Mercedes-Benz 2008 S550 4MATIC Automobile User Manual


 
700
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. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on
the ground or front wheels raised (except
vehicles with 4MATIC) only so far as neces-
sary to have the vehicle moved to a safe
location where the recommended towing
methods can be employed.
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so could
damage the transfer case, which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground. Observe
instructions for towing the vehicle with all
wheels on the ground.
!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
with SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
in starter switch 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.
Switch off the ESP
®
(page 73) and the auto-
matic central locking (
page 245).
!
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.
Warning! G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:
ț the engine will not run
ț there is a malfunction in the brake
system
ț 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 or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in starter
switch position 2.