Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Owner's Manual page 437

Towing and tow-starting
434
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
( page 431).
Y
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position P when you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the key from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic trans-
mission stays in position N when towing the
vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
You must use the key instead of the Start/
X
Stop button (
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
X
that the key is in position 0 in the ignition
lock.
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
X
lock.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
X
tion N.
Release the brake pedal.
X
Release the electric parking brake.
X
Leave the key in position 2 in the ignition
X
lock.
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
X
( page 151).
Y
i
In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the com-
bination switch as usual. In this case, only
the turn signals for the desired direction
flash. When you reset the combination
switch, the hazard warning lamps start
flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
Hybrid vehicles: transportation of the vehi-
cle should only be carried out by professional
recovery companies.
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
page 191).
Y
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or trans-
porter if you wish to transport it.
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
X
lock.
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
X
tion N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
X
applying the electric parking brake.
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
X
tion P.
Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition
X
lock and remove it.
Secure the vehicle.
X
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed
away with both axles on the ground or be loa-
ded up and transported.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it trans-
ported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system: if the battery is defective, the auto-
matic transmission will be locked in position
P. To shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N, you must provide power to the vehi-
cle's electrical system in the same way as
when jump-starting (
Y
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer.
page 428).