Towing and tow-starting

WARNING
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if:
• the engine is not running.
• there is a brake system malfunction.
• there is a malfunction in the power supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. You will need more force to steer and brake, you may have to depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Before towing away, make sure that the steering can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its weight must not exceed the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle.

WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be towed.

transported It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed.

maximum You may only tow the vehicle a maximum distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles (50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a transporter.

bar at the Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.

recovery, Do not use the towing eye for recovery, as this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.

and When towing, pull away slowly and smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.

equipment. This could damage the vehicle. Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This could damage the vehicle.

the On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button. Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock and shift the automatic transmission to N. Then, turn the SmartKey back to 0 and leave it in the ignition lock.

The automatic transmission must be in position N when the vehicle is being towed.

The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you:
• cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
• cannot shift the automatic transmission to position N

Release the selector lever lock manually to move it out of position P.

switch off the Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the automatic locking feature. You could otherwise be locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.

See also:

Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. ...

Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if: • the vehicle is stationary. • the engine is running. • the driver's door is closed or your seat belt is fastened. • the parking brake is not applied. • the ...

Floormat on the driver's side
WARNING   Whenever you are using a floormat, make sure there is enough clearance and that the floormat is securely fastened. The floormat should always be securely fastened using the fa ...