In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position N when towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
X
You must use the SmartKey instead of the
Start/Stop button (
Y
page 136).
X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 0 in the ignition lock.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N.
X
Release the brake pedal.
X
Release the electric parking brake.
X
Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the igni-
tion lock.
X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(
Y
page 117).
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 indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
!
When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
!
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 pur-
poses.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
X
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
X
Secure the vehicle.
Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To shift
the automatic transmission to position N, you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
(
Y
page 312).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
Towing and tow-starting
317
Breakdown
assistanc
e
Z