Mercedes-Benz 2003 M-Class Automobile User Manual


 
267
Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be em-
ployed.
!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment, with key in steering lock turned
to 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 ESP (
page 76),
tow-away alarm (
page 80) and the
automatic central locking (
page 89).
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the selector lever must
be in position N and the key must be in
steering lock position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, 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 with the front
axle raised (observe instructions re-
garding flexible drive shaft), the engine
must be shut off (key in steering lock
position 1). Otherwise, the 4-ETS may
become engaged which may cause loss
of towing control.
!
To be certain to avoid additional dam-
age to the vehicle powertrain, however
you should observe the following:
ț With damage to the front axle
ț raise front axle
ț remove flexible drive shaft be-
tween rear axle and transfer
case
ț With damage to the rear axle
ț raise rear axle
ț tow vehicle with wheel lift or
dolly placed under front wheels
ț With damage to the transfer case
ț remove flexible drive shaft to
the drive axles
Always install new self-locking nuts
when reinstalling flexible drive shaft.