
Lights and Visibility
56
– Turn the light switch into position O ⇒page 55, fig. 32 .
– Switch on the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒page 55,
fig. 33 .
– After switching on the ignition the side lights are switched on.
– After starting the engine the low beam is switched on.
Switching off daylight driving lights*
– Switch off the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒page 55,
fig. 33 .
– Turn the light switch to the position side lights
or low beam
⇒ page 55, fig. 32 .
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. The low beam is
switched off automatically when the engine is started and after switching
the ignition off; only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering* the position of certain
switches differs from that shown in ⇒page 55, fig. 32 . The symbols which
mark the switch positions are identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are
not bright enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or
to be seen by other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on
the low beam when it is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open
the driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when
the driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the
side lights on.
•If you park the car for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all
lights, or leaving only the side lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in
accordance with the legal requirements.
•In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be
misted up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of
the headlight lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are
free from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly
mist up at the border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
Cornering lights*
For a better cornering illumination the cornering lights are controlled in the
optimal position in line with the vehicle speed and the steering angle.
If the warning light
flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching
on the ignition and a warning signal sounds, a fault is confirmed.
NKO 20 A05.book Page 56 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Lights and Visibility
60
Main beam
– Switch on the low beam.
– Push the lever forwards - the main beam and warning light in the instrument cluster come on.
– Pull the lever back into the initial position in order to switch the main beam off again.
Headlight flasher
– Pull on the lever of the steering wheel (sprung position) - the main beam and warning light in the instrument cluster come
on.
Parking light
– Switch off the ignition.
– Push the lever up or down - the right-hand or left-hand parking light is switched on.
Information concerning the function of the lights.
•The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched
on. The corresponding indicator light or in the instrument cluster also
flashes.
•The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
•The side light and rear light on the appropriate side of the vehicle are
switched on when the parking light is selected. The parking light function
only operates if the ignition is switched off.
•An acoustic warning signal will sound when the driver's door is opened
if the lever is not in the middle position after removing the ignition key. The
acoustic warning signal will stop just as soon as the driver's door is closed.
Caution
Use main beam or the headlight flasher only if this does not risk dazzling
other road users.
Note
Use only in accordance with the legal requirements the described lighting
and signal systems.
Interior lighting
Front interior lighting and storage compartment on
front passenger side
Fig. 38 Detail of the
headliner: front interior
lighting
NKO 20 A05.book Page 60 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Lights and Visibility61
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Door contact switching mechan ism (on the front and rear*
door)
– Press the switch to the right into position
⇒ page 60,
fig. 38 .
– On the version without reading lights press the switch into the middle position
.
Switching the interior light on
– Press the switch to the left into position
.
Switching the interior light off
– Press the switch into the middle position O.
– On the version without reading lights press the switch to the right, the symbol O appears.
Reading lights
– Press on one of the switches ⇒page 60, fig. 38 in order to
switch the right or left reading light on or off.
Lighting of storage compar tment on the front passenger
side
– When opening the flap of the storage compartment on the front passenger side the lighting in the storage compartment
comes on.
– The light switches on automatically when the parking light is switched on and goes out when the flap is closed.
The interior light is switched on for about 20 seconds when a vehicle with
a central locking system is unlocked, when a door is opened or when the ignition key is removed. The requirement for this is that the switch is in the
door contact position. The inner light goes out out immediately after the
ignition is switched on.
A time delay switch* causes the inner lighting on vehicles without a central
locking system stays on for a few seconds after the doors have been
closed. The inner light goes out out immediately after the ignition is
switched on.
The interior lighting is switched off after about 30 minutes when a door has
been left open in order to avoid discharging the battery of the vehicle.
Rear interior lighting*
The rear interior lighting
⇒fig. 39 is actuated by moving the switch to the
symbol , O or to the middle position .
The same principles apply for the interior lighting at the rear as for the for
the interior lighting at the front ⇒page 60.
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AB
Fig. 39 Roof liner light
at the rear
NKO 20 A05.book Page 61 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Seats and Stowage89
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the socket of the
cigarette lighter.
The 12 volt power socket can also be used to supply power to electrical
accessories with a power uptake up to 180 watts.
WARNING
•Take care when using the cigarette lighter! Not paying proper
attention or incorrect use the cigarette lighter in an uncontrolled
manner may result in burns.
•The cigarette lighter and the power socket also operates when
the ignition is switched off or th e ignition key withdrawn. This is
why you should never leave children unattended in the vehicle!
Caution
Only use matching plugs, which fulfils the DIN - ISO Standard 4165, to
avoid damaging the power sockets.
Note
Connecting electrical components when the engine is not running
will drain the battery of the vehicle - risk of battery draining!
Power socket in the luggage compartment
– Open the cover of the power socket ⇒fig. 79 .
– Connect the plug of the electrical appliance to the socket.
It fulfils the requirements of DIN standard ISO 4165 and must only be used
for connecting approved electrical accessories with a power uptake of up
to 240 watts. The vehicle battery will be discharged in the process if the
engine is stationary.
The same remarks apply here as for ⇒page 88, “Cigarette lighter”.
Further information ⇒page 232, “Accessories, changes and replacement
of parts”.
Fig. 79 Luggage
compartment: Power
socket
NKO 20 A05.book Page 89 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Starting-off and Driving
110
the steering wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another
way (e.g. in the middle of the steering wheel or at the inner steering
wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to the arms, the hands and the
head can occur when the driver airbag is deployed.
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off
- ignition switched on
- start engine Diesel engines
- interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the
steering can be locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major electrical components during the
heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering
wheel until the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always
lock the steering as a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as
a deterrent against possible theft of your vehicle ⇒.
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot,
or cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the
steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low
beam or main beam or other electrical components with major power
consumption are briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into
position when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before
starting the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock
prevents the starter being engaged when the engine is running and thus
getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the
selector lever is in position P.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 100 Ignition lock
positions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
NKO 20 A05.book Page 110 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Starting-off and Driving111
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position
(ignition switched on) without the en gine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of
accident!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the car has
come to a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of
accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the
vehicle, even for a short time. This is particularly important if chil-
dren are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the
engine or operate electrical equi pment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
Starting the engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition
key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly
before starting the engine.
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine
which means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be
damage to the starter. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time
after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the
hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not
an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid
⇒
page 243.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The
tow-starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 247.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The
exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and
colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon
monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the
engine is not running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching
off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as
long as the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature
- risk of damaging the engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter
should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
A2
A3
NKO 20 A05.book Page 111 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Starting-off and Driving
112
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right
away. When driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more
rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct
fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the
engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 249.
•If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to
obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the
accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period
being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and
outside temperature. The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been
switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained
unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning
light has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the
engine is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature
is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the
engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 249.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assist-
ance.
Starting the engine after fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel
tank has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel
system must first of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from position ⇒page 110, fig. 100 into position .
A1
NKO 20 A05.book Page 112 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM

Automatic gearbox
122
up in the instrument cluster as a reminder for the driver when the selector
lever is in position P and N:
In addition, the symbol
for the automatic selector lever lock in the shift
gate lights up.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when
rapidly switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for
example, allow one to seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lock
will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2 seconds
without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving
at speed of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into
position N when the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain
selector lever positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever
lock is cancelled when you press the Shiftlock button.
Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the
selector lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector
lever is blocked in position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum accel-
eration power.
Depressing the accelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be acti-
vated in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over
the driving programme and serves for maximum acceleration of the
vehicle when exploiting the maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current selector lever position (
D, S or
Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one or several gears in line with
the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox does not shift
up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum revolu-
tions for this gear range.
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown function can result in the
driven wheels spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk
of skidding!
Dynamic shift programme
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting
up and down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of
pre-defined driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the gearbox to select the
most economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as
soon as possible and shifting down as late as possible will have a favour-
able effect on your fuel consumption.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the acceler-
ator pedal combined with sharp acceleration and frequent changes in
speed, exploiting the top speed of the car or depressing the accelerator
pedal (kickdown function), will cause the gearbox to switch over to this
style of driving and shift down earlier with frequent changes in gears in
comparison to the moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style
of driving is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however,
possible to switch or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by
depressing the accelerator rapidly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower
NKO 20 A05.book Page 122 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM