2008 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 429
2008 Mercedes SLK-Class Manual
Page 429 highlights
Practical hints Towing the vehicle Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle be transported with all wheels off the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment. Warning! G Warning! G ! Vehicles with automatic transmission*: Do not tow-start vehicle. ! Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment with the SmartKey in the starter switch in position 0. Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage radiator and supports. To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts. Use the towing eyes. Switch off the tow-away alarm ( page 91) and the automatic central locking ( page 102). If circumstances require towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, always tow with a tow bar if: the engine will not run there is a malfunction in the brake system there is a malfunction in the power supply or in the vehicle's electrical system This is necessary to adequately control the towed vehicle. Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in starter switch position 2. If the SmartKey is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the steering is locked. To unlock, remove SmartKey from starter switch and reinsert. 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. ! If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, 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 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 gear selector lever* must be in position N (manual transmission: gear shift lever in neutral position) and the SmartKey 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). When circumstances do not permit the recommended towing methods, the vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground or front wheels raised only so far as necessary to have the vehicle moved to a safe location where the recommended towing methods can be employed. 428