Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Owner's Manual page 435

Towing and tow-starting
432
tow hitch. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
secure the tow rope on the same side on
R
both vehicles.
make sure that the tow rope is not longer
R
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope
in the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This makes other road
users aware that a vehicle is being
towed.
only secure the tow rope to the towing
R
eye.
observe the brake lamps of the towing
R
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
do not use steel cables or chains to tow
R
your vehicle. You could otherwise dam-
age 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.
! Shift the automatic transmission to N and
do not open the driver's or front passeng-
er's door during towing. The automatic
transmission may otherwise shift to posi-
tion P, which could damage the transmis-
sion.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
of 50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
not be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the entire
vehicle must be lifted up 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.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (
Y
Observe the legal requirements for the rele-
vant countries when towing.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission dam-
age, have it transported on a transporter or
trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-
tion N when the vehicle is being towed.
If the automatic transmission cannot be shif-
ted to position N, have the vehicle transpor-
ted on a transporter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
R
position 2
cannot release the electric parking brake
R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
R
position N
i
Deactivate the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle.
i
Deactivate tow-away protection before
the vehicle is towed away (
page 474).
page 100).
Y
page 90).
Y