towing MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2015 W166 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 350
12 V socket see Sockets
360° camera
Cleaning .........................................3 76
Function/notes ............................ .229
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) ................................................. .249 A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 285
Function/notes ................................ 68
Important safety notes .................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 321
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 60
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 144
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 276
Display message ............................ 308
Function/informatio n.................... 241
Trailer towing ................................. 244
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 305
Function/note s............................. 212
Active Driving Assistance package .. 241
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 276
Display message ............................ 307
Function/information .................... 244
Trailer towing ................................. 247
Active light function ......................... 125
Active Parking Assist Display message ............................ 308
Exiting a parking space .................. 223
Function/note s............................. 220
Important safety notes .................. 220 Parking .......................................... 222
Towing a trailer .............................. 224
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 75
Adaptive Brake Assist Display message ............................ 292
Function/note s................................ 71
Adaptive damping system
see ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 300
Function/note s............................. 126
Switching on/of f........................... 126
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 453
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) Function/note s............................. 212
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 58
Display message ............................ 295
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 51
Important safety notes .................... 50
Introduction ..................................... 50
Knee bag .......................................... 52
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
tor lamp ........................................... 45
Side impact air bag .......................... 52
Window curtain air bag .................... 52
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) .............. 303
AIR FLOW ........................................... 147
AIRMATIC package ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ... 212
Function/note s............................. 211
Level control .................................. 213
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 153
Important safety notes .................. 152
Rear ............................................... 153
Setting ........................................... 152
Setting the center air vents ........... 152
Setting the side air vents ............... 153
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system )......... 77
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 77
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 77 4
Index

Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 278
Setting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................ .278
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 215
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 281
Anti-lock braking system see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 194
Ashtray ............................................... 348
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .275
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .275
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ....... .371
Hiding a service message .............. 371
Notes ............................................. 370
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 371
Service message ............................ 370
Special service requirements ......... 371
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 77
Function .......................................... .77
Switching off the alarm .................... 77
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 276
Display message ............................ 304
Function/note s............................. 233
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 272
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 300
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 372Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 163
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 162
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 120
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position ............. 171
Automatic drive program ............... 173
Changing gear ............................... 171
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 168
Display message ............................ 315
Drive program display .................... 168
Driving tips .................................... 171
Emergency running mode .............. 177
Engaging drive position .................. 170
Engaging neutral ............................ 169
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 169
Engaging reverse gear ................... 169
Engaging the park position ............ 168
Kickdown ....................................... 171
Manual drive progra m.................... 173
Manual drive program (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 174
Manual drive program (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package) .. 174
Overview ........................................ 168
Problem (malfunction) ................... 177
Program selector button ................ 172
Pulling away ................................... 160
Starting the engine ........................ 160
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 172
Trailer towing ................................. 171
Transmission position display ........ 168
Transmission positions .................. 170
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 177
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 460 B
Bag hook ............................................ 339
Ball coupling Installing ........................................ 258
Removing ....................................... 262
Storing ........................................... 262
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 68 Index
5

BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
.................................................... 69
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 83
Important safety notes .................... 83
Replacing ......................................... 83
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 389
Display message ............................ 301
Important safety notes .................. 387
Jump starting ................................. 391
Overview ........................................ 387
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 276
Display message ............................ 308
Notes/function .............................. 237
Trailer towing ................................. 239
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 180
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 451
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 291
Notes ............................................. 453
Brake lamps
Changing bulb s.............................. 132
Display message ............................ 298
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 71
BAS .................................................. 68
BAS PLUS ........................................ 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 453
Display message ............................ 285
High-performance brake system .... 189
Important safety notes .................. 188
Maintenance .................................. 189
Parking brake ................................ 184
Riding tips ...................................... 188
Warning lamp ................................. 320
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)
................................... 35
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 26
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 376
Carpets .......................................... 379
Car wash ........................................ 372
Displa y........................................... 377
Exhaust pipe .................................. 376
Exterior lights ................................ 375
Gear or selector lever .................... 378
Interior ........................................... 377
Matte finish ................................... 374
Night View Assist Plus ................... 377
Notes ............................................. 371
Paint .............................................. 373
Plastic trim .................................... 378
Power washe r................................ 373
Rear view camera .......................... 376
Roof lining ...................................... 379
Seat belt ........................................ 379
Seat cover ..................................... 378
Sensors ......................................... 375
Steering wheel ............................... 378
Trim pieces .................................... 378
Washing by hand ........................... 373
Wheels ........................................... 374
Windows ........................................ 375
Wiper blades .................................. 375
Wooden trim .................................. 378
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/how to use ......................... 340
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes .................. 337
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 344
Stowage well (under )..................... 344 6
Index

HOLD functio
n............................... 210
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 239
Level control (vehicles with AIR-
MATIC package) ............................. 213
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................ 206
On-road programs .......................... 247
PARKTRONIC ................................. 217
Rear view camera .......................... 224
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 171
Brakes ........................................... 188
Break-in period .............................. 156
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 205
Downhill gradient ........................... 188
Drinking and driving ....................... 186
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Driving in winter ............................. 190
Driving on flooded roads ................ 190
Driving on sand .............................. 193
Driving on wet roads ...................... 190
Driving over obstacles ................... 194
Exhaust check ............................... 186
Fuel ................................................ 186
General .......................................... 186
Hydroplaning ................................. 190
Icy road surfaces ........................... 190
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 188
Off-road driving .............................. 192
Off-road fording ............................. 190
Snow chains .................................. 403
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Tire ruts ......................................... 194
Towing a trailer .............................. 257
Traveling uphill ............................... 194
Wet road surface ........................... 188
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 306
Function/note s............................. 250
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 273 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating ................. 279
Function/note s............................. 113
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 114
Function/note s............................. 113
Switching on/of f........................... 279
EASY-PACK load-securing kit
Components and storage .............. 342
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 287
Function/note s................................ 75
ECO display
Function/note s............................. 187
On-board computer ....................... 270
ECO start/stop function (ML 250
BlueTEC 4MATIC)
Automatic engine start .................. 165
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 165
General notes ................................ 164
Important safety notes .................. 164
Introduction ................................... 164
Switching on/of f........................... 165
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 60
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 88
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 441
Important safety notes .................. 440
Removing ....................................... 441
Storage location ............................ 441
Technical data ............................... 443
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 58
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 93
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 25 10
Index

Opening and closing the side trim
panels .................................................1 32
Operating safety Declaration of conformity ................ 28
Important safety notes .................... 27
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment ........................... 25
Outside temperature display ........... 267
Overhead control panel ......................41
Override feature Rear side windows ........................... 67 P
Paint code number ............................446
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 373
Panic alarm .......................................... 44
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel
Important safety notes .................... 97
Opening/closing .............................. 99
Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ............................................... 100
Problem (malfunction) ................... 101
Resetting ....................................... 100
Parking
Important safety notes .................. 182
Parking brake ................................ 184
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 116
Rear view camera .......................... 224
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist ..................... 220
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking assistance
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 288
Electric parking brake .................... 184
Warning lamp ................................. 326
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ...... 131PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 219
Driving system ............................... 217
Function/notes ............................ .217
Important safety notes .................. 217
Problem (malfunction) ................... 220
Range of the sensors ..................... 217
Trailer towing ................................. 219
Warning displa y............................. 218
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
Indicator lamp .................................. 45
Problems (malfunction) .................. 295
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 67
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 378
Power closing feature ......................... 88
Power washers .................................. 373
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(anticipatory occupant
protection) Display message ............................ 291
Operation ......................................... 60
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Activating/deactivating ................. 276
Display message ............................ 293
Function/note s................................ 75
Warning lamp ................................. 330
Program selector button .................. 172
Protection of the environment General notes .................................. 24
Pulling away
Trailer ............................................ 161
Pulling away (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 160 Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 29 R
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 282
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating ................. 279
Display message ............................ 307
Radiator cover ................................... 36716
Index

Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 422
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 422
Maximum tire load .........................4 19
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 422
MOExtended tires .......................... 402
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 422
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) .......................................... .422
Replacing ....................................... 423
Service life ..................................... 402
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 422
Speed rating (definition) ................ 421
Storing .......................................... .424
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 420
Temperature .................................. 416
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 422
Tire bead (definition) ..................... .422
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 422
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 421
Tire size (data) ............................... 428
Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity, speed rating .................... 417
Tire tread ....................................... 401
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 422
Total load limit (definition) ............. 423
Traction ......................................... 416
Traction (definition) ....................... 422
Tread wea r..................................... 416
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 422
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 415
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 421
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 423
Wheel and tire combination ........... 430
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 421
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing a trailer Active Parking Assist ..................... 224
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 460
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 376 Coupling up a traile
r...................... 259
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 261
Driving tips .................................... 257
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 74
Important safety notes .................. 256
Installing the ball coupling ............. 258
Mounting dimensions .................... 459
Power supply ................................. 263
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 161
Removing the ball coupling ............ 262
Storing the ball coupling ................ 262
Trailer drive progra m..................... 249
Trailer load s................................... 460
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 393
Installing the towing eye ................ 394
Removing the towing eye ............... 395
With both axles on the ground ....... 395
With the rear axle raised ................ 395
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 396
Important safety notes .................. 393
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 262
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 244
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 247
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 239
PARKTRONIC ................................. 219
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 262
Transfer case ..................................... 177
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 168
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 168
Transporting the vehicle .................. 395
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 195
Driving downhill ............................. 195
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 195 Index
21

Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions)
.................................................. 378
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 269
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 269
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 270
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 297
Switching on/off ........................... 123
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 422
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 347
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 315
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 277
Limited Warranty ............................. 30
Loading .......................................... 412
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 428
Maintenance .................................... 26
Parking for a long period ................ 185
Pulling away ................................... 160
Raising ........................................... 425
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 424
Towing away .................................. 393
Transporting .................................. 395
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 88 Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 80
Vehicle data ................................... 456
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 456
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angle ............ 458
Fording depth ................................ 457
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 458
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 456
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 446
Vehicle level AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 216
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 304
Vehicle maintenance see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 382
Video Operating the DVD ........................ .273
VIN ...................................................... 446 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 321
Brakes .......................................... .320
Check Engine ................................. 327
Coolant .......................................... 328
Distance warning ........................... 330
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 330
ESP ®
.............................................. 323
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 324
Overview .......................................... 36
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF .............. .45
Reserve fuel .................................. .327
Restraint system ............................ 326
Seat belt ........................................ 318
Tire pressure monitor .................... 331
Warranty .............................................. 25
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 316 22
Index

You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading
guidelines" (Y page 334). G
WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe
the information on the "Occupant Classifica-
tion System (OCS)" (Y page 53). There you
will also find information on deactivating the
front-passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol- lowing standards:
R U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand-
ards 213 and 225
R Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system
corresponds to the standards can be found
on an instruction label on the child restraint
system. This confirmation can also be found
in the installation instructions that are inclu-
ded with the child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system G
WARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.
Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation and operating instructions for the child restraint system used.
Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH- type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is
engaged correctly in both LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) securing rings
! When installing the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the middle seat does not get trapped. The seat belt
could otherwise be damaged. 0043
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system on both LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) securing rings 0043. Children in the vehicle
63Safety Z

Useful information
............................156
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ............................................................. 156
Driving ............................................... 156
Automatic transmission ...................168
Refueling ............................................ 177
Parking ............................................... 182
Driving tips ........................................ 186
Driving systems ................................ 195
Towing a trailer ................................. 256 155Driving and parking

005D
Park position with parking lock
005E Reverse gear
005C Neutral
005B Drive
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direc-
tion of arrow P.
Engaging park position P automatically Park position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the Smart-
Key and remove the SmartKey.
R you switch off the engine using the Start/
Stop button and open one of the front
doors.
R you open the driver's door when the vehicle
is stationary or driving at very low speed
and the transmission is in position Dor R.
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X If the transmission is in position Dor N:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT
SELECT lever up past the first point of
resistance. Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
X If the transmission is in position Dor R:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT
SELECT lever up or down to the first point of
resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the auto- matic transmission automatically shifts to N.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the
vehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing system, observe the following notes:
Using the SmartKey:
R Make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R Shift to neutral N.
R Release the brake pedal. Automatic transmission
169Driving and parking Z