
Contents3
ContentsThe structure of this manual
 . . . . . 
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowing luggage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Belt tension devices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital display in the instrument panel  . . . . . . . 
Instrument panel menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Using these instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel lighting controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mirrors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and stowage
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowage compartments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical 
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher  
Luggage compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
 . . 
Heating and ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2C-Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox . 
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control system (CCS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tips and Maintenance
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS 
(ABS and TCS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)* . . . . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5
6
7
7
7
10
16
17
19
19
21
24
28
30
30
34
37
41
44
46
46
48
51 55
55
55
56
59
65
72
84
84
84
88
92
93
93
99
100
102
104
106
108
111
111
117
119
120
124
127
127
128
130
131
133 142
145
146
149
149
151
154
158
159
159
160
161
162
165
166
171
172
174
179
179
179
180
181
183
183
184
185
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Safe driving
8passengers assume an incorrect sitting position or do not properly adjust or 
use this equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important, 
how it protects you, what you have to observe when using it and how you and 
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety 
equipment fitted. This manual includes  important warnings that you and your 
passengers should observe in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the 
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note 
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw- lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the  surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels  ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly for your  size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the 
head restraints in the in-use position  ⇒page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to  their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly  applied seat belts  ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers  also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒ page 10.
– Always fasten your seat belt correctly before driving off. Instruct  your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly 
⇒page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and 
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers. 
When your concentration or driving  safety is affected, you endanger 
yourself as well as others on the road  ⇒, for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you,  e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medica- tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
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Cockpit
70
NoteFor electronic and vehicle equipment on e or more of these menus will be 
displayed.Comfort menu
From this menu it is possible to alter the different Comfort function settings.To open the Comfort and Convenience menu
– Choose the option  Configuration from main menu and press the 
button   on the windscreen wiper lever. – Choose the option Comfor t
 from main menu and press the button 
 on the windscreen wiper lever.
Example of menu use: “Example of menu use”
Lights & visibility
From this menu it is possible to alter the vehicle lighting settings: “Lights and visibility menu”.
Display off Only emergency messages appear
Back This returns to the main menu
AA
AA
Convenience Function
Door opening Selective opening/ Total opening
Auto-lock
Auto-unlock
Audible warning function Activate/deactivate(acoustic signal for central locking)
Comfort opening Deactivate
All
1 door
Synchronised control of wing mirrors Synchronised/individual
Back This returns to the Configuration menu
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Lights and visibility
120The make-up mirrors in the sun visors have covers. When you open the cover 
, a lamp in the roof lights up.
The lamp* in the roof lining will go ou t when the vanity mirror cover is pushed 
back or the sun visor is pushed back up.
Note
The roof lamp will turn off about 10 minutes following the removal of the igni-
tion key. This prevents the battery discharging.Windscreen washersFront windscreen wipers 
 
The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers 
and the automatic wash and wipe.
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒ fig. 84 has the following positions:
Switching off the wipers
– Move the lever to position  .
Intermittent wipe 
– Move the lever up to position  .
– Move the control   to the left or right to set the length of the  intervals. Control to the left - longer wipe pause, control to the 
right - shor ter wipe pauses. Four wiper inter val stages can be set 
using switch  .
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position  .
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position  .
Brief wipe
– Move the lever down to position   to give the windscreen a  brief 
wipe. The wiper will start to move faster if you keep the lever 
pressed down for longer than 2 seconds.
Wash and wipe automatic system 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position  . The wash  function will start immediately and the wipers will start with a 
slight delay. The wash and wiper systems will function at the 
same time at speeds of over 120 km/h.
– Return the lever back to the rest position. The wipers will keep  running for approximately four seconds.
A2
Fig. 84  Windscreen wiper 
and windscreen wash 
lever
A0A1
AA
AA
A2A3A4
A5
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Lights and visibility121
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Optional heated windscreen in the wiper blade* area (page
In some countries and with some versions, there is the possibility of heating 
the windscreen in the area of the windscreen wiper blades in order to aid de-
icing in the zone.
This function is activated by turning the exterior heated rearview mirror* 
control forwards 
⇒page 125.
WARNING
•
Worn and dirty wiper blades obstruct visibility and reduce safety levels.
•
In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless 
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation system. 
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure 
your view of the road.
•
Always note the corresponding warnings on  ⇒page 219.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that th e wiper blades are not frozen to the 
glass before using the wipers for the fi rst time. If you switch on the wipers 
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both 
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•
The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.
•
In vehicles fitted with alarms and in certain versions, the windscreen 
wipers only operate when the igniti on is on and the bonnet closed.
•
When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the 
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.
•
The next speed down will automatically be selected if wiper speed   
⇒ page 120, fig. 84  or   is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed 
will be  resumed when the vehicle starts again.
•
The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once 
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated while the vehicle is in 
transit (automatic function). If the wi ndscreen wiper function is activated 
within three seconds of the automatic function, a new cleaning cycle begins 
without performing the final wipe. To reactivate the “automatic” function the 
ignition must be turned off and on again.
•
When the “intermittent wi pe function” is on, the intervals are directly 
proportional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter 
the intervals.
•
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. 
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the 
obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.
•
Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of the 
windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position 
(horizontal).
A2
A3
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Lights and visibility
124Headlight washer system
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen 
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering 
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped headlights or main 
beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn  dirt (insects, etc.) from the head-
lights at regular intervals, for in stance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
•
To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the 
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer 
spray.
•
To remove water, the windscreen wiper s will be activated from time to 
time, the headlight wipers will be activated every three cycles.
MirrorsInterior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the 
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at  the bottom edge of the mirror should 
be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function.
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function  can be switched on and off 
as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button    ⇒fig. 88 . Warning lamp   goes out.
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button    ⇒fig. 88 . Warning lamp is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on. 
The green indicator lamp ligh ts up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is acti vated the interior mirror will darken auto-
matically  according to the amount of light it receives (for example from the 
headlights of a vehicle behind). The anti-dazzle function is cancelled if 
reverse gear is engaged.
Fig. 88  Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
AA
AB
AA
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Lights and visibility125
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Note
•
The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if the sun 
blind* for the rear window is retracted and there are no other objects 
preventing light from reac hing the interior mirror.
•
If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in 
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the anti-dazzle function from 
working well or even from working at all.
Exterior mirrors 
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using the rotary knob in 
the centre console.Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob  ⇒fig. 89  to position  L (left exterior mirror ).2.  Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a 
good view to the rear of the vehicle.
3.  Turn knob to position  R (right exterior mirror ).
4.  Swivel the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a  good view to the rear of the car ⇒ .
Heating the exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob forwards to the central position  ⇒fig. 89    so 
that the heated rear view mirrors heat up and the heated wind-
screen* in the wiper blade rest area is operational  ⇒page 121.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
–Turn the control  ⇒fig. 89  to position 
 to fold in the exterior 
mirrors. You should always fold in the exterior mirrors if you are 
driving through an automatic car  wash. This will help prevent 
damage.
Folding wing mirrors using convenience closing*
– The wing mirror folds automatically using the convenience  closing (operated by the control or the key).
– To unfold the mirror again, open the door and press the switch
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the extended position*
– Turn the knob to another position to fold the exterior mirrors back  out  ⇒ .
Synchronised mirror adjustment
1. Turn the control to the position  L (left exterior mirror ).
Fig. 89  Exterior mirror 
control
A1
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Lights and visibility
126
2.  Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle. The  right exterior mirror will 
be adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
WARNING
•
The rear view convex or aspheric mirror increase the field of vision 
however the objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you 
use these mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when 
changing lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
•
If possible, use the interior mirror to estimate distances to vehicles 
behind you.
•
Make sure that you do not get your  finger trapped between the mirror 
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be  switched off when it is no longer 
needed. Fuel is wasted otherwise.
Note
•
If the electrical adjustment ever fa ils to operate, the mirrors can be 
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
•
The following guideline applies to vehicles with electric exterior mirrors: 
If the mirror housing is moved as a resu lt of exterior force (e.g. knocked when 
parking the vehicle), the mirrors must be folded in  electrically to the final 
position. Do not readjust the mirror h ousing by hand, as this will interfere 
with the mirror adjuster function.
•
The rear view mirrors can be adjusted separately or simultaneously, as 
described before.
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