- If you're ever unsure whether it's safe to drive, have it towed.
- Always use a flatbed, with all four wheels off the ground.
- Never let the driver hook onto anything under the car. Use the tow hook from your trunk: it screws into a socket on the front or rear bumper. Watch how.
- Take photos of the car before it's loaded.
- Tell the tow company if the car is dead or won't go into neutral.
When in doubt, tow it
A warning light, a strange noise, smoke, a red message on the dash: if you're ever unsure whether your Mercedes is safe to drive, we always recommend having it towed. A tow costs far less than turning a small repair into an engine or transmission replacement.
Flatbed only: all four wheels off the ground
- Mercedes-Benz vehicles should always be towed with all 4 wheels off the ground.
- This prevents potential transmission and drivetrain damage, especially on 4MATIC all-wheel-drive models.
- Avoid wheel-lift (“dolly” or “hook-and-chain”) towing unless it's approved by Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance.
Your tow hook: where it is and how to use it
Never let a tow truck connect to something under your vehicle. Suspension parts, plastic panels and the underbody aren't made to be pulled on. Your Mercedes has a screw-in tow hook made for this, and a socket for it on both the front and rear bumper. These are the same steps Mercedes-Benz gives in the owner's manual:
- Find the hook in the trunk. Lift the cargo floor. The hook is stored with the vehicle tool kit, usually near the spare wheel or jack.
- Pick the front or rear socket. Each bumper has a small cover over a threaded socket. Press the arrow or mark on the cover, then pull the cover out of the bumper. Press, don't pry, so you don't scratch the paint.
- Screw the hook in clockwise until it stops.
- Snug it with the tool from your tool kit, so it can't back out while the car is pulled onto the bed.
Tell the driver about the hook before they start. A good driver will be glad you did.
Take photos before the tow
- Clear photos of all sides of the vehicle, including close-ups of any existing damage.
- The odometer reading, fuel level and any dashboard warning lights.
- Photos protect you if anything happens during the tow, and they give us useful information for diagnosis.
When you call the tow company
- Have your location and a close landmark ready, so they find you faster.
- Tell them it's a Mercedes-Benz and that you need a flatbed.
- Tell them if the vehicle is dead or will not go into neutral. Many Mercedes need power to shift out of Park, and the driver needs to bring the right equipment.
- If your car is still under factory warranty, check whether Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance covers the tow.
Tow companies we trust
You don't have to use our recommended tow companies, but these teams know how to handle a Mercedes:
Have it towed to Elite Benz, 705 N. Main Street, Suite B, Summerville. Our secure after-hours key drop box is just to the right of the front glass door, and you can call us at 843-259-8080 to let us know it's coming.
Common questions
Can a Mercedes be towed with two wheels on the ground?
We don't recommend it. Mercedes-Benz vehicles should be towed on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground to avoid transmission and drivetrain damage, unless Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance approves another method.
Where is the tow hook on a Mercedes?
It's in the trunk, under the cargo floor with the vehicle tool kit. It screws into a threaded socket behind a small cover on the front or rear bumper.
How do I put the tow hook in my Mercedes?
Press the arrow or mark on the small cover on the front or rear bumper and pull the cover out. Screw the hook in clockwise until it stops, then snug it with the tool from your tool kit. Our 47-second video on this page shows each step.
What if my Mercedes is dead and won't go into neutral?
Tell the tow company before they arrive. Many Mercedes need power to shift out of Park, so the driver needs to bring the right equipment to load it safely.
Which tow companies does Elite Benz recommend?
Twisted Hook Towing (843-996-6338) and Fast Lane Towing (843-817-0009). You're free to use any company, but these teams know how to handle a Mercedes.
Questions about your Mercedes?
Talk to a Mercedes technician directly, or book online in about a minute.
This guide is general information from our technicians' experience and isn't a diagnosis of your vehicle. Prices are averages, include tax where noted, and are confirmed in writing before any work begins. Elite Benz is an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist, not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz USA.
