Towing and being towed. Towing with both axles on the ground. Towing with the rear axle raised. Transporting the vehicle. Notes for 4MATIC vehicles

Whether with both axles on the ground or on a transporter, the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) requires precise procedures when towing. This section describes the correct steps to protect the transmission and warns of typical mistakes that could cause damage, especially on 4MATIC vehicles.

Towing the vehicle with both axles on the ground

When towing your vehicle, observe the important safety information .

The automatic transmission shifts automatically to position P when the driver or front passenger door is opened or when the key is removed from the ignition lock. To keep the automatic transmission in position N while towing, be sure to follow these steps:

Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the key is in the ignition in position 0.

Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.

On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, you must use the key instead of the Start/Stop button .

Press and hold the brake pedal.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: Shift the automatic transmission to position N.

Vehicles with manual transmission: Fully depress the clutch pedal and engage neutral.

Release the brake pedal.

Release the parking brake.

Switch on the hazard warning lights .

Leave the key in the ignition lock in position 2.

Info

To indicate a change of direction while towing with the hazard warning lights switched on, use the turn signal lever as usual. In this case, only the turn signal lights for the desired direction flash. After the turn signal lever returns to its center position, the hazard warning lights resume flashing.

Towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised

Note Do not tow vehicles with 4MATIC with the front or rear axle raised, as this will damage the transmission. Do not tow vehicles with automatic transmission with the rear axle raised. Otherwise the combination may sway or even overturn. If the vehicle is towed with the rear axle raised, the ignition must be switched off. Otherwise intervention by ESP may damage the brake system.

Towing with the rear axle raised is only possible on vehicles without 4MATIC.

Switch on the hazard warning lights .

Set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position.

Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 0 and remove the key from the ignition lock.

When leaving the vehicle, take the key or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.

When towing your vehicle with the rear axle raised, observe the important safety information .

Transporting the vehicle

Note Only secure the vehicle by the wheels, not by vehicle parts such as axle or steering components. Otherwise the vehicle may be damaged.

If you are pulling the vehicle onto a trailer or transporter for transport, use the trailer hitch or the towing eye.

Vehicles with manual transmission: Fully depress the clutch pedal and engage neutral.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.

Shift the automatic transmission to position N.

Once the vehicle is loaded:

Secure the vehicle against rolling away by applying the parking brake.

Vehicles with manual transmission: Fully depress the clutch pedal and engage first gear or reverse gear.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: Shift the automatic transmission to position P.

Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 0 and remove the key from the ignition lock.

Secure the vehicle with tie-down straps.

Notes for 4MATIC vehicles

Note Do not tow vehicles with 4MATIC with the front or rear axle raised, as this will damage the transmission.

If the vehicle has damage to the transmission, front axle or rear axle, have it transported on a transporter or trailer.

In case of electrical system faults

If the battery is defective, the automatic transmission is locked in position P. To move the automatic transmission to position N, you must supply power to the vehicle electrical system as for jump-starting.

Have the vehicle transported on a flatbed truck or trailer.

The instructions for the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) on towing with both axles on the ground or with one axle raised help prevent damage to the vehicle. For 4MATIC vehicles in particular, towing with a raised axle is not permitted, so as not to damage the transmission.

The clear instructions for transport on a trailer or transporter show how Mercedes combines safety and functionality at the highest level.

Question: Why must 4MATIC vehicles not be towed with a raised axle?

Answer: Because this could damage the transmission. A complete transport is always required.

Question: How is the automatic transmission secured during transport?

Answer: By shifting to position P and securing the vehicle with the parking brake.