ESP MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2013 W166 Manual Online

plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (Y
page 455).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
with when driving without atrailer.
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 radius
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for yourv ehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum 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 coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y
page 419).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 454).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is
575 lbs(261 kg) for all models (except the
model ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 529 lbs
(240 kg) for the model
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY.
The actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given. The value can be
found on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Ypage 213) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 233) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i 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.
Driving tips i
Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer
stabilization (Y page 72) and on pulling
away with a trailer (Y page 160).
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 permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benzv ehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (Y page 455). If you254
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

utilize any of the added maximum rear axle
load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (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 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without atrailer.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to
maintai nthe 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 If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle 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, decreases with
increasing altitude. Installing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly it can become detached while the
vehicle is in motion and fall onto the road.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling installation
instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling
is installed and secured correctly before every
journey. Cover cap Towing
atrailer
255Driving an d parking Z

X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Permissible gross weight (all models except
the ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 7,198 lbs
(3,265 kg).
Permissible gross weight
(ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 6,613 lbs
(3,000 kg).
Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweigh tis the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbarc an be loaded.
All models (excep tthe
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 575 lbs (261 kg).
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 529 lbs (240 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings.
Loading atrailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neithe rthe permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
R The trailer drawbarl oad on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends atrailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for yourv ehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To chec kthat the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbarl oad. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Y page 374). Towing
atrailer
259Driving an d parking Z

blue. Avoid driving at full engine output during
this time.
SETUP 0002
Drive program (C /S /M )
0003 ESP ®
mode (ON /OFF )
001F Suspension tuning (COMFORT /SPORT /
SPORT+ )
SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
suspension tuning.
X Press the 0002or0005 button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 0003button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
RACETIMER Displaying and starting RACETIMER
The RACETIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function
on public roads. 0002
Lap
0003 RACETIMER You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the SmartKey is in
position
2in the ignition lock.
X Press 0002or0005 on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 0003button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
X To start: press the 000Bbutton to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time X
Press the 0002or0005 button to select
Interm. Time .
X Press 000Bto confirm.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
Starting a new lap 0002
RACETIMER
0003 Fastest lap time (best lap)
001F Lap
X Press 000Bto confirm New Lap .
i It is possible to store a maximum of
sixteen laps. The 16th lap can only be
completed with Finish Lap .Menus and submenus
279On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Introduction
General notes Display messages appear in th
emultifunction display.
Display messages with graphic displays may be shown in simplified for minthe Operator's
Manual and may differ from the messages shown in the multifunction display.
Please respond in accordance with the display messages and follow the additional notes in
this Operator's Manual.
Certain display messages are accompanied by an audible warning tone or a continuous tone.
When you stop and park the vehicle, please observe the notes on:
R HOLD function (Y page 207)
R Parking (Y page 179)
Hiding display messages X
Press the 000Bor0007 button on the steering wheel to hide the display message.
The display message is cleared.
The multifunction display shows high-priority display messages in red. Some high-priority
display messages cannot be hidden.
The multifunction display shows these messages continuously until the causes for the
messages have been remedied.
Message memory The on-board computer saves certain display messages in the
message memory.You can
call up the display messages:
X Press the 0002or0005 button on the steering wheel to select the Serv. menu.
If there are display messages, the multifunction display shows 2 Messages , for example.
X Press the 0003or0004 button to select the entry, e.g. 2 Messages .
X Press 000Bto confirm.
X Press the 0003or0004 button to scroll through the display messages.
When the ignition is switched off, all display messages are deleted, apart from some high-
priority display messages. Once the causes of the high-priority display messages have been
rectified, the corresponding display messages are also deleted. 282
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Safety systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0019000F
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP
®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill
start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are temporarily
unavailable.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, BAS PLUS and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the 000F,0017and0019 warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Possible causes are:
R Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
R The on-board voltage may be insufficient.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Carefully drive a short distance on a suitable stretch of road,
making slight steering movements at a speed above 12 mph
(20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0019000F
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual ABS, ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist
and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, BAS PLUS and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
The 0012 (USA only)/0009 (Canada only),000F,0017and0019
warning lamps in the instrumen tcluster also light up.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING Display messages
283On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore loc
kifyou
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 000F
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, BAS PLUS and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the 000Fand0017 warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Carefully drive a short distance on a suitable stretch of road,
making slight steering movements at a speed above 12 mph
(20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 284
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000F
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, BAS PLUS and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the 000Fand0017 warning lamps ligh tup in the
instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 000D0019
000F
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, BAS PLUS and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the 000F,0017and0019 warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display messages
285On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
PRE-SAFE
Functions
Currently Limited
See Operator's
Manual Vehicles without the Active Driving Assistance package: Adaptive
Brake Assis
tis temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensor in the bumper is dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R AMG vehicles: ESP ®
is deactivated.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
Adaptive Brake Assist is operational again.
If 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 Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 179).
X Cleant he bumpers (Y page 373).
X Restart the engine.
X AMG vehicles: reactivate ESP ®
(Y page 71). 290
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
PRE-SAFE
Functions
Currently Limited
See Operator's
Manual Vehicles with the Active Driving Assistance package:
PRE-SAFE
®
Brake is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the radiato rgrill and the bumper are dirty.
R the rada rsensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R AMG vehicles: ESP ®
is deactivated.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is operational again.
If 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 Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 179).
X Clean the sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper
(Y page 373).
X Restart the engine.
X AMG vehicles: reactivate ESP ®
(Y page 71). PRE-SAFE
Functions Limited
See Operator's
Manual Vehicles without the Active Driving Assistance package: Adaptive
Brake Assist is faulty. The distance warning function may also have
failed.
Vehicles with the Active Driving Assistance package:
PRE-SAFE
®
Brake is faulty. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
function may also have failed.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 001F
SRS Malfunction
Service Required There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System).
The
001F warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information on occupant safety (Y page 43). Display messages
291On-board computer and displays Z