towing MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2016 R172 User Guide

should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!It is preferable to use car washes with
adjustable high-pressure pre-cleaning that
corresponds to the specification for the
Cabriolet program. In car washes that use
high water pressures, there is a risk that a
small amount of water may leak into the
vehicle.
!Lock the car if you wash it in an automatic
car wash. Otherwise, the vehicle might be
damaged.
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts. If you have your vehicle cleaned in a high-
pressure automatic car wash, small
amounts of water may enter the vehicle.
!Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the roof are com-
pletely closed
Rthe climate control blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position
0
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
shield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all coun-
tries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
282Care
Maintenance and care

Useful information............................290
Where will I find...? ...........................290
Flat tire .............................................. 291
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 296
Jump-starting .................................... 299
Towing and tow-starting ..................301
Fuses .................................................. 304
289
Breakdown assistance

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip-
ment 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.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (
Ypage 25).
Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes
The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stow- age well under the trunk floor.
iApart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, the vehicles are not equipped with a
tire-change tool kit. Some tools for chang-
ing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, consult a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Tools required for changing a wheel may
include, for example:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
RRatchet wrench
RAlignment bolt
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
Example: equipment and country-specific varia-
tions possible
:
Tire sealant filler bottle
:Tire sealant filler bottle
;Fuse allocation chart
=Tire inflation compressor
?Towing eye
XLift the trunk floor up.
XUse the TIREFIT kit (Ypage 292).
Vehicles with a collapsible spare wheel
:Folding wheel chock
;Fuse allocation chart
=Jack
?Sheet for faulty wheel
AAlignment bolt
BLug wrench
CTowing eye
DValve extractor
ETire inflation compressor
290Where will I find...?
Breakdown assistance

XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point Aand negative terminal ?, then from
positive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
XClose cover :of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Vehicles with 7G-TRONIC:
!On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop but-
ton. Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock and shift the automatic trans-
mission to N. Then, turn the SmartKey back
to 0and leave it in the ignition lock.
Vehicles with 9G-TRONIC:
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop but-
ton. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
may shift to position Pwhen the driver's or front-passenger door are opened, which
could lead to damage to the transmission.
All vehicles:
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func- tion in the following or other simila
r situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with a crane.
!Drive slowly and smoothly when towing.
Excessive tractive power could otherwise
damage the vehicles.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
!Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting301
Breakdown assistance
Z

!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
!If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
iInformation on your vehicle's gross vehi-
cle weight rating can be found on the vehi- cle identification plate; see the printed
Operator's Manual.
iInformation on your vehicle's gross vehi-
cle weight rating can be found on the vehi-
cle identification plate (
Ypage 345).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed away.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
when towing a vehicle, the automatic trans-
mission must be in position N.
The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot shift the transmission to position N
on vehicles with automatic transmission.
Vehicles with 7G-TRONIC: release the
selector lever lock manually to move it out of
position P(
Ypage 157).
Before the vehicle is towed, deactivate the
automatic locking feature (
Ypage 206). You
could otherwise be locked out when pushing
or towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There is
a risk of burns when removing the rear cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe. Take particular care when removing the rear cover.
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
XPress the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
XTake cover :off the opening.
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (
Ypage 290).
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise as far as
it will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XAttach cover :to the bumper and press
until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit
(
Ypage 290).
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
302Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

Always switch off the ignition when towing thevehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
Vehicles with 9G-TRONIC: the automatic
transmission automatically shifts to position
P when you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the key
from the ignition lock.
Vehicles with automatic transmission: in
order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position Nwhen towing away the
vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(
Ypage 111).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(
Ypage 140).
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the transmission to position N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XLeave the SmartKey in position2in the
ignition lock.
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual. In this case, only the indica-
tor lamps for the direction of travel flash.
When you reset the combination switch, the
hazard warning flashers start flashing again.
It is important that y
ou observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(
Ypage 301).
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
!
The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP
®could other-
wise damage the brake system.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be towed with the rear axle raised.
The vehicle/trailer combination may oth-
erwise swerve or even roll over.
Transporting the vehicle
!
You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XShift the transmission to position N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XTurn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position0and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
XSecure the vehicle.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could other-
wise damage the automatic transmission.
You can find information on "Jump-starting" at
(
Ypage 299).
Before tow-starting:
Rthe battery must be connected
Rthe engine must be cold
Rthe exhaust system must have cooled down
When tow-starting, it is important that you
observe the safety instructions (
Ypage 301).
Towing and tow-starting303
Breakdo wn assis tance
Z

XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(
Ypage 111).
XInstall the towing eye (Ypage 302).
XSecure the rigid towing bar or the towing
rope.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the igni-
tion lock.
XDepress the clutch pedal fully, engage sec-
ond gear and keep the clutch pedal
depressed.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XTow-start the vehicle.
XRelease the clutch pedal slowly; do not
depress the accelerator pedal while doing
so.
XAs soon as the engine starts, depress the
clutch pedal immediately and shift to neu-
tral.
XStop at a suitable place, in accordance with
the traffic conditions.
XDepress the parking brake.
XRemove the rigid towing bar or towing rope.
XRemove the towing eye (Ypage 302).
XSwitch off the hazard warning lamps.
Fuses
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher amper- age, the electric cables could be overloaded.
This could result in a fire. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
!Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system concerned. Otherwise, components or sys-
tems could be damaged. The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Before changing a fuse
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(
Ypage 160).
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XTurn the SmartKey to position
0in the igni-
tion lock and remove it (
Ypage 139).
or
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (
Ypage 140).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
RFuse box in the engine compartment on the
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
RFuse box in the trunk
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit in the stowage compartment
under the trunk floor (
Ypage 290).
Fuse box in the engine compartment
i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 304).
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
304Fuses
Breakdown assistance

found on the wheel or under "Technical data"
(
Ypage 342).
An emergency spare wheel may also be
mounted against the direction of rotation.
Observe the time restriction on use as well as
the speed limitation specified on the emer-
gency spare wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
iWhen you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure
loss warning system or the tire pressure
monitor cannot function reliably. Only
restart the tire pressure loss warning sys-
tem or tire pressure monitor when the
defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor:
after mounting an emergency spare wheel,
the system may still display the tire pres-
sure of the removed wheel for a few
minutes. The value displayed for the moun-
ted emergency spare wheel is not the same
as the current tire pressure of the emer-
gency spare wheel.
Removing the emergency spare wheel
(Example)
The collapsible spare wheel can be found in
the stowage well under the trunk floor.
XLift and remove the reversible floor panel in
the trunk (
Ypage 256).
XTurn retaining screw ;counter-clockwise
and remove it.
XRemove collapsible spare wheel :.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(
Ypage 331).
Stowing the emergency spare wheel
!
Only place the collapsible spare wheel in
the vehicle when it is dry. Otherwise, mois-
ture may get into the vehicle.
Take the following steps to stow a used col-
lapsible spare wheel. Otherwise, the collaps-
ible spare wheel will not fit in the trunk in the
intended manner. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you have this work carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop.
XUnscrew the valve cap from the valve.
XIf possible, unscrew the valve insert from
the valve and release the air.
iFully deflating the tires can take a few
minutes.
XScrew the valve insert back into the valve.
XScrew the valve cap back on.
XPull the protective sheet provided with the
spare wheel over the collapsible spare
wheel.
XStow the collapsible spare wheel in the
emergency spare wheel well under the
trunk.
XUse the retaining screw to pierce the pro-
tective sheet and fasten the collapsible
spare wheel in place.
Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
!
Inflate the collapsible spare wheel using
the tire inflation compressor before lower-
ing the vehicle. The wheel rim could other-
wise be damaged.
340Emergency spare wheel
Wheels and tires