Mercedes-Benz Metris Operator's Manual page 197

towed away exceeds the permissible
gross mass.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight of
your vehicle can be found on the vehicle identi ca-
tion plate ( page 237).
/
* N N O O TE TE Damage to the vehicle due to auto-
matic braking
When the following functions are activated, the
vehicle brakes automatically in certain situa-
tions:
Active Brake Assist
R
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
R
HOLD function
R
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar situa-
tions:
When towing
#
In a car wash
#
* N N O O TE TE Damage due to incorrect connec-
tion of the tow bar or improper use of the
towing device
Only connect the tow rope or tow bar to
#
the towing eyes or the trailer tow hitch.
Do not use the towing eyes to recover a
#
vehicle.
* N N O O TE TE Damage due to pulling force being
too high
If you pull away abruptly, excessive pulling
force could damage the vehicles.
Pull away as straight, slowly and
#
smoothly as possible.
* N N O O TE TE Damage due to improper towing
with a tow rope
If you ignore safety and protective measures
when towing with a tow rope, this can result in
damage to the vehicle.
Observe the following points:
Secure the tow rope on the same side on
#
both vehicles.
Breakdown assistance 195
Secure the tow rope to the towing eyes.
#
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
#
length of the tow rope.
Mark the tow rope in the middle, e.g.
#
with a white cloth (12 x 12 in
(30 x 30 cm)). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being
towed.
During the journey, observe the brake
#
lamps of the towing vehicle and maintain
the distance so that the tow rope does
not sag.
Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
#
your vehicle.
* N N O O TE TE Damage due to towing the vehicle at
too high a speed or too far
Towing the vehicle at too high a speed or too
far can damage the drivetrain.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 31 mph
#
(50 km/h).
Do not exceed a towing distance of
#
31 miles (50 km).
* N N O O TE TE Damage to the automatic transmis-
sion when towing due to shi ing into
transmission position j
If you open the driver's or co-driver's door
when towing, it can lead to the automatic
transmission shi ing to position j and
becoming damaged.
Shi the automatic transmission to posi-
#
tion i.
Do not open any doors during the towing
#
process.
When towing away, you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are cur-
rently driving.
In the event of a breakdown, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you have the vehicle transported
instead of towed.
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer if it has transmission damage.
195