Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

Trailer operation. Fold in the towing hitch. Trailer power supply. Bulb failure monitoring for LEDs. Trailer with 7-pin plug

In this manual: Driving and parking
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~3min read

The Mercedes E-Class (4th gen, W212, 2009–2016) describes folding in the towing hitch precisely to ensure safe operation. The chapter also provides information on the trailer power supply and on the correct use of adapters for 7-pin plugs. Practical tips make everyday towing easier.

Fold in the towing hitch

WARNING

If you unlock the tow ball neck or do not lock it properly when folding it in, it can swing out. There is a risk of injury in the swing area of the tow ball neck!

Unlock the tow ball neck only when the swing area is clear. Always make sure the tow ball neck locks into place when folded in.

Place the cover cap onto the towing hitch.

Kugelhals einklappen

Saloon

The release wheel is located at the left, behind the side trim in the luggage compartment.

Open the cover (saloon):

The luggage netpush down.

Turn the rotary handleTurn counterclockwise and remove the coverfold down.

Kugelhals einklappen

Estate (T-Model)

The release wheel is located at the left, behind the side trim in the luggage/load compartment.

Open the cover (estate):

Grip the handlepull in the direction of the arrow and the coverfold down.Kugelhals einklappen

Saloon

Unlock and lower the towing hitch (sedan):

The release wheelGrip it by hand so that your thumb rests on the thumb rest, and turn counterclockwise.

  • The towing hitch unlocks and lowers. The indicator lampflashes.Kugelhals einklappen

    Estate (T-Model)

    Unlock and lower the towing hitch (T-Model):

    The release wheelGrip it by hand so that your thumb rests on the thumb rest, and turn counterclockwise.

  • The towing hitch unlocks and lowers. The indicator lampflashes.Kugelhals einklappen

    Saloon

    Kugelhals einklappen

    Estate (T-Model)

    Press the towing hitch by hand in the direction of the arrow until it engages behind the bumper.
  • Saloon: The indicator lampand the indicator in the multifunction display goes out.

    Estate: The indicator lampand the indicator in the multifunction display goes out.

    Info
    If you are not using the towing device, fold in the towing hitch.

    Trailer power supply

    Note

    You can connect accessories to the continuous power supply up to a maximum of 240 W, and to the power supply switched by the ignition lock up to a maximum of 180 W.

    Do not use the power supply to charge a trailer battery.

    Switching the switched power supply on or off: Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or 0.

    The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped from the factory with a continuous power supply and a power supply switched by the ignition lock.

    The continuous power supply is on pin 9 of the trailer socket assignment.

    The power supply switched by the ignition lock is on pin 10 of the trailer socket assignment.

    The continuous power supply to the trailer is switched off if the vehicle electrical system voltage is low, and at the latest after six hours.

    For more information on installing the trailer electrical system, contact a qualified workshop.

    Bulb failure monitoring for LEDs

    Info
    If LEDs are installed on the trailer, a fault message may appear in the multifunction display even though their function is fine. The reason for the fault message may be that the current falls below the minimum of 50 mA.

    For reliable failure detection, a minimum current of 50 mA must be ensured for each LED chain of the trailer lighting.

    Trailer with 7-pin plug

    General Notes

    Trailer with 7-pin plug: You can connect to the 13-pin socket on the towing hitch using an adapter plug or, if necessary, an adapter cable. You can obtain both from a qualified workshop.

    Fit the adapter

    Note

    Make sure there is sufficient cable clearance for cornering so that the cable cannot tear off.

    Adapter montieren

    Open the socket cover.

    Insert the plug with the luginto the slotof the socket.

    Turn the bayonet couplingclockwise until it stops.

    Let the cover engage.

    When using an adapter cable, secure the cable to the trailer with cable ties.

    Folding in the towing hitch of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) is safe and simple if the notes are observed. The trailer power supply also has clear specifications to avoid overloading the electrical system.

    With these details, Mercedes provides a high standard of safety and comfort when towing.

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