Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Owner's Manual page 134

The vehicle may be towed with all of
the wheels on the ground and the
selector lever in position "N" for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at
a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50
km/h). The key must be in steering lock
position 2.
To positively avoid a possibility of
damage to the transmission, however,
we recommend to disconnect the drive
shaft at the rear axle drive flange on
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment
over bumpy roads will damage radiator
and supports.
The use of wheel lift equipment will
damage engine oil pan.
Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note
the following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the key in steering lock
position 2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking.
When transporting vehicle on flat bed
equipment, the front end of the vehicle
must be loaded first. Additional
ramping may be required for loading to
protect bumper fascia.
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is
no power assistance for the braking
and steering systems. In this case, it
is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort
is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, turn key
in steering lock to position 2 and
activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner - only
the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.
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