Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2009 Owner's Manual page 199

Trailer towing*
196
Driving tips
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
R
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
R
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
The values given for gradient-climbing
R
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not counter-steer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X
G Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed.
Folding in the ball coupling
i
Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch.
G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-
wise, they could be injured.
Place the protective cap on the ball cou-
X
pling.
The release wheel is located in the boot
behind the trim on the left-hand side.
To open the cover: turn handle : anti-
X
clockwise and fold down cover ;.
Pull out release wheel ;.
X
Turn release wheel ; anti-clockwise.
X
The ball coupling unlocks and lowers. Indi-
cator lamp : flashes.
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
X
the arrow until it engages behind the
bumper.
Indicator lamp : goes out and the mes-
sage in the multifunction display disap-
pears.
* optional