Stranded Vehicle - Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual

Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, make sure the SmartKey is
in starter switch position 2.
G Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.
X
Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X
Shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
X
Release the brake pedal.
X
If engaged, release the parking brake.
X
Switch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 113).
! Keep in mind that it is important to have
the ignition switched on. Removing the
SmartKey from the starter switch or
opening a front door with the ignition
switched off will automatically shift the
390
automatic transmission into park position
P.
!
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i To signal turns while being towed with the
hazard warning flasher in use you can
activate the combination switch for the left
or right turn signal in the usual manner –
only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.

Stranded vehicle

Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should be
done with the greatest of care, especially if
the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Note the following when freeing a stranded
vehicle:
Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
R
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
Never try to free a vehicle that is still
R
coupled to a trailer.
If possible, a vehicle equipped with a trailer
R
hitch receiver should be pulled backward in
its own previously made tracks.