Mercedes-Benz E 2008 Series Owner's Manual page 243

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Operation
Trailer towing
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
X
the arrow by hand until it engages in a ver-
tical position.
Indicator lamp 2 goes out.
The message Trailer tow hitch
Check locking mech. is shown in the
multi-function display until the ball cou-
pling is engaged.
Remove the protective cap from the ball
X
coupling.
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 permitted trailer drawbar nose-
R
weight
The permitted trailer load
R
240
Version: 2.9.4
The permitted 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
vehicle documents.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle in
the "Technical data" section.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
( page 375).
Y
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 76 kg
(Saloon) or 84 kg (Estate). However, the
actual noseweight must not exceed the value
given on the trailer coupling and trailer iden-
tification 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.
i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. In this
case, you should use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer
G Risk of injury
Do not connect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
! Do not uncouple a trailer with overrun
brake between the bumper and drawbar,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged
by the spring action of the overrun brake.
Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X
Couple up the trailer.
X
Establish the electrical connection
X
between the vehicle and the trailer.