2008 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 455

Practical hints Towing the vehicle Warning! G Without the engine running, there is no power assistance for the brake 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. Adapt your driving accordingly. ! If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (not permissible for vehicles with 4MATIC), the gear selector lever must be in position N (manual transmission: gear shift lever in neutral position) and the engine must be shut off (SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* (Canada only) in starter switch position 0 or 1). Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system. While towing, the battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise: you will not be able to switch on the ignition you will not be able to engage the automatic transmission* in position N ( page 127) When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, the gear selector lever must be in position N (manual transmission: gear shift lever in neutral position) and the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* (Canada only) must be in starter switch position 2. i To signal turns while being towed with the hazard warning flasher in use, turn SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* (Canada only) in starter switch to position 2 and activate the combination switch for the left or right turn signal in the usual manner - only the selected turn signal will operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning flasher will operate again. ! Make sure the parking brake is released. i If the battery is disconnected or discharged the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* (Canada only) will not turn in the starter switch Vehicles with automatic transmission*: the gear selector lever will remain locked in position P ( page 127). For more information see "Battery" ( page 446) and see "Jump starting" ( page 451). i When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, please note the following: With the automatic central locking activated and the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* (Canada only) in starter switch position 2, the vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. To prevent the vehicle doors from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking ( page 173). ! Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame or suspension parts. 454