tow bar MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2018 MY18 Operator’s Manual

Theft deterrent systemsATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 58
Immobilizer ...................................... 58
Tow-away alarm ............................... 59
Tightening torques for wheel nuts/
wheel bolts ........................................ 272
Time
Setting the time (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 169
Setting the time (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 163
Timer
Activating ....................................... 115
Auxiliary heating ............................ 114
Overview ........................................ 114
Setting the heating level (auxiliary
heating) ......................................... 116
Setting weekday, time and oper-
ating duration (auxiliary heating) ... 115
Switching immediate heating
mode on/off (auxiliary heating) ..... 115
Timer (auxiliary warm-air heater)
Deactivating departure times ......... 116
Setting the departure time ............. 116
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 254
Checking manually ........................ 254
Display messages (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 193
Display messages (vehicles with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 176
Maximum ....................................... 254
Notes ............................................. 253
Recommended ............................... 251
Setting the unit (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 169
Tire label ........................................ 252
Tire pressure loss warning system .. 256
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 256
Display message ............................ 193
Function/notes ............................. 254
Indicator lamp ................................ 202
Restarting ...................................... 256
Warning lamp ................................. 256
Tire pressure table ............................ 257 Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 266
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 265
Bar (de
finition) ............................... 265
Changing a wheel .......................... 267
Characteristics .............................. 264
Checking ........................................ 249
Curb weight (definition) ................. 266
Definition of terms ......................... 264
Direction of rotation ...................... 267
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 266
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 265
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 264
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 265
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 265
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 265
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat- ing) (definition) .............................. 265
Important safety notes .................. 248
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 265
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 265
Labeling (overview) ........................ 262
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 266
Load index ..................................... 263
Load index (definition) ................... 265
M+S tires ....................................... 250
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 266
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 265
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 266
Maximum tire load ......................... 264
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 266
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 266
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def- inition) ........................................... 266
Replacing ....................................... 267
Service life ..................................... 249
Index19

Sidewall (definition) ....................... 266
Snow chains .................................. 251
Speed rating (definition) ................ 265
Storing ........................................... 267
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 264
Summer tires ................................. 250
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 266
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 266
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 266
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 265
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 262
Tire tread ....................................... 249
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 266
Total load limit (definition) ............. 266
Traction (definition) ....................... 266
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 266
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 265
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 266
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 265
Wheel/tire combinations ............... 273
Top Tether ............................................ 52
Touchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 124
Tow-away alarm
Arming/deactivating ........................ 59
Deactivating ..................................... 59
Operation ......................................... 59
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 247
Important safety notes .................. 244
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck ..................... 246
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................. 245
With a raised front or rear axle ...... 246
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 288
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 238
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 156
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 157
Driving tips .................................... 154
Important safety notes .................. 154
Notes on retrofitting ...................... 288 Trailer loads ................................... 288
Towing away
Imp ortant sa
fety guidelines ........... 244
In the event of malfunctions .......... 245
With both axles on the ground ....... 246
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ... 197
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 158
Trailer towing
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 145
PARKTRONIC ................................. 152
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 158
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission oil ................................ 284
Transport
Loading guidelines ......................... 213
Vehicle ........................................... 247
Transport by rail ................................ 134
Transportation
Rail ................................................ 134
Transporting
Load distribution ............................ 215
Securing a load .............................. 215
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 239
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 173
Trip odometer
Display (vehicles with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 166
Display (vehicles without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 162
Resetting ....................................... 161
see Trip computer (on-board computer)
Turn signals
Replacing bulbs (front) ..................... 91
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 92
Switching on/off .............................. 84
Turn signals (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 93
Twin front-passenger seat
Stowage compartment .................. 207
20Index

Use the head restraint pad to adjust the head
restraint so that it is as close as possible to the
back of your head.
Before the journey, make sure the head
restraints have been correctly set for each of the
vehicle's passengers (
Ypage 78).
Driver's and front-passenger seat
:Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
;Lumbar support adjustment
=Seat backrest adjustment
?Seat height adjustment
ASeat cushion angle adjustment
BSeat suspension adjustment
CSeat suspension lock
iDepending on the seat model, some adjust-
ments may not be available.
You can find information on rotating the front
seats under "Swiveling front seats"
(
Ypage 75).
XTo adjust the seat fore-and-aft position:
pull lever :up.
XSlide the seat forward or back.
XRelease lever :.
XSlide the seat forward or back until you hear it
engage.
XTo adjust the backrest: turn handwheel=
towards the front.
The seat backrest moves to a vertical posi-
tion.
XTurn handwheel =towards the rear.
The seat backrest tilts towards the rear.
XTo adjust the seat height: press or pull
lever ?repeatedly until you have reached
the desired seat height.
XTo adjust the seat angle: turn handwheelA
towards the front.
The front of the seat cushion tilts down.
XTurn handwheel Atowards the rear.
The front of the seat cushion tilts up.
iThe lumbar support allows you to use the
backrest to increase the support provided to
the lumbar spine.
When the lumbar support is correctly adjus-
ted, it reduces strain on your back while driv-
ing.
XTo adjust the lumbar support: turn hand-
wheel ;up.
This increases the support provided to the
lumbar region.
XTurn handwheel ;down.
This reduces the support provided to the lum-
bar region.
The seat suspension must be adapted to your
body weight. Adjust the seat suspension only
while the seat is unoccupied.
XTo adjust the seat suspension: take your
weight off the seat.
XUsing handwheel B, set your body weight
(40 to 120 kg) for optimum seat suspension.
The seat suspension will become more rigid
the higher you set the weight. It will then not
move as far.
If the seat moves up and down frequently and to a great extent, you can lock the seat in the lower
range.
XTo engage the seat suspension lock: turn
lever Cup.
When it next moves, the seat will lock in posi-
tion.
XTo release the seat suspension lock: turn
lever Cto the right.
The seat can now move up and down agai n.
Swiveling front seats
GWARNING
If the driver's and front-passenger seats are
not engaged facing the direction of travel
Seats75
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

button to reduce or theKbutton to
increase the airflow.
The blower speeds are shown in bars next to
the buttons.
Defrosting the windows
You can use the "defrosting" function to defrost
the windshield or to demist the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
Only use the following settings until the win-
dows are clear again.
XVehicle with window heating: switch on the
front (Ypage 105) and/or rear window
defroster (Ypage 105) .
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 102).
Vehicle with heating
XSet temperature control :and airflow con-
trol ;toz (Ypage 99).
XSet air-distribution control ?tosz
(Ypage 99).
XClose the center air vents (Ypage 106) and
the air outlets for the headroom and the rear compartment (
Ypage 107).
XDirect the side air vents towards the side win-dows and open the defroster vents for the
side windows (
Ypage 107).
Vehicle with air conditioning
XSet temperature control :to
z (Ypage 100).
XPress the Kbutton until the maximum
blower output is reached.
All bars in the display next to the button light
up.
XSet air-distribution control Atosz
(Ypage 100).
XClose the center air vents (Ypage 106) and
the air outlets for the headroom and the rear
compartment (
Ypage 107).
XDirect the side air vents towards the side win-
dows and open the defroster vents for the
side windows (
Ypage 107).
Clearing condensation from the win-
dows
Windows fogged up on the inside
You should only select this setting until the win-
dows are clear again.
XVehicle with window heating: switch on the
front (Ypage 105) and/or rear window
defroster (Ypage 105) .
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 102).
XSwitch off air-recirculation mode
(Ypage 105).
Vehicle with heating
XSet temperature control :to a higher tem-
perature (Ypage 99).
XSet airflow control ;to a higher blower set-
ting. It should be set at least to level two
(
Ypage 99).
XSet air-distribution control ?tosz
(Ypage 99).
iIf the windows still fog up, set the control as
described for defrosting (Ypage 104).
Vehicle with air conditioning
XActivate cooling with air dehumidification
(Ypage 103).
XPress the ¨button (Ypage 100).
Reheat mode is activated. The indicator lamp
in the switch lights up.
To deactivate reheat mode, press the ¨
button again. The indicator lamp in the button
goes out.
Windows fogged up on the outside
You should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
XSwitch on the windshield wipers (Ypage 96).
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 102).
XAdjust air distribution to the footwell
(Ypage 103).
XClose the air vents (Ypage 106).
104Operating the climate control system
Climate control

and accelerator pedals or the cruise control
lever.
XBrake or accelerate the vehicle to the
required speed on the downhill gradient.
XRelease the brake or accelerator pedal. The
current speed is stored.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever up :to
increase the speed or down =to reduce the
speed.
The last speed stored is increased or reduced
incrementally.
XRelease the cruise control lever. The current
speed is stored.
or
XPress and hold the cruise control lever up :
or down =until the desired speed has been
reached.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The current speed is stored.
iIt may take a moment before the vehicle
brakes to the set speed. Take this delay into
account when setting the speed with the
cruise control lever.
Deactivating DSR
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forward ?.
or
XAccelerate and drive faster than 28 mph
(45 km/h).
DSR deactivates automatically if:
Ryou are driving faster than 28 mph (45 km/h).
Ryou disengage th eLOW RANGE transmission
ratio.
Rthere is amalfunction in th eES P®or AB Ssys-
tem.
PARKTRONIC
Gene ral notes
PARKTRONI Cis an electronic parkin gaid. The
system is equipped wit hultrasonic sensor sin
th efron tand rear bumpers to monitor th earea
around your vehicle. PARKTRONI Cindicate svis -
ually and audibl yth edistanc ebetween your
vehicl eand an object.
Your vehicl efeatures tw oseparat esoun demit-
ters wit hdifferen tfrequencie sfor th ewarnin gtones. The warnin
granges in fron tof and behind
th evehicl eare indicate dby differen twarnin g
tones.
PARKTRONI Cis activated automatically when
you:
Rtur nth eke yto position 2in th eignition loc k
Rrelease theparkin gbrak eand
Rmov eth eselector lever to D,Nor R.
PARKTRONI Cis deactivated at speeds abov e
11 mph (18 km/h). PARKTRONI Cis reactivated
at speeds belo w10 mph (16 km/h).
Impor tant safety notes
PARKTRONI Cis only an aid. It canno treplac e
your own awareness of th eimmediat esurround-
ings. You are responsibl efor saf emaneuvering,
parkin gand pullin gaway. Whe nmaneuvering,
parkin gand pullin gaway, mak esur ethat there
are no persons, animals or objects in th emaneu-
verin garea .
!Pay particular attention to obstacles abov e
or belo wthesensor swhen parking, suc has
flower pot sor trailer towbars. PARKTRONI C
does no trecogniz esuc hobjects when they
are in th eimmediat evicinit yof th evehicle.
You could damage th evehicl eor objects .
PARKTRONI Ccan suffer interferenc efrom:
Rultrasonic source ssuc has atruck's
compressed-air brakes, an automati ccar
wash or apneumati cdrill
Rattachments to th evehicle, e.g. rear moun -
te dracks
Rnumber plates (vehicle license plates) that
are no taffixe dflat against th ebumper
Rdirty or icy sensor s
Remove adetachable trailer couplin gif it is no
longer required. PARKTRONI Cmeasures th e
minimum detection range to an obstacle from
th ebumper, no tth eball coupling.
Range ofthe sensor s
PARKTRONI Cdoes no taccoun tfor obstacles
that are:
Rbeneat hits detection range, e.g. persons, ani -
mals or objects
Rabov eits detection range, e.g. overhangin g
loads ,overhang sor truck loading ramps
150Driving systems
Driving and parking

nobody is standing between the vehicle and the
trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
Rthe permissible noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
Rthe permissible gross combination weight rat-
ing
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
Ron the type plates for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 276)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manufac-
turer on the identification plates and those for
the towing vehicle in the "Permissible trailer
loads and trailer drawbar noseweights" section
(
Ypage 158).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris more susceptible to strong crosswinds
Rrequires more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and weather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operator's Manual, please contact an authorized Sprinter dealer.
General notes
RObserve the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province.Before setting off, check the vehicle docu-
ments of the your trailer to find out the per-
missible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
RInstall only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that is
approved for your vehicle and Sprinter trailer
tow hitch. More information on the availabil-
ity, mounting and installation of the trailer
electrics is available at any qualified specialist
workshop.
RThe trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
The notes on operation, care and mainte-
nance issued by the manufacturer should be
observed.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
RMinimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweig hts” se
c-
tion (Ypage 158).
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. If this is case,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer
drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations in the relevant country,
state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must select
shift range 3,2 or 1in good time.
Towing a trailer155
Driving an d parking
Z

iThis also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
iYou can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or trailer stability programs. More information is
available from your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
RMaintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
RAvoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
RThe figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
ities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the
power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
XCouple the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical and other connections to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into eyelet :on the
ball coupling.
XRemove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
XRelease the trailer parking brake.
iThe subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
Rsafety chains between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows
you to drive round tight corners.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature triggers the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-tions.
Many states require a separate functional brak-
ing system for your trailer once a certain weight
limit is exceeded. For your safety, it is recom-
mended to use a separate functional braking
system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle/trailer combination
complies with local laws. This not only means
where you live, but also anywhere you are driv-
156Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

ing to. Information is available from the police
and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traffic.This enables you to gain experience and get
used to the new handling characteristics.
RBefore 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
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer is equipped with an individual
braking system, check before each journey
whether the brakes are functioning correctly.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combination
away carefully. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check that the brakes
are working.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 215).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a long er
brak

ing distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf 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.
RWhen 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 instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the heater/air conditioning to the maximum
level. Open the windows if necessary.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com-
bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
Uncoupling a trailer
GWARNING
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 rebounding of the overrun
brake.
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the parking brake of the vehicle.
XClose all doors.
XApply the parking brake of the trailer.
XIn addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
XRemove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer.
Towing a trailer157
Driving and parking
Z

Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information
!On vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle
weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the permissi-
ble gross combination weight is less than the total of the permissible gross vehicle weight
and the permissible trailer load. Exceeding
the permissible gross combination weight can
lead to damage to the drivetrain, to the trans-
mission or to the trailer tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the
relevant value for the permissible gross vehi-
cle weight or the permissible trailer load is
therefore lower. In this case, the trailer or the
vehicle may only be partially loaded.
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 equipped with a separate functional braking system, then
the maximum gross trailer weight is 5000 lbs
(2268 kg) or 7500 lbs (3402 kg).
GWARNING
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 distance 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 functional
braking system when towing a trailer with a
gross trailer weight (GTW) of more than
1635 lbs (750 kg).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg) or
750 lbs (340 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 maximum permissible gross combination
weight is vehicle-specific and equipment-
dependent. When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the maximum permitted gross combi-
nation 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 (
Ypage 276). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 288). 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 permissible
noseweight, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
RThe load must be distributed over the vehicle
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 combination weight
rating (GCWR), nor the maximum permissible gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and trailer
drawbar noseweight rating of your vehicle.
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This will pre-
vent you from exceeding the permissible
gross axle weight (GAWR).
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This will
ensure that you do not exceed the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RMake sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum per-missible values. Have the vehicle/trailer com-
bination 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.
RCheck 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) and
the noseweight of the trailer drawbar (TWR).
158Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

iJumper cables and further information
regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop.
Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched on
(
Ypage 118).
XApply the parking brake.
XMove the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers, e.g. audio
equipment, blower.
XTurn the key to position0in the ignition lock
and remove it (Ypage 119).
XOpen the hood (Ypage 219).
Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
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.
Information on the gross vehicle weight can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(
Ypage 276).
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged.
!Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
RSecure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
REnsure that the tow cable is not longer than
legally permitted. Mark the tow cable in the
middle, e.g. with a white cloth (30 x 30 cm).
This will make other road users aware that
the vehicle is being towed.
ROnly secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
RObserve the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
RDo not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery, this
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover
the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
When towing away, you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are
currently driving.
It is preferable to have the vehicle transported
on a transporter or trailer instead of towing it.
244Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance