Towing The Vehicle - Mercedes-Benz 2008 M-Class Operator's Manual

Towing the vehicle

Mercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment,
with the SmartKey in starter switch turned to
position 0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Use the towing eyes.
®
Switch off the ESP ( page 102) and the
automatic central locking ( page 125).
!
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground. Observe
instructions for towing the vehicle with all
wheels on the ground.
If circumstances do not permit the recom-
mended towing methods, the vehicle may
be towed with all wheels on the ground
only so far as necessary to have the vehicle
moved to a safe location where the recom-
mended towing methods can be employed.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, 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).
Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Warning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the brake
system
there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle's electrical
system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the automatic trans-
mission is in neutral position N.
G
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