Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2009 Owner's Manual page 197

Trailer towing*
194
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
X
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp : goes out. The power
socket folds down automatically.
The multifunction display shows the
Trailer hitch Check lock mech. mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.
Remove the protective cap from the ball
X
coupling and store it in a safe place.
Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
X
is clean and that, depending on the trailer
specification, it is greased or dry (without
grease) when used.
Notes on towing a trailer
G Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R
the permissible trailer load
R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
R
vehicle
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
R
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section.
i
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
( page 303).
Y
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 75 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer tow hitch and
trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC* ( page 140) and Parking Guid-
Y
ance* ( page 143) are only available with
Y
limitations, or not at all.
i
The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer
drawbar.
* optional