2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 702

Practical hints Towing the vehicle Warning! G With the engine not 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. ! Make sure that the electronic parking brake is released. If the electronic parking brake is malfunctioning, release it mechanically ( page 673). ! If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (not permissible for vehicles with 4MATIC), the automatic transmission must be in position N and the engine must be shut off (SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* in starter switch position 0 or 1). Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system. When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, the automatic transmission must be shifted to neutral position N and the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must be in starter switch position 2. ! When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground or the front axle raised, the vehicle may be towed only for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). ! If the vehicle is towed, the transmission must be in neutral position N. If you turn off the engine using the SmartKey and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch or open a front door the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button and open a front door the transmission will shift to park position P automatically. ! When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground or with the front axle raised, the starter 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 neutral position N ( page 402) you cannot release the electronic parking brake For information on charging the starter battery see "Batteries" ( page 692) or see "Jump starting" ( page 697). 701