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Manual operation
In the case of an electrical malfunction, you can
unlock the luggage compartment lid with the
key, refer to page35, and slowly open and close
it without sudden movements.
Emergency release
Pull lever in luggage compartment. This
unlocks the luggage compartment lid.
Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds to:
>opening of a door, the hood or the luggage
compartment lid
>movement in the vehicle interior: interior
motion sensor, refer to page38
>changes in the vehicle's tilt if someone
attempts to steal the wheels or tow the
vehicle
>interruptions in battery voltage
The alarm system briefly indicates unautho-
rized tampering:
>with an acoustic alarm
>by switching on
the hazard warning flashers
>by flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
When the alarm system is armed, you can also
open the luggage compartment lid with the button on the remote control, refer to
page33. When the luggage compartment lid is
closed, it is relocked and monitored again.
Unlocking via the door lock will trigger the
alarm on some national-market versions.
Pressing the 'Panic mode' button for a longer
period also triggers the alarm, refer to
page33.<
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page32.
>Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after the vehicle
is locked: the doors or luggage compart-
ment lid are not properly closed. Even if you
do not close the door involved, the system
begins to monitor the remaining areas, and
the indicator lamp flashes continuously
after 10 seconds. However, the interior
motion sensor is not activated.
>After the vehicle is unlocked, the indicator
lamp goes out: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been detected in
the period since the system was armed.
>After the vehicle is unlocked, the indicator
lamp flashes until the remote control is
inserted into the ignition lock, but for no
more than roughly 5 minutes: an attempted
entry has been detected in the period since
the system was armed.

Adjusting
52
Steering wheel adjustment
In order to prevent the risk of accident
due to an unexpected movement, do not
adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is
moving.<
The steering wheel can be adjusted in four
directions.
To save steering wheel positions, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel memory on page46.
Assistance getting in and out
To make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle,
the steering wheel temporarily moves into the
top and front position.
This automatic feature is governed by the
driver's door and the ignition switch.
Steering wheel heater*
The steering wheel heater operates when the
ignition is on.
Press the button to activate or deactivate this
system.
When the steering wheel heater is operating,
the LED in the button lights up.
Programmable buttons
You can individually program the button on the
steering wheel and the button next to the con-
troller.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select " button" or " button". Con-
tinue to press the controller until the
desired function appears.
>"Recirc. air"
The supply of outside air is shut off contin-
uously, refer to Automatic recirculated air
control/recirculated air mode on page105.
>"Navi info"
To repeat the most recent navigation sys-
tem instruction, refer to Route guidance by
voice instructions on page145.
>"Short info"
Display of the help and supplementary texts
of the active menu for approx. 10 seconds,
refer to page20.
" button" can additionally be programmed
with the following function.
>"AUTO P"
Activation/deactivation, refer to page59.
Rear seat screen
*:
>"Mode"
You can choose between the output
sources radio, CD player, and CD changer.
It is necessary for one of these sources to
have been activated.

Driving
60 You can program the programmable but-
ton on the steering wheel with the Auto-
matic Hold function, refer to page52. This gives
you the option of being able to quickly activate
or deactivate Automatic Hold without distract-
ing your attention from the road.<
Driving
The parking brake engages automatically when
the vehicle comes to a stop.
The indicator lamp on Info Display lights up
green.
To start off again, simply press the accelerator
pedal. The parking brake is released automati-
cally; the indicator lamp goes out.
Do not drive through an automatic car
wash with the Automatic Hold on and the
engine running. Otherwise, the system will
engage the parking brake the moment the vehi-
cle comes to a stop.<
Parking
The parking brake engages automatically when
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red.
You can also release the parking brake
manually after the engine is switched off,
as long as the remote control is in the ignition
lock, refer to page59. You can use this function,
for example, in a car wash.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, release the
remote control from the detent in the igni-
tion lock; this precaution prevents children from
disengaging the parking brake etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated
when:
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat is
not occupied while the engine is running
>the hood is opened while the engine is run-
ning>the luggage compartment is opened with
the transmission in position R while the
engine is running
>and when the parking brake is used to brake
the vehicle to a stop during driving
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red, and the indication AUTO P on the Info Dis-
play disappears.
Before starting off again, briefly press the but-
ton to disengage the parking brake manually,
refer to page59, or reactivate Automatic Hold,
refer to page59.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, always move the automatic
transmission's selector lever to position P and
ensure that the parking brake is engaged. The
vehicle could start to roll if you fail to observe
these precautions.<
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated whenever the system detects any
tendency for the wheels to spin in response to
slippery road surfaces.
Observe the messages on the Info Display. For
additional information, refer to Check Control
on page80.<
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without engaging the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page62. Be sure to pay attention to the
information on the Info Display.
If circumstances should force you to park on a
steeply inclined road surface, it is essential to
take additional precautions against inadvertent
rolling, e.g. by using the chock, refer to
page209. Otherwise, there is the danger of the
vehicle rolling, depending on the incline.<
If it becomes necessary to also unlock the
transmission lock of the automatic transmis-
sion, follow this sequence:

Controls
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R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this position, for example, in car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
Transmission remains in N even after the
ignition is switched off whenever you
leave the remote control in the ignition lock.
This function is useful in automatic car washes,
etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system automati-
cally shifts into position P. Observe the mes-
sages on the Info Display.
Switching off engine, refer to page58.<
D Drive, automatic position
This is the mode recommended for normal
vehicle operation. All forward gears are avail-
able.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in posi-
tion D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
Press button1 on the steering wheel.
The sport program is activated and S appears
on the Info Display. This program is recom-
mended for a performance-oriented driving
style.
Press button1 again to switch into the manual
mode and then into the Automatic program
again.
In the manual mode, the Steptronic changes
gears when one of the buttons2 on the front or
back of the steering wheel is briefly pressed.
The Info Display shows the manual ranges M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
the system will not execute a downshift that
would cause the engine to overrev. The
requested gear appears briefly on the Info Dis-
play, followed by the current gear.
Press button1 again to switch into the Auto-
matic program again.

Driving
64
Manually releasing transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the
battery is drained or disconnected, or in
the event of an electrical malfunction, the trans-
mission lock must be manually released; other-
wise, the drive wheels are locked and the vehi-
cle cannot be towed.<
When manually releasing the transmis-
sion lock, depress the brake pedal; other-
wise, there is a danger of the vehicle rolling
when the transmission lock is manually
released.<
The transmission lock should only be released
for towing. Reengage the transmission lock
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes necessary to manually
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page60
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lock.
Jump starting and tow starting, refer to
pages213 and214.
Releasing
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover
panel beneath the instrument panel by turn-
ing the lock counterclockwise, then fold
down the cover.2.Pull out the release lever with the loop1
until it locks into place: the transmission
lock is unlocked.
Reengage the transmission lock after
parking the vehicle at its destination. Oth-
erwise, there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
Engaging locks
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing it
together with the red detent lever, refer to
arrow.
2.Guide the release lever all the way back into
its original position – the transmission lock
is engaged once more.
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again. Now
– and not before – the key may be removed.
Once the transmission lock has been
engaged, the message in the Info Display
should disappear, and the symbol on the Info
Display should change from N to P. Otherwise,
there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
Jump starting and tow starting, refer to
pages213 and214.

Controls
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Windshield and headlamp washer
system
Capacity: 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Programmable cruise control
The concept
The programmable cruise control is available
for use at speeds of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h
and higher. The vehicle maintains and stores
the speed that you set using the lever mounted
on the steering column.
You can also use the multilevel preset mode to
store six desired speeds for later selection with
the lever, refer to page67.
This feature assists you in quickly adapting the
vehicle speed to specific road conditions, e.g.
changes in speeds limits.
Do not use the programmable cruise con-
trol when unfavorable conditions do not
permit you to drive at a constant speed, e.g.
when driving on winding roads, in heavy traffic
or under poor road conditions such as snow,
rain, ice, or a loose road surface. If you do, you
could lose control of the vehicle and cause an
accident.<
One lever for all functions
1Maintaining speed, storing, and accelerat-
ing
2Maintaining speed, storing, and decelerat-
ing
3Interrupt or deactivate cruise control
4Resuming stored speed
Maintaining speed, storing, and
accelerating
Press lever to resistance point, arrow 1:
The system maintains and stores the current
vehicle speed. The pointer5 in the speedome-
ter indicates this speed, refer to Displays in
speedometer on page68. Each time the lever is
pressed again briefly, the speed is increased by
approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
Push the lever to the resistance point for a
longer time:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system maintains
and stores your current speed as soon as you
release the lever.
Press the lever past the resistance point if no
desired speeds6 are stored:
The pointer5 jumps to the next multiple of
5 mph or 10 km/h and then further, as long as
the lever is held. The speed then indicated is
reached and stored.
The vehicle may accelerate beyond the preset
speed on steep downhill stretches where the
engine's braking action alone may not be suffi-
cient to slow the vehicle. Speed can drop on
uphill grades if the engine output is insufficient.

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Deactivating system
>Press the lever up or down, arrow3 for
approx. 3 seconds
>or switch off the ignition.
The stored speed5 is deleted, however the
stored marks6 are retained.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control you can select a
desired speed which is not only automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active cruise control represents a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control and is a
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of
speed that can accompany driving in traffic on
highways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips, the system can
reduce fatigue and tension, while increasing
your enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely
and responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed,
if you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active
cruise control will, within the scope of given
possibilities, adjust your vehicle's speed auto-
matically so that you can flow with the traffic
without having to make constant adjustments.
If, for example, while cruising at the selected
speed, you begin to approach a slower vehicle
ahead of you in the same lane, the system will
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as that
of the vehicle ahead to maintain your selected
distance setting between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. You can vary the distance, which
is additionally speed-dependent. Based on
your selected distance setting, the system
automatically decreases the throttle setting and
lightly applies the brakes if necessary. The vehi-
cle brake lamps will automatically illuminate to
signal a following driver to take action. In addi-
tion, it may be necessary for the vehicle to
downshift to maintain the distance setting
selected. If the vehicle ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead becomes clear, your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected by increasing the throttle setting and
shifting gears as needed. Your selected speed
will be maintained when driving downhill, too.
Active cruise control is not and must not
be used as a collision avoidance/warning
system.<
Since this active cruise control system is
a new technology and operates differ-
ently from conventional cruise control systems
to which you may be accustomed, you are
strongly urged to read all of the pages relating
to this system before use. Pay special attention
to the information contained in the Things to
know about active cruise control section begin-
ning on page73.<
Brake pedal feel
>When the system brakes and you also
depress the brake pedal, a somewhat differ-
ent braking feeling results.
>Any noises produced during automatic
braking are normal.
Applications
As with conventional cruise control systems,
active cruise control in no way diminishes or
substitutes for the driver's own personal
responsibility, alertness and awareness in
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling the vehicle. The driver should decide when
to use the system on the basis of road, traffic,
visibility, and weather conditions. Active cruise
control is intended for use on highway-type
roadways where traffic is moving relatively
smoothly. Do not use this system in city driving;
heavy traffic such as during rush hour; on curvy,
winding roads, slippery roads or roads with
sharp curves such as highway off-ramps; during
inclement weather such as snow, strong rain or
fog; or when entering interchanges, service/
parking areas or toll booths. It is also important
to regulate your vehicle's speed and distance
setting within applicable legal limits. Always be
ready to take action or apply the brakes if nec-
essary, especially when the system is actively

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Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow,
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths.
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
speed and distance setting within applicable
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
the system is actively following a vehicle in front
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, for example when approaching a traffic
light or a parked vehicle. Also, the system does
not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or
other types of potential traffic such as a rider on
horseback. It is also possible that the system
may not detect smaller moving objects such as
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert
when encountering any of these situations as
the system will neither automatically brake, nor
provide a warning to you. Also, be aware that every decrease in the distance setting allows
your vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front
of you and requires a heightened amount of
alertness.<
When your vehicle is actively following a vehicle
in front of you, if the vehicle ahead speeds up or
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear,
unobstructed lane may also result in accelera-
tion of your vehicle.
Be certain to deactivate the system when
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving,
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to
neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any deacti-
vation, the system will no longer automatically
activate the vehicle brakes, which means the
driver must intervene and resume manual brak-
ing. You should then reactivate the system only
when you are fully aware of the prior speed and
distance settings.<