2011 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 329

Towing and tow-starting Towing and tow-starting Important safety notes G Warning If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if: Rthe engine will not run. Rthere is a malfunction in the brake system. Rthere is a malfunction in the power supply or the vehicle's electrical system. With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. You will then need considerably more force to steer and to brake and the brake pedal travel will be longer. If necessary, depress the brake pedal with maximum force. Before towing away, make sure that the steering can be moved and is not locked. If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its weight must not exceed the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle. 327 ! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stop button. Otherwise, the automatic transmission may shift to position P when the driver's or front-passenger door are opened, which could lead to damage to the transmission. ! Vehicles with differential locks: make sure that the differential locks are in automatic mode. When towing, the differential locks must not be switched on by hand. This could otherwise damage the transmission. It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed. ! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded. For towing distances over 30 miles (50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a transporter. ! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged. ! Do not use the towing eye for recovery, as this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane. ! Drive slowly and smoothly when towing. Excessive tractive power could otherwise damage the vehicles. ! Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This could damage the vehicle. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed with the front or rear axle raised. This could otherwise damage the transmission. If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage, have it carried away on a transporter or trailer. The automatic transmission must be in position N when the vehicle is being towed. Make sure that the battery is connected and charged. You will otherwise not be able to: Rturn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock. Rshift the automatic transmission to position N. i Switch off the automatic locking feature before the vehicle is towed (Y page 79). Otherwise, you could lock yourself out of the vehicle when pushing or towing the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye Installing the towing eye Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible secure the towing device on the trailer tow hitch (Y page 209). Z Roadside assistance ! Vehicles with automatic transmission must not be started by tow-starting. This could otherwise damage the transmission.