towing MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2020 MY20 Operator’s Manual

Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R Practice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traf-
fic. This enables you to gain experience and
get used to the new handling characteris-
tics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer is equipped with a separate
functional braking system, check before
each journey whether the brakes are func-
tioning correctly.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 244).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and a
longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine. R
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to
a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun
brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Towing a trailer
171
Driving and parking Z

Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information !
For vehicles with a permissible gross vehi-
cle weight of 6614 lbs (3000 kg), the per-
missible gross combination mass is less
than the sum of the permissible gross vehi-
cle weight plus the permissible trailer load.
Exceeding the permissible gross combina-
tion mass can lead to damage to the drive-
train, to the transmission or to the trailer
hitch.
If either the vehicle or the trailer is fully
laden, the permitted gross vehicle weight or
the permitted trailer load values are reduced
accordingly. In this case, you may only parti-
ally load the trailer or the vehicle.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment. If the trailer is
installed with a separate functional braking
system, then the maximum gross trailer weight
is 5000 lbs (2268 kg). G
WARNING
If you tow a trailer without a separate func-
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than

1635 lbs
(750 kg), then the vehicle brake system may
overheat. This increases the braking dis-
tance and the brake system may even fail.
There is an increased risk of accident and
injury, possibly even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate func-
tional braking system when towing a trailer
with a gross trailer weight (GTW) of more
than 1635 lbs (750 kg).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg).
The actual noseweight may not exceed the
value given on the identification plates of the
trailer tow hitch or the trailer. If the values
vary, the lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is
calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs
(68 kg). The permissible Gross Combination Weight Rating is vehicle-specific and depends
on the equipment level.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates
for the trailer and the vehicle (
Y page

304).
The basic values approved by the manufac-
turer can also be found in the "Technical data"
section ( Y page 315). If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
Loading a trailer !
Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissi-
ble noseweight, otherwise the trailer may
come loose.
R The load must be distributed over the vehi-
cle and the trailer so as not to exceed either
the maximum permissible values for the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and
gross trailer weight (GTW), the gross combi-
nation weight rating (GCWR), nor the maxi-
mum permissible gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and trailer drawbar noseweight rat-
ing of your vehicle.
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This
will prevent you from exceeding the permis-
sible gross axle weight (GAWR).
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This
will ensure that you do not exceed the per-
missible gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer
weight R
Make sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values. Have the vehicle/trailer
combination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the
driver, passengers and load, as well as the
loaded trailer.
R Check the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) 172
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar
(TWR).
Trailer power supply
! Incorrect wiring of the connector plug
could, under certain circumstances, cause
malfunctions in the vehicle's other elec-
tronic systems. We therefore recommend
having the connector plug wired at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
! You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 240 W
to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical installations for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to connect the electrical system of the
trailer with that of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge
the starter battery of your vehicle.
Further information on the electrical equip-
ment currently installed on your vehicle and on
installing trailer electrics can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Towing a trailer
173
Driving and parking Z

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle that were available at the time of
going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions rel-
evant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page
32).Stowage spaces and stowage com-
partments
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle inte-
rior and these are not adequately secured,
they could slip or be flung around and
thereby strike vehicle occupants. In addi-
tion, cup holders, open stowage spaces and
mobile phone brackets may not always be
able to hold the objects placed in them in
the event of an accident. There is a risk of
injury, particularly in the event of sharp
braking or sudden changes of direction.
R Always stow objects in such a way that
they cannot be tossed about in these or
similar situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets.
R Ensure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey.
R Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects
in the cargo compartment.
Observe the "Loading guidelines"
(Y page

242). Glove box
Glove box (example: glove box with a lockable lid)
1 Unlocked
2 Locked
= Glove box handle
You can lock and unlock the glove box using
the mechanical key (Y page
72).
When you open the glove box flap, a coin
holder, a pen holder and a credit card holder
are integrated on the inside.
X To open: unlock the glove box lid if neces-
sary.
X Pull glove box handle = in the direction of
the arrow.
X To close: fold the glove box up and press it
until it engages. Eyeglasses compartment in the over-
head control panel
Eyeglasses compartment (example: luxury over-
head control panel) 238
Stowage spaces and stowage compartments
Stowing and features

X
To open: briefly press cover of eyeglasses
compartment :.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down-
wards.
X To close: press the cover of the eyeglasses
compartment : into the overhead control
panel until it engages.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion. Stowage net
You can use the stowage nets on the back of
the seat backrests to store small, lightweight
items.
Observe the loading directions ( Y page
242)
and the safety information about the stowage
spaces (Y page 238). Sun visors
Overview
G
WARNING
If the mirror cover of the vanity mirror is fol-
ded up when the vehicle is in motion, you
could be blinded by incident light. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always keep the mirror cover folded down
while driving. Sun visor (example with illuminated vanity mirror)
:
Mirror light
; Retainer
= Retaining clip, e.g. for a parking ticket
? Vanity mirror
A Mirror cover Vanity mirror in the sun visor
X Fold up mirror cover A.
X Turn the key to position 1 or 2 in the igni-
tion lock.
Mirror lamp : lights up. Glare from the side
X Fold the sun visor down.
X Pull the sun visor out of bracket ;.
X Swing the sun visor to the side. Cup holder
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The cup holder cannot hold a container
secure whilst traveling. If you use a cup
holder whilst traveling, the container may be
flung around and liquid may be spilled. The
vehicle occupants may come into contact
with the liquid and if it is hot, they may be
scalded. You may be distracted from the
traffic conditions and you could lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only use the cup holder for con-
tainers of the right size. Always close the
container, particularly if the liquid is hot.
! Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The
drinks could otherwise spill.
Observe the loading guidelines

(Y page 242). Cup holder
239Stowing and features Z

Cup holders in the dashboard
Cup holder in the dashboard (example: left side
of vehicle)
Cup holders
: are located on the left and the
right on top of the dashboard and on the cen-
ter console. Bottle holder
The bottle holders are in front of the stowage
compartments in the front doors.
There are additional bottle holders on the left
and right in the rear compartment side panel-
ing. Observe the safety notes
(Y page 238). Ashtray
Front ashtray
Ashtray
Ashtray with lid : can be inserted into a cup
holder on the dashboard or into a cup holder
in the rear compartment. Cigarette lighter
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You can burn yourself if you touch the hot
heating element or the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter.
In addition, flammable materials can ignite
if:
R the hot cigarette lighter falls
R a child holds the hot cigarette lighter to
objects, for example
There is a risk of fire and injury.
Always hold the cigarette lighter by the
knob. Always make sure that the cigarette
lighter is out of reach of children. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
Above all, pay attention to traffic conditions.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and others. Only operate the
cigarette lighter if traffic conditions permit. 240
Cigarette lighter
Stowing and features

Cigarette lighter in the front com-
partment
X
To use the cigarette lighter: turn the key
to position 1 in the ignition lock
(Y page
127).
X Press in cigarette lighter :.
The cigarette lighter will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot.
X Pull the cigarette lighter out of the socket by
its handle.
The cigarette lighter socket can be used for
accessories with a maximum power consump-
tion of 180 W

(15 A).
If you use the sockets to connect accessories
for long periods when the engine is switched
off, the starter battery may discharge. An
emergency cut-off ensures that the on-board
voltage does not drop too low. If the on-board
voltage is too low, power to the socket is auto-
matically cut. This ensures that there is suffi-
cient power to start the engine. 12 V socket
When the key is turned to position 1 in the
ignition lock, the sockets can be used for accessories with a maximum power consump-
tion of

180 W (15 A).
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the starter battery
may discharge. If the on-board voltage is too
low, it might then no longer be possible to
start the engine.
The socket in the center console and the
socket in the side of the cargo compartment
are not automatically deactivated if the on-
board voltage is low. The additional sockets in
the rear compartment are automatically deac-
tivated if the on-board voltage is low.
Additional 12 V sockets may be located in the
rear corner trim next to the tailgate and in the
side trim on the left and right-hand sides.
X Lift up the cover of socket :. Mobile communications equipment
G
WARNING
If you operate information and communica-
tion devices while driving, you may be dis-
tracted from the traffic conditions. You
could even lose control of the vehicle. There
is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are currently driving when operat-
ing mobile communication equipment.
Please remember, a navigation system does
not supply information on the load-bearing
capacity of bridges or the overhead clearance
of underpasses. The driver remains responsi-
ble for safety at all times.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna instal-
led by a qualified specialist workshop.
Failure to observe the Mercedes-Benz installa-
tion specifications can result in the invalida-
tion of your vehicle's operating permit.
You will find information on retrofitting electri-
cal or electronic equipment under “Vehicle
electronics” (Y page

304). Mobile communications equipment
241
Stowing and features Z

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle that were available at the time of
going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions rel-
evant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page
32).Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes Depending on the equipment version of the
vehicle, the vehicle tool kit is:
R in the seat base of the left front seat
R in the rear compartment stowage compart-
ment
R in the tool holder in the cargo compartment
Apart from some country-specific variants,
vehicles without a spare wheel are not equip-
ped with tire-changing tools. If your vehicle is
equipped with tire-changing tools, these are in
the vehicle tool kit. If the vehicle tool kit is
stowed in the driver's seat base, the jack is in
a separate holder in the cargo compartment
on the right-hand side of the vehicle next to
the tailgate/rear-end door

(Y page 272).
Some tools for changing a wheel are specific
to the vehicle. For more information on which
tools are required and approved to perform a
wheel change on your vehicle, consult a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Necessary tire-changing tools can include, for
example:
R Jack
R Lug wrench
R Ratchet wrench
i The jack has a maximum weight of 7.5 kg
depending on the vehicle's equipment.
The maximum payload of the jack can be
found on the sticker on the jack itself. The jack is maintenance-free. In the event of
a malfunction, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Stowage compartment in the seat
base Stowage compartment in the seat base of the left
front seat
X To open: press both latching springs :
down and release cover ; upwards from
the seat base.
X Remove cover ; by pulling upwards at an
angle from the seat base.
X Remove the clamping strap and remove the
vehicle tool kit.
For vehicles equipped with tire-changing
tools, the jack is in a separate holder in the
cargo compartment on the right-hand side
of the vehicle next to the tailgate/rear-end
door (Y page

272).
X To close: after stowing the vehicle tool bag,
insert cover ; in front of the stowage com-
partment in the seat base and fold shut.
Latching springs : of cover ; must
engage audibly. 270
Where will I find...?
Breakdown assistance

Stowage compartment in the rear
compartment
Opening/closing the stowage compart-
ment
Stowage compartment in the rear compartment
on the right-hand side of the vehicle
X To open: turn top rotary catch : clockwise
and bottom rotary catch : counter-clock-
wise.
X Remove cover ;.
X To close: insert cover ;.
X Turn top rotary catch : counter-clockwise
and bottom rotary catch : clockwise.
X Fold down the rear seat.
Removing/stowing vehicle tool kit and
jack
Depending on the equipment version of the
vehicle, the vehicle tool kit and the jack are
stowed either in a stowage tray or in a tool
holder with a cover. Stowage compartment with stowage tray X
To remove tools: open the stowage com-
partment.
X Open clamping strap = and remove
jack ? by pulling it upwards at an angle
from the stowage tray compartment.
X Remove vehicle tool bag A upwards from
the stowage tray compartment.
X To stow tools: insert vehicle tool bag A
into the front compartment of the stowage
tray.
X Before stowing, wind jack ? to the fully
closed position and place it so that the hand
wheel is facing downwards and the plate is
facing inwards at an angle.
X Insert jack ? into the back compartment of
the stowage tray.
X Press jack ? into the upper holder and fas-
ten clamping strap =.
The jack is secured.
X Close the stowage compartment. Stowage compartment with tool holder
X To remove tools: open the stowage com-
partment.
X Remove clamping strap C.
X Remove tool holder cover B.
X Carefully pull the tool kit and jack out of the
stowage compartment. Lift the jack slightly
before removing it and turn it to a diagonal
position in the stowage compartment.
X To stow tools: before stowing, wind the
jack to the fully closed position and place it
so that the hand wheel is facing forwards
and the plate is facing inwards.
X Place the jack and vehicle tool kit into the
tool holder.
X Replace tool holder cover B.
X Tighten clamping strap C.
X Close the stowage compartment. Where will I find...?
271Breakdown assistance

Stowage space in the cargo compart-
ment
Tool holder in the cargo compartment
Tool holder in the cargo compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle
X To remove tools: release clamping
strap ;.
X Remove tool holder cover :
X Carefully pull the tool kit and jack out of the
tool holder.
X To stow tools: before stowing, wind the
jack to the fully closed position and place it
so that the hand wheel is facing forwards
and the plate is facing inwards.
X Place the jack and vehicle tool kit into the
tool holder.
X Replace tool holder cover :.
X Tighten clamping strap ;.
Separate holder for jack Holder for the jack in the cargo compartment on
the right-hand side of the vehicle
The vehicle tool kit or tire-changing tools are
in the seat base of the left front seat
(Y page
270). X
To remove the jack: release clamping
strap :.
X Pull jack ; out of the upper holder and
from the lower fixture =.
X To stow the jack: before stowing, wind the
jack to the fully closed position and place it
so that the hand wheel is facing forwards
and the plate is facing inwards.
X Place jack ; onto lower fixture =.
X Press jack ; into the upper holder and fas-
ten clamping strap :.
The jack is secured. First-aid kit
Removing the first-aid kit The first-aid kit is located in the stowage com-
partment in the co-driver's door.
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace any expired
or missing contents.
Observe the legal requirements of the coun-
try in which you are currently driving. Flat tire
In your vehicle, you will find a sticker with the
Mercedes-Benz Service24h telephone number,
e.g. on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
For vehicles with a spare wheel, information
on breakdown assistance in the event of a flat
tire can be found under "Wheels and tires"
( Y page

297). Jump-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is suffi-
cient ventilation while charging and jump-
starting. Do not lean over a battery. 272
Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance