveal the threaded
hole for towing eye bolt.Warning!
G
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust
pipe is extremely hot.i
The cover1 is secured to the bumper by a
plastic cord.
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521 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
Take the towing eye bolt and wheel bolt
wrench from the vehicle tool kit
(page 469).

Screw towing eye bolt in clockwise to
its stop and tighten with wheel wrench.
Removing towing eye bolt

Loosen towing eye bolt counterclock-
wise with wheel wrench.

Unscrew towing eye bolt.

Store the towing eye bolt and wheel
bolt wrench back into the vehicle tool
kit (
page 469).
Installing cover

Engage cover1 at top and press at
bottom.
Stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should
be done with the greatest of care, especial-
ly if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or diago-
nally, since it could result in damage to the
chassis alignment.
Never try to free a vehicle that is still cou-
pled to a trailer.
If possible, a vehicle equipped with trailer
hitch receiver should be pulled backward
in its own previously made tracks.
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554 IndexAutomatic climate control (3-zone)* 220
Air conditioning, Cooling 230, 231
Air distribution, Front 226
Air distribution, Rear 234
Air recirculation mode 228
Air vents, Front 226
Air volume 227
Control panel, Front 222
Control panel, Rear 232
Deactivating system 224
Defogging 227
Defrosting 227
Maximum cooling, MAX COOL 228
Rear passenger compartment 232
Rear window defroster 205
Residual engine heat (REST) 232
Using driver-side settings for
all temperature zones 231
Automatic headlamp mode 137
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 143
Automatic locking when driving 126
Automatic shift program
(ML 63 AMG only) 196Automatic transmission 54
Accelerator position 191
Automatic shift program
(ML 63 AMG only) 196
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 198
Gear ranges 193
Gear selector lever 54, 185
Gear shifting malfunctions 198
Hill start assist system 192
Kickdown 191
Kickdown, manual shift program
(ML 63 AMG only) 198
Manual shift progam
(ML 63 AMG only) 196
Program mode selector switch
(ML 63 AMG only) 195
Shift program (ML 63 AMG only) 195
Shifting procedure 188
Starting the engine 54
Steering wheel gearshift control 194
Towing a trailer 192
Transmission fluid level 362
Transmission positions 189
Automatic Transmission Fluid see ATFB
Backrest
Seat 44
Seat, Lumbar support 130
Seat, Multicontour* 130
Backup lamps
Messages in the
multifunction display 458
Replacing bulbs 490
Bar 395
BAS 97
Lamps in instrument cluster 414
Messages in the
multifunction display 430
Basic carrier bars* 281
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 108, 112
Checking battery condition 111
Messages in the
multifunction display 446
Replacing 480
Battery, Vehicle 507
Charging 514
Disconnecting and connecting 509
Jump starting 515
Removing and installing 509
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559 Index
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid* 315
Unlocking/opening the tailgate 476
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
Emergency, In case of
Battery, Jump starting 515
Engine shut-down 525
First aid kit 469
Flat tire 497
Fuses 522
Hazard warning flasher 142
Instrument cluster, Indicator
lamps 414, 415, 416, 417, 418,
419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424
Roadside Assistance 12, 312
Towing the vehicle 518
Emission control 350
Information label 531
System warranties 10
Vacuum line routing diagram
label 531Engine
Belt layout (ML 320 CDI) 532
Belt layout (ML 350) 532
Belt layout (ML 500) 532
Belt layout (ML 63 AMG) 533
Block heater (Canada only) 400
Break-in recommendations 358
Cleaning 406
Compartment 356
Emergency engine shut-down 525
Malfunction indicator lamp 29, 449
Maximum engine speed 146, 534,
535
Messages in the
multifunction display 449
Number 531
Starting 54
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 55
Starting with the SmartKey 55
Tachometer 29, 146
Technical data 534
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 67
Turning off with the SmartKey 67Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 358, 546
Adding 361, 546
Additives 546
Changing 361, 546
Checking level 358
Checking level with the
control system (ML 500 only) 358
Checking with the oil dipstick
(except ML 500) 360
Consumption 358
Filler neck (ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 361
Filler neck (ML 500, ML 63 AMG) 361
Messages in display 359, 453
Messages in the
multifunction display 453
Recommended engine oils
and oil filters 546
Engine oil level 358
ESP
®
27, 98
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP
®
98
Messages in the
multifunction display 436, 437
Off-road-ESP®
101
Warning lamp 27, 419, 420
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560 IndexETD 80, 423
Safety guidelines 73
Expanding cargo compartment 284
Exterior rear view mirrors 49, 201
Folding 202
Power folding* 202
Synchronizing 202
F
Fastening the seat belts 51
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 361
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 500, ML 63 AMG) 361
First aid kit 469
Flat tire 497
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 474, 538
Lifting the vehicle 498
Lowering the vehicle 504
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) 473
Mounting the spare wheel 498
Preparing the vehicle 498
Spare wheel 538Flexible Service System PLUS see FSS
PLUS
Floormats* 303
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid 362
Brake fluid 354, 544, 546
Capacities 543
Engine coolant 354, 362, 549
Engine oil 358, 546
Power steering fluid 544
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system* 355,
545, 551
Fog lamps 139
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 140
Messages in the
multifunction display 458
Rear fog lamp 139
Replacing bulbs 488
4-ETS 102
Off-road - 4-ETS 102Front air bags 75
Front defroster 213, 227
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag 70, 75
Messages in the multifunction
display 440, 441, 442, 443
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 31, 89, 426, 427
Front seat heat restraints see
Head restraints
Front towing eye 520
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) 361, 402
Fuel 353
Additives 547
Capacities, Fuel tank 545
Consumption statistics 180, 181
Diesel fuel 545
Filling the tank 352
Fuel filler flap and cap 352, 477
Fuel gauge 29
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp 29,
420
Premium unleaded gasoline 353,
547, 548
Requirements, Octane rating 548
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568 IndexPoly-V-belt drive
Layout (ML 320 CDI) 532
Layout (ML 350) 532
Layout (ML 500) 532
Layout (ML 63 AMG) 533
Positions (Memory function*) see Seats
Pounds per square inch see PSI
Power assistance 326
Power outlets 302
Power seat see Seats, Power
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* 241
Convenience closing feature 239
Opening/closing 241
Opening/closing in an
emergency 478
Stopping 239
Summer opening feature 239
Synchronizing 244
Power washer 405Power windows 236
Cleaning 410
Convenience closing feature 239
Door windows 236
Opening/closing 236
Rear door windows, Blocking
operation 93
Summer opening feature 239
Synchronizing, Door windows 238
Practical hints 469
Premium unleaded gasoline 547
Problems
While driving 63
With starting see Starting difficulties
With the vehicle 18
Product information 9
Production options weight 396
Program mode selector switch
(ML 63 AMG only) 195
PSI 396
Push-starting see Tow-startingR
Radio
Audio menu, Control system 159
Selecting station 160
Selecting station (satellite*) 160
Radio transmitters 348
Range (distance to empty) 181
Range of the sensors
Parktronic* 275
Reading lamp, front 142
Reading lamp, rear interior 144
Rear automatic climate control 232, 235
Rear center console ashtray see Ashtray*
Rear climate control* 217
Rear door windows
Blocking operation 93
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps
Rear lamps see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints see
Head restraints
Rear towing eye 520
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569 Index
Rear towing eye, Vehicles with Sport
Package* 520
Rear view camera* 279
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 205
Rear window wiper/washer 62
Rear windows see Power windows
Rear wiper blade 495
Recommended tire inflation
pressure 396
Recovery services, Stolen vehicle
(Tele Aid*) 315
Refrigerant, Air conditioning 546
Refueling 352
Regular checks 354
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
SmartKey 108
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 112
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid* 315
Removing rear seat cushions (Vehicles
with cargo management system*) 292Replacing bulbs 482
Additional turn signals, Exterior rear
view mirrors 489
Backup lamps 482, 490
Brake lamps 482, 490
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 482, 483, 488
Fog lamp, Rear 482, 490
Fog lamps, Front 482, 483, 488
High beam headlamps 482, 483, 486
License plate lamps 482, 492
Low beam headlamps 482, 483, 485
Parking/standing lamps 482, 487,
490, 491
Side marker lamps, Front 482, 483,
485, 488
Side marker lamps, Rear 482, 490
Tail lamps 482, 483, 490, 491
Turn signal lamps, Front 482, 483,
487
Turn signal lamps, Rear 482, 490
Reporting safety defects 19
Reset button, In instrument cluster 165Reset tool
Active head restraints,
Depository 479
Residual heat and ventilation 216, 232
Reverse gear position, Automatic
transmission 185, 189
Rims 396, 536
Roadside Assistance 12
Roadside Assistance button see Tele Aid*
RON 353, 548
Roof rails 281
Rubber parts, Cleaning 411
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) 377
S
Safety
Driving safety systems 96
Occupant safety 70
Reporting safety defects 19
Safety belts see Seat belts
Satellite radio* 160
Seat belt force limiter 80
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