towing MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2012 W251 Owner's Guide

XStart the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.GWARNING
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: As soon as you
disconnect the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle, the vehicle will
lower. To help avoid personal injury, make
sure no one is near the wheel housing or
underneath the vehicle before the electrical
connection is disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
XRemove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XSwitch off the engine.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights
Weight specifications
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. Permissible gross weight: 3500 lb
(1588 kg).
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 350 lb
(158 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved
trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer
R When loading a trailer, please note that
neither the permissible gross trailer weight
nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) is specified on the type plate
located on the B-pillar on the driver's side
of your vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. Always observe the lowest
respective value when determining the
maximum weight with which you can load
the vehicle and the trailer.
R The drawbar noseweight acting on the ball
coupling has to be added to the rear axle
weight in order to prevent the permissible
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) from
being exceeded. The permissible Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is specified
on the type plate located on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer so that the drawbar noseweight
remains between 8% and 10% of the
permissible gross trailer weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
R To check that 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 axle, the Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW), and the drawbar noseweight.
Trailer power supply
The trailer power socket of your vehicle is
designed for connecting the 7-pin connector
supplied as part of the Mercedes-Benz-
approved trailer coupling.
194Trailer towingDriving and parking

iDepending on your trailer, you may need
an adapter to connect your trailer to the
vehicle.
Further information is available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Trailer towing195Driving and parkingZ

Useful information ............................248
Loading guidelines ............................248
Stowage areas .................................. 248
Features ............................................. 262247Stowing and features

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects. Always use cargo tie-down
rings, and if so equipped, always use the cargo
net when transporting cargo.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door ( Y page 333).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
( Y page 333).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 333).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R hook in the cargo net when loading.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
248Stowage areasStowing and features

Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
If so equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo. The cargo net cannot
secure hard or heavy objects.
Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy
objects.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find an AUX IN jack or a Media
Interface installed in the glove box. A Media
Interface is a universal interface for mobile
audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or USB
device (see the separate COMAND
operating instructions).
XTo open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Stowage compartments in the center
console
Front stowage compartment
Rear stowage compartment
XBriefly press trim ; in the direction of the
arrow.
Cover : swings upwards.
i
In vehicles with the smoker's package, an
ashtray is installed instead of the rear
stowage compartment ( Y page 265).
Stowage areas249Stowing and featuresZ

Stowage compartments under the
armrest
The stowage compartment and the stowage
tray can be opened separately.
i In vehicles with the Rear Seat
Entertainment System, a DVD player is
installed in the stowage compartment; see
the separate operating instructions.XTo open the stowage tray: press release
button : and fold the armrest upwards.XTo open the stowage compartment:
press release button ; and fold the
armrest upwards.=Stowage tray?Coin holder
i The Roadside Assistance
º (Y page 272) and MB info call
E (Y page 272) buttons are in the
stowage tray = under the armrest.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage compartments above the center
air vents, 2nd row of seats
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, a
control panel may be installed instead of the
upper stowage compartment, e.g. if the
vehicle has rear-compartment air
conditioning for the 2nd and 3rd rows of
seats.
Stowage compartment in the center
console, 2nd row of seats
XTo open: press the release button under
the armrest and fold the armrest upwards.
Stowage compartments in the 3rd row of
seats
There is a stowage compartment in the side
trim on both sides. In vehicles with rear-
compartment air conditioning (2nd and 3rd
row of seats), a swiveling side air vent is
installed instead of the stowage
compartment.
250Stowage areasStowing and features

:Stowage compartment
Stowage pockets
GWARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Parcel nets
GWARNING
Vehicles with Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Do not place objects with a combined weight
of more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg) into the parcel net
on the back of the front passenger seat.
Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to
properly approximate the occupant weight
category.
GWARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the back of the driver's and
the front-passenger seat.
Center console, 2nd row of seats
Removing the center console
GWARNING
Remove all containers that may be stored in
the cup holder in the rear center console.
Otherwise, liquids could spill on the
occupants and/or vehicle equipment. Hot
fluids spilled on the vehicle occupants may
cause serious injury. Liquids spilled on vehicle
equipment may cause damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
The center console contains a stowage
compartment ( Y page 250) and a cup holder
( Y page 263).
If you are using the fully extended cargo
compartment and want an even loading area
( Y page 253), you must remove the center
console.
! To avoid damage to the center console or
its components, close the stowage
compartment before removing the center
console.
i Remove all objects from the stowage
compartment ( Y page 250) to reduce the
weight of the center console.
Stowage areas251Stowing and featuresZ

XPull release handle A.
The front part of center console :
detaches from supporting base ?.XLift center console : upwards in the
direction of arrow B and hold center
console : in this position.XAt the same time, reach into recess ;.XLift center console : by recess ;
upwards in the direction of the arrow to
release center console : from anchoring
points =.XRemove center console : from the
vehicle.
i Supporting base ? cannot be removed.
Installing the center console
GWARNING
The rear center console must be properly
attached to the rear center console base
when the vehicle is in motion. The rear center
console could otherwise come loose. It could
be thrown around in the vehicle interior,
causing injury to the vehicle occupants
during:
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
You can install the center console in two
different positions. In the foremost position
(position 1) you can extend the cargo
compartment fully ( Y page 253) without
removing the center console.
i The stowage compartment and cup
holder will only be illuminated if the center
console is installed in the rear position
(position 0).XPosition center console B above
supporting base =.XMount the retainers of center console B
using anchoring points ? (position 1) or
A (position 0) of basic carrier =.XGuide the front part of center console B
downwards in the direction of the arrow to
supporting base =.
Center console B must rest on supporting
base =.XPush the front part of center console B
downwards until you hear center console
B engage in securing rings : (position 1)
or ; (position 0).252Stowage areasStowing and features

Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notesGWARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fully fold the corresponding seats and, if so
equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.
GWARNING
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
To enlarge the cargo compartment, the rear
bench seats of the second and third rows of
seats can be folded forwards separately. You
can enlarge the cargo compartment partially
( Y page 253) or fully ( Y page 253).
Partially enlarging the cargo
compartment (folding the seats in the
3rd row forward)
XMove the head restraint of the
corresponding seat down fully
( Y page 100).XClamp the seat belt behind retainer ;.XPull release handle : of backrest =
upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Backrest = is released.XFold backrest = slowly forwards.
Seat cushion ? is released and moves
automatically to a vertical position.XFold backrest = forwards into a horizontal
position.
i Loop A can be used to pull the backrests
of the 3rd row of seats upright when the
seats are moved into the original position
( Y page 256).
Enlarging the cargo compartment
completely (by folding the 2nd and 3rd
row of seats down)
GWARNING
Folded second-row seats are intended to
serve as a cargo volume expansion in
conjunction with folded third-row seats only.
Do not fold the second-row seats and allow
Stowage areas253Stowing and featuresZ

third-row seat occupants to use folded
second-row seats as a footrest while driving.
Third-row seat occupants must, like all vehicle
occupants, keep both feet on the floor in front
of their seat. Otherwise, occupants could
slide under their seat belt in a collision. If
occupants slide under the seat belt, it would
apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Do
not fold the second-row seats and allow third-
row seat occupants to use folded second-row
seats as a table while driving. Objects placed
on folded second-row seats may come loose
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or an
accident and be thrown around the vehicle
interior. Objects thrown around the vehicle
interior may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
! Make absolutely sure that you adhere to
the specified folding order when fully
enlarging the cargo compartment:
R fold down the center seat in the 2nd row
of seats (7-seat vehicles)
R fold down the outer seats in the 2nd row
of seats
R fold down the seats in the 3rd row of
seats
You could otherwise damage the seats.
Folding down the center seat in the 2nd
row of seats
! Close the cup holder in the 2nd row of
seats before folding down the 2nd row of
seats. You could otherwise damage the
seats or cup holder.XLower the head restraint on the center seat
in the 2nd row of seats fully ( Y page 100).XPull release loop : in the direction of the
arrow.XFold backrest ; forwards completely until
it is resting on seat cushion = (armrest
position).
Armrest position
XPull release loop ? in the direction of the
arrow and hold it securely.
The seat is released and folds up.XPress seat A further down until the front
of the seat engages in the trunk floor
position.
Trunk floor position
254Stowage areasStowing and features