Towing with a breakdown truck If one of your vehicle’s axles is to be raised for towing, then which axle depends on the gearbox and drive combination. Only the following axles must be used: NOTICE When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, side spoilers on the rear window, large panels and the rear spoiler. Other- wise it will damage the vehicle and cause the rear spoiler to come loose. Front-wheel drive Manual gearbox Automatic gearbox Front axle or rear axle Front axle NOTICE WARNING Remove and install cover plates and the towing eye carefully to avoid damaging the vehicle (e.g. paint).
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking efficiency will change significantly. WARNING Notice on towing Do not tow a vehicle without battery power. ● Never switch off the ignition or remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock during towing, using the starter button. Otherwise the mechanical steering lock device (steering lock) or electronic steering lock device may suddenly jam. The steering wheel then can no longer be moved. This can result in acci- dents and serious or even fatal injuries. Please refer to and at the start of the chapter on page 162.
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard warning lights are switched on. To do this, oper- ate the turn signal and main beam lever in the re- quired direction while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing again automatically as soon as the turn signal and main beam lever is moved back to the neutral position. ● If the power supply of the vehicle fails during towing, stop towing immediately and seek expert assistance. WARNING Vehicle components can be severely damaged by incorrectly secured tow-ropes or tow-bars.
The risk of accident is increased and serious or fatal injuries may be caused. Towing the vehicle with a manual gearbox Check that the vehicle can be towedpage 163, In which situations may the vehicle not be towed? ● Attach the vehicle only at the points provi- ded for recovery and towing. – Switch on the ignition. – Move the selector lever to neutral. ● Never attach the tow-rope or tow-bar to axle or running gear components. – The speed to be towed must not exceed 30 km/h. ● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported standing on a breakdown truck if necessary. – The distance to be towed must not exceed 50km. Towing the vehicle with automatic gearbox:
Check that the vehicle can be towedpage 163, In which situations may the vehicle not be towed? NOTICE Towing the vehicle with tow-rope or tow-bar may cause considerable damage to the vehicle. – Switch on the ignition. ● Carefully pull the vehicle with a tow-rope or tow-bar. – The speed to be towed must not exceed 30 km/h. – Move the selector lever to the position N . ● Seek expert assistance and have the vehicle transported on a breakdown truck if necessary. Owner's manual 162