Vehicle Towing Instructions - Mercedes-Benz CLS Owner's Manual

Always distribute the load on the bicycle rack
R
as evenly as possible across the vehicle's
longitudinal axis.
Mercedes-Benz recommends removing all
detachable parts from bicycles (e.g. baskets,
child seats, rechargeable batteries) before load‐
ing them onto the bicycle rack. This will improve
the aerodynamic resistance and centre of gravity
of the bicycle rack.
Always secure the bicycles to prevent them from
moving around and check them at regular inter‐
vals to ensure that they are secure.
Do not use tarpaulins or other covers. The driv‐
ing characteristics and rear view may be
impaired. In addition, aerodynamic resistance
and the load on the trailer hitch will increase.
Load distribution on the bicycle rack
1 Vertical distance between centre of gravity
and ball head
2 Horizontal distance between centre of grav‐
ity and ball head
3
The centre of gravity is on the vehicle's
centre axis
Observe the following information when loading
the bicycle rack:
Driving and parking 241
Loading the bicycle rack
3 bicycles
Total weight of Up to 75 kg
bicycle rack
and load
Max. distance 420 mm
1
Max. distance 300 mm
2
When transporting four bicycles or with a total
weight between 75 kg and 100 kg, always use
bicycle racks with additional support on the
trailer hitch guide pin.

Vehicle towing instructions

The vehicle is not suitable for the use of tow bar
systems that are used for flat towing or dinghy
towing, for example. Attaching and using tow bar
systems can lead to damage on the vehicle.
When you are towing a vehicle with tow bar sys‐
tems, safe driving characteristics cannot be
4 bicycles
Up to
100 kg
420 mm
400 mm