Contents 2ContentsNotes on this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and displays
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and
warning/indicator lamps
. . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . .
Driver information system
. . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . .
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . .
Notes and symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors and windows
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . .
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and vision
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clear vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manually adjustable front seats . .
Electrically adjustable front seats
Bucket seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and electrical
socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . .
Heating and cooling
. . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window heating . . . . . . . . .
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . .
Audi magnetic ride . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Launch control programme . . . . . .
Steering wheel with paddle levers
Backup programme . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HomeLink
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of airbag system . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating the airbags . . . . . . . . 5
7
9
9
10
10
15
20
20
21
22
24
27
31
33
40
40
42
47
48
5052
52
57
58
59
63
65
67
67
68
70
71
72
72
72
73
75
75
79
80
81
81
81
82
83
83
85
86
88
90
90
91
92
9293
93
94
95
95
101
102
102
104
107
108
109
109
110
112
114
115
115
116
118
120
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 2 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13
Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points to remember if children are
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting child safety seats . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . .
Dry sump lubrication system . . . .
Your vehicle and the
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control systems . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sporty driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . .
General maintenance
. .
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, replacement parts and
repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repairing a tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing away . . .
Fuses and bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical data
. . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . .
Performance, weights and
dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R8 4.2 quattro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
122
123
126
131
132
132
134
134
136
136
137
138
138
138
138
139
139143
144
144
144
147
152
152
152
155
155
157
159
161
162
164
166
166
172
174
174
174
175177
178
178
178
182
185
187
190
190
193
195
196
196
196
198
198
198
199
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps11
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-
tions per minute.You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below
1500 rpm. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine
is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable
to change up a gear or lift your foot off the accelerator (or shift out
of the R tronic sport mode) before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
Never allow the rev counter needle ⇒page 10, fig. 2 to go into
the red zone on the scale for more than a very brief period: there is
a risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial
is different for some engine versions.Radio-controlled clockWhen the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal recep-
tion symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the
display ⇒fig. 3. It is then not possible to change the
minutes or the date manually. If you take your vehicle into a different time zone, the hour display will need to be
adjusted manually to local time using the adjuster button.
Setting the time zone
– Keep pulling the button ⇒fig. 3 briefly until the time
zone display flashes (select setting “0” if you do not wish
to change the time zone).
– Then turn the button to the left (to set an earlier time
zone: -1/-2) or to the right (to set a later time zone: +1/+2).
Switching date display on and off
– Keep pulling the button briefly until the date display
flashes.
– Then turn the button to the left or right.
When the display stops flashing, this means the setting you are
performing is completed and the time zone has been successfully
stored.
If the clock does not receive a radio signal for three consecutive
days, it will automatically switch to “quartz” mode. The signal recep-
tion symbol will then disappear. If you need to reset the time and
date, proceed as described on ⇒page 12.
A2
Fig. 3 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Display with signal
reception symbol, time
and date
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Doors and windows 48Manual release of the luggage lid
The luggage lid can be released manually if it will not
open in the normal way.– Fold out the foot rest in the passenger's footwell
⇒page 190.
– Pull the plastic cord towards you ⇒fig. 42.Anti-theft alarm systemDescription
The anti-theft alarm triggers an alarm if anyone attempts
to break into the vehicle.The anti-theft alarm helps to prevent the vehicle being broken into
or stolen. If the system senses interference with the vehicle it trig-
gers an audible and visible alarm.
How is the system switched on (armed)?
The anti-theft alarm system switches on automatically when the
vehicle is locked with the remote control or by turning the key in the
driver's door (if the door is closed). The system becomes active
about 30 seconds after the vehicle is locked.If you turn the key twice to the lock position within one second, the
anti-theft warning system is not activated.
How is the system switched off?
The anti-theft alarm is only switched off when the vehicle is
unlocked using the remote control. The vehicle will lock itself again
automatically if none of the doors is opened within 60 seconds after
pressing the remote control button.
If the vehicle is opened with the key on the driver side door, the
passenger side door remains locked. The anti-theft alarm is only
switched off if the key is inserted into the ignition lock within 15
seconds and the ignition is switched on. Otherwise the system trig-
gers the alarm. On some export versions the alarm is already trig-
gered as soon as the driver's door is unlocked with the key and
opened.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The anti-theft alarm monitors and protects the following parts of
the car:
•
Engine compartment (engine lid)
•
Luggage compartment
•
Doors
•
Ignition
•
Interior ⇒page 49
If any of the named areas are entered or tampered with, the alarm
will sound.
How is the alarm switched off?
The alarm can be switched off by unlocking the vehicle using the
remote control, or by switching on the ignition with the key and thus
“disarming” the system. The alarm will also switch itself off when it
comes to the end of its cycle.
Fig. 42 Detail: Manual
release
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Doors and windows49
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Turn signals
The turn signals flash briefly when the vehicle is locked to confirm
that the doors, the engine lid and the luggage lid are properly
closed and locked.
If the turn signals do not flash, check the doors, engine lid and
luggage lid to make sure they are properly closed. The turn signals
will flash briefly if one of the doors, the luggage lid or the engine lid
is closed after the system has been switched on.
Note
•
To make sure that the alarm is fully operative when leaving the
vehicle, briefly check that all the doors and windows are closed.
•
If the vehicle is unlocked at the driver's door using the key, the
central locking switch only becomes fully functional after the igni-
tion is switched on.
•
The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is
disconnected while the alarm system is active.
Interior monitor
The interior monitor triggers an alarm if it detects move-
ment inside the vehicle.
You should deactivate the interior monitor if there is a
possibility that the alarm could be set off, for instance, by a
pet or by an object moving about inside the car ⇒. The
tow-away protection function* should be deactivated if the
car is being towed or transported (for instance by rail or
ship).
Deactivating interior monitor
– Press the switch on the door ⇒fig. 43.
– Then lock the vehicle.
Deactivating the tow-away protection*
– Press the switch on the door.
– Then lock the vehicle.The diode in the switch
or
will light up when the interior
monitor / tow-away protection* function is deactivated. In addition,
the diode on the dashboard will light up for about 3 seconds. The
diode on the dashboard will flash rapidly for about 3 seconds after
the vehicle is locked. There then follows an interval of about 30
seconds before the diode starts flashing slowly.
The interior monitor / tow-away protection* function is automati-
cally switched on again next time the vehicle is locked.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Fig. 43 Switches for
the interior monitor in
the door trim (only
visible when the
driver's door is open)
AAAB
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Lights and vision 56Hazard warning lights
The hazard warning lights are used to make other road
users aware of your vehicle in hazardous situations.– Press the switch
to switch the hazard warning lights
on or off ⇒fig. 50.
All four turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning
lights are switched on. The two turn signal indicator lamps
and
the indicator lamp in the switch
will flash at the same time. The
hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
In an accident in which the airbags are activated, the hazard
warning lights are switched on automatically.
Note
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road
users, for instance:•
When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
If your vehicle breaks down or there is an emergency
•
If your vehicle is being towed away, or if you are towing another
vehicle.
Tu r n s i g n a l
and main beam lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the
following functions:
Turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 51 to indicate right,
or all the way down to indicate left.
– Move the lever up or down to the point of resistance and
hold it there to signal briefly, for instance when changing
lane.
– Move the lever briefly up or down as far as the point of
resistance and release it to signal three times with the
turn signals. This one-touch signalling function must be
activated in the menu display ⇒page 24.
Main beam headlights
– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam
headlights off again.
Fig. 50 Centre console:
Switch for hazard
warning lights
Fig. 51 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
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Lights and vision57
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Headlight flasher
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the
flasher.
Parking lights
– Switch off the ignition.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-
hand parking lights respectively.Notes on these functions•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator lamp
or
flashes in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 15.
•
The turn signals are cancelled automatically when the steering
wheel is returned to the straight-ahead position.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped
beam headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator
lamp then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever –
even if no other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight
indicator lamp
then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the
rear light on one side of the car light up with reduced intensity. The
parking lights will only work with the ignition off. A warning buzzer
will sound for as long as the driver's door is open.Caution
Do not use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this
would dazzle oncoming traffic.
Interior lightsInterior lights
The interior light also incorporates the reading lights for
the driver and front passenger.Activating the courtesy light function
– Press switch . The diode in the switch will light up.
Deactivating the courtesy light function
– Press switch . The diode in the switch will go out.
Front reading lights
– Press the switches to switch the left and right reading
lights on and off.If the switch is in the courtesy light position, the interior light comes
on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are
opened. The light also comes on when the key is pulled out of the
ignition. It goes out approximately 30 seconds after the doors are
closed. The interior light is switched off immediately when the
vehicle is locked or when the ignition is switched on.
Fig. 52 Detail of head-
liner: Interior lights
AAAA
AB
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Lights and vision 60The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is
switched on.
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever
briefly to wash the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers
will also be activated. This will use an unnecessary amount of fluid
from the reservoir.
WARNING
•
Poor visibility can cause accidents. Always ensure that the
wiper blades are in good condition ⇒page 62, “Changing wiper
blades”.
•
The light sensor/ rain sensor* is only intended to assist the
driver. The driver is still obliged to manually operate the wind-
screen wipers and the lights as required depending on visibility.
•
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad
visibility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.Caution
•
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not
frozen to the glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you
switch on the wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the glass,
this could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
•
Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in
position "0") before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid
inadvertent triggering of the wipers and possible damage to the
wiper system.Note
•
Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long
journey. Filling the reservoir ⇒page 164.
•
Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass
which can also impair the effectiveness of the light sensor/ rain
sensor*. Please check the wiper blades regularly.
•
If you leave the windscreen wiper lever set to the intermittent
wipe function when the ignition is switched off, the light sensor/
rain sensor* will not be activated until you reach a road speed of at
least 6 km/h.
•
Applies to vehicles with light sensor/ rain sensor: If the wind-
screen wipers have been activated manually and it is raining, the
automatic headlights* will come on ⇒page 53, “Automatic (sensor-
controlled) headlights”. In the daytime the headlights will automat-
ically go off again once the wipers are switched off. The automatic
headlights* function is only available if the light switch is in the
“AUTO” position ⇒page 53, fig. 47.
Headlight washer systemWith the lights switched on, operate the automatic wind-
screen wash and wipe ⇒page 59, fig. 54 , and keep the
lever pulled towards you for at least 1 second.The headlight washer jets come out of the bumper automatically
(under water pressure).
Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the lenses at regular
intervals, for instance when stopping for fuel.
To ensure that the system works properly in winter, keep the nozzle
holders free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
A5
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