
Contents
6
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely. . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting 
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” 
system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” 
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*  . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally 
conscious manner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . 
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the 
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the exterior of vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cooling system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windshield washer system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, changes and replacement of 
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and replacement parts  . . . . . . . 
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . 
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid box* and Warning triangle*  . . . . . . . 
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Changing a wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te c h n i c a l  D a ta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Identification data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
154
154
156
159
161
163
166
166
170
174
175
177
177
177
180
181
181
182
183
183
185
185
186
187
191
192
192
193
193 197
197
197
197
203
205
205
205
207
209
209
212
215
218
220
224
225
225
232
232
232
235
235
235
235
236
236
237
237
243
245249
249
254
263
263
263
265
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 6  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
8
Layout of this Owner' s Manual (explanations)
The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make 
it easy for you to find and absorb the information you require.
Chapters, table of contents and subject index
The text of the manual are divided into relatively short sections which are 
combined into easy-to-read  chapters. The chapter you are reading at any 
particular moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page.
The  Table of contents  is arranged according to the chapters and the 
detailed  Subject index  at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to 
rapidly find the information you are looking for.
Sections
The majority of  Sections apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it 
is clearly unavoidable, despite dividing the contents into sections, that 
mention may be made of equipment which is not fitted to your vehicle.
Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model 
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
Brief information and instructions
Each section has a  Heading.
This is followed by  Brief information (in large italic lettering), which tells 
you the subject which is dealt with in this section.
Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an  Instruction (in relatively 
large letters) which explains to you in a straightforward way the action you 
have to take.  Work steps which have to be carried out are illustrated with 
a hyphen.
Notes
All four kinds of notes, which are used in the text, are always stated at the 
end of the respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked with the heading Warning. 
These Warning notes draw your attention to a serious risk of acci-
dent or injury. While reading the text you will frequently encounter 
a double arrow followed by a small warning symbol. This symbol is 
intended to draw your attention to a Warning note at the end of the 
section to which you must pay careful attention.
Caution
A  Caution  note draws your attention to the possibility of damage to your 
vehicle (e.g. damage to gearbox), or points out general risks of an acci-
dent.
For the sake of  the environment
An Environmental  note draws your attention to environmental protection 
aspects. This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing 
your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal  Note draws your attention in a general way to important informa-
tion.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the 
direction of travel of the vehicle.
Measures
In some countries British measures can be given.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 8  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cockpit
General view
This general view is designed to help you to quickly 
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and 
controls.
Electric power-operated window*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional module*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight 
flasher  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher, driver airbag  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights  . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag*
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Operating controls for Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Operating controls for Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartments on the front passenger side* . . . . . 
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Switch for the front seat passenger airbag(s)* . . . . . . . . . . 
Switch depending on equipment fitted:
− Unlock tailgate* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Interior monitor*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuse box in the dash panel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Light switch and control dial for the headlight beam range 
regulation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio*
Rocker switch for heating on the driver's seat*  . . . . . . . . . 
Buttons for central locking* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Selector lever (6-speed automatic gearbox)* . . . . . . . . . 
Rocker switch for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Ashtray*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A151
A266
A398
A4126
A5
59
11 6
A6156
A713
A8
17
63
A962
A10
177
178
A1198
A1259
A13164
A14
96 99
104
A1590
A16156
A17164
A18
46
50
A19249
A2055, 58
A21209
A22109
A2311 0
A24
A2571
A2645
A27
11 3
120
A2871
A29
87
92
A30139
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 11  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and 
the corresponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result 
in severe body injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There 
is a risk of injuries, scalding, accid ents and fire when working in the 
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other 
fluids. It is also essential to observe all warnings  ⇒page 210.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model 
version. The symbols shown in the following functional description are to 
be found as indicator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols 
(priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Electrohydraulic power steering⇒ page 30
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 30
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 30
Turn signal system for vehicles towing 
a trailer*⇒page 31
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 32
Fuel reserve⇒page 32
Engine oil⇒page 32
Brake pad wear*⇒page 33
Open door*⇒page 33
Fluid level in windshield washer sys-
tem*⇒page 33
Control system for exhaust⇒page 33
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 34
Tyre pressure*⇒page 34
Selector lever lock* (automatic gear-
box)⇒page 35
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 35
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 35
Brake system⇒page 36
Airbag system⇒page 36
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)⇒page 37
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 38
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 28  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest 
specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer* 
The indicator light  on vehicles towing a trailer flashes together with the 
respective indicator light for the turn signal system.
The indicator light 
 does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or 
on the vehicle is not operating.
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
The warning light   comes on for a few seconds 1) when the ignition is 
switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the 
warning light 
 does not go out after the engine is started or flashes while 
driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off  and check the coolant level; 
top up the coolant as necessary  ⇒page 217, “Replenishing the coolant”.
Do not continue your journey  if for some reason it is not possible under 
the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant.  Keep the engine switched off
 and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, 
otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may 
be caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for 
the coolant fan, replace it if necessary  ⇒page 253, “Fuse assignment at 
battery”.
Do not continue driving  if the warning light does not go off although the 
fluid is at the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. 
Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions  ⇒page 215, “Cooling 
system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT OWNER'S MANUAL!
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at 
a safe distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch 
on the hazard warning light system  ⇒page 59, “Switch for hazard 
warning lights  ”.
•Pay attention to the following instructions  ⇒page 210, 
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the coolant 
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the 
engine is hot, the cooling system is  pressurized - risk of scalding. 
It is best to allow the engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan! The coolant fan may switch on 
automatically even if the ignition is off.
1)The warning light   on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on
after switching the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is to\
o high or the
coolant level is too low.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 31  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EXHAUST WORKSHOP!
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off 
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that 
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating 
properly.
If the warning light 
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the 
TCS system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the 
TCS system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. 
If the warning light goes out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS  ⇒page 178.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out 
after driving a short distance.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation 
pressure in one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as 
soon as possible the inflation pressure in the tyres  ⇒page 226.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest 
specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system  ⇒page 183.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the 
speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please 
stop the vehicle without delay at  the nearest possible stop and 
inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry 
or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not 
light up at all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away 
the responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pres-
sure.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after 
switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a 
short distance.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 34  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Selector lever lock*  (automatic gearbox)
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is neces-
sary, in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position  P or 
N .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System 
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System 
ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off 
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that 
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating 
properly.
Further information on the ESP  ⇒page 177, “Electronic stability 
programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP 
warning light 
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected 
immediately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL 
⇒ page 179.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been 
switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after 
an automatic check sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light 
 does 
not go out within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not 
light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by 
the normal brake system. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible 
and adjust your style of driving in the meantime since you will not know 
how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the 
ABS.
Further information about ABS  ⇒page 181, “Antilock brake system 
(ABS)*”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light 
 comes on together with the brake system 
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in 
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system  ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the 
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the 
brake fluid level in the reservoir  ⇒page 218, “Brake fluid”. If the 
fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any 
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 35  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Unlocking and locking
52
The power windows operate only when ignition is switched on.
Opening a window
– A window is opened by pressing lightly on the respective button in the door. The process stops when one releases the 
button.
– Additionally you can open the window automatically (fully  opened) by pressing the button up to the stop. Renewed 
pressing of the button causes the window to stop immediately.
Closing a window
– A window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective  button in the door. The closing process stops when one 
releases the button.
– Additionally you can close the window automatically (fully  closed) by pulling the button up to the stop. Renewed pulling 
of the button causes the window to stop immediately.
The switches for the individual windows are located in the operating part 
in the driver's door  ⇒page 51, fig. 29 , front passenger door and in the 
rear doors*.
If the buttons for the rear doors are deactivated, the indicator light 
 in 
the safety switch   lights up.
The switch for the power window in the operating part in the driver's 
door
 Button for the power window in the driver's door
 Button for the power window in the front passenger's door
 Button for the power window in the rear door on the right*  Button for the power window in the rear door on the left*
 Safety pushbutton*
Safety pushbutton*
You can deactivate the switches for power windows at rear doors by 
pressing the safety pushbutton    ⇒page 51, fig. 29 . The buttons for 
power windows at rear doors are activated again by pressing the safety 
pushbutton  again.
WARNING
•If you lock the vehicle from the outside, do not leave any person 
in the vehicle since it is no longer possible to open the windows 
from the inside in an emergency.
•The system is fitted with a force limiter. The closing process will 
be stop if an obstruction is detected and the window will open 
again. You should then take particular care when closing the 
windows! You may otherwise suffer severe injuries as a result of 
getting an arm, for example, jammed in the window!
•It is recommended to deactivate the electrically operated power 
windows in the rear doors (safety pushbutton)    ⇒page 51, 
fig. 29  when children are being transported on the rear seats.
•In the event of a freezing up of the windscreen, first of all elimi-
nate the ice  ⇒page 200 and then operate the power windows 
otherwise the power window mechanism could be damaged.
Note
•After switching the ignition off, it is still possible to open or close the 
windows for a further 10 minutes. The automatic closing and opening 
functions will not operate during this time. The power windows are 
switched off completely once you open the driver or front passenger door.
•When driving, use the existing heating, air conditioning and ventilation 
system for ventilating the interior of the vehicle. If the windows are 
AS
AA
AB
AC
AD
AS
AS
AS
AS
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 52  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM