Contents3
Contents
Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights. . . General view of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant temperature gauge* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-functional indicato r (onboard computer)* Information display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior monitor* and Towing protection* . . . Power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electric sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Stowage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heating the front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear cup holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cigarette lighter* and power sockets* . . . . . . . . . . Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system. . . . . . . . . Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Climatic (semi-automatic air conditioning system)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)* . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting steering wheel position* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-speed automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radio and mobile phone operation . . . . . . . . . . . . Universal telephone preinstallation with voice control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inserting the mobile phone and adapter . . . . . . . Mobile phone operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voice commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enter PIN code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Select number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repeat last call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone voice phonebook* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bluetooth™* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . . . . . Input AUX-IN* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . Important safety information regarding the use of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . Belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
7
8 8
9 9 9101011111313161820
30 30 3232333739404043
45 45 49
51 5254
56 56 575859616164656666676768
75 75
77 81
86 86 87878989909091
94 94
99 99 100
101 102102103104105105106108109110110
113
113 113 115
118 118 119
119 120122
124 124 126128
NKO A05F 20 MR08.book Page 3 Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:34 AM
Contents4
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* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a t a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fuel consumption according to the regulations (99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 ltr./44 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 ltr./51 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./63 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6 ltr./77 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./51 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./59 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.9 l/77 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
130 131
134 134 137140141
143
143 143 146146147147148148150
151 151 152
152 155156157
158 158
161
161 161 161166
169 169 169170
172 172 175177180181185
186 186
192 192 192
193
193 193 193194194194195200201
205 205 209
215
215 215 215
215 215 215
216 217218220222224226228230
233
NKO A05F 20 MR08.book Page 4 Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:34 AM
Cockpit8
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 in dicator 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:
− Unlocking the boot lid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− 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* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobi le phone, navigation system, CD player etc. are supplied with separate inst ructions for operating such equipment.
•The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in ⇒page 7, fig. 1. The symbols on the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models.
A140
A254
A377
A499
A5
48
91
A6126
A79
A8
13
52
A951
A10
143
144
A1177
A1248
A13132
A14
75
77
81
A1568
A16126
A17132
A18
36
40
A19205
A2045, 47
A21172
A2286
A2387
A24
A2558
A2635
A27
89
95
A2858
A29
67
70
A30110
NKO A05F 20 MR08.book Page 8 Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:34 AM
Automatic gearbox97
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 auto matically 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 in to a higher gear as soon as possible and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel consumption.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal combined with sharp acceleration and freq uent changes in speed, exploiting the top speed of the car or depressing the a ccelerator 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 gear matc hing the speed of the car and this allows you to accelerate rapidly (e.g. when ov ertaking) without having to depress the accelerator pedal fully into the kickdown range. The original programme will be reactivated to match your particular style of driving once the gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negotiating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the Tiptronic position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque.
Tiptronic
The Tiptronic allows the driver to also shift gears manually.
Switching over to manual shifting
– Push the selector lever to the right out of position D. As soon as the
gearbox has switched over, 6 5 4 3 2 1 appears in the display, with the
gear engaged being highlighted.
Shifting up gears
– One-touch forward of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position)
⇒ fig. 97 .
Fig. 97 Selector lever: Manual shifting of gears
Fig. 98 Information display: Manual shifting of gears
A+
NKO A05F 20 MR08.book Page 97 Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:34 AM
Communication101
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Universal telephone preinstallation with voice
control*
The voice control is activated according to equipment installed on the vehicle by pressing the button PTT (push to talk) on the adapter ⇒fig. 101 or the button on the multi-functional module* ⇒page 100.
A phone phonebook is part of the mobile ph one preinstallation with voice control. In the phone phonebook there are 1500 free memory locations available. This phone phonebook can be used in line with the mobile telephone.
For vehicles fitted with multi-functional module*, the operation is performed via the function buttons on the module ⇒page 100.
Furthermore the volume can be changed indi vidually at any time with the button for setting the radio or on vehicles fitted with multi-functional module* with func- tion buttons on the steering wheel.
If the system answers with the voice response “ Telephone is not ready”, please check the operating state of the telephone as follows:
•Is the telephone switched on?
•Is the PIN code entered?
Dialogue
The period, in which the telephone system is ready to receive voice commands and carry out the voice commands, is called DIALOGUE. The system gives audible feed-
back and guides you if necessary through the relevant functions. You can start or end the dialogue at any time by pressi ng the PTT button. You can also end the dialogue with the voice command CANCEL.
The dialogue is always automatically ended after carrying out an operation, e.g. after erasing the name from the phonebook.
The dialogue of the incoming call is im mediately interrupted and you can accept the call by pressing the button .
If a voice command is not detected, the system answers with “ Sorry?” and a new entry can be performed. After the 3rd error the answer “ Cancel” is given and the dialogue is ended.
Optimum understanding of the voice commands depends on the following factors:
•Speak with a normal tone of voice without intonation and excessive voice pauses.
•Avoid insufficient articulation.
•Close the doors, windows and sliding roof, in order to reduce or stop disturbing exterior noise.
•It is recommended to speak louder at higher speeds, so that the tone of your voice is louder than the increased surrounding noise.
•During the dialogue avoid additional noise in the vehicle, e.g. simultaneously talking occupants.
•Do not speak, if the system makes an announcement.
•The microphone for voice control is direct ed to the driver and front passenger. Therefore the driver and the front passenger can operate the equipment.
WARNING
Pay attention primarily to the traffic situation! As the driver you are fully responsible for the traffic safety. Use the telephone system only to such an extent, so that you are in full control of your vehicle at any time.
Fig. 101 Button for switching on the voice control
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Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
In certain accident situations both the front airbags as well as the head and side airbags may be deployed together.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and inflated in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒page 126, fig. 116. The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that addi- tional protection in the event of an acci dent. The forward movement of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
The specially developed airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated airbag in a controlled manner (depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order to cushion head and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an extent, after an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.
A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct ⇒ in “Important safety information regarding the front airbag system” on page 127.
Important safety information regarding the front airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
•For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel ⇒fig. 117. Not main- taining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu- pant.
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 131, “Deactivating an airbag” the front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries al so when the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions also requir e that the side or head passenger airbags be deactivated. When transpor ting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
•There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned between the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
•The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone mounts, etc. may be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be located within the immediate area.
•No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system. Any work on the airbag system includ ing installing and removing system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
•Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.
•Never place any objects on the dash panel on the front passenger side.
Fig. 117 Safe distance to steering wheel
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Intelligent Technology144
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
Then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation. This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other- wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. If the wheels ar e spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is automatically adapted by reducing the engi ne speed. This occurs at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 147, “Antilock brake system (ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light ⇒page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the TCS.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button ⇒ fig. 136. The TCS warning light ⇒page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off.
Fig. 136 TCS switch
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Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
Then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem- free operation of the TCS. Differing rollin g circumferences of the tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the TCS ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock pr events an individual wheel from
slipping.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditio ns of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other driven wheel. This control proce ss is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatically if unus ually severe stresses exist in order to avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL.
The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on uniformly slip- pery road surfaces, such as ice and sn ow. The driven wheels might still spin despite the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
•You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL. The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•If the ABS or TCS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL. Please have the car inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the EDL ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
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