Page 65 of 205

64CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Electronic stabilityprogram* ESPModels fitted with anti-lock brake system
(ABS) can be equipped additionally with an
electronic stability program (ESP).
The ESP makes it possible to enhance
control over the vehicle in situations in
which the vehicle is operating at the dyna-
mic limits, such as driving too fast into a
curve. The ESP is an extension of the ABS/
EBC//TCS/EDL function and reduces the
risk of skidding in all road conditions. The
system operates over the entire speed of
the vehicle in conjunction with the ABS. If
a fault develops in the ABS system, the ESP
then also does not operate.
The ESP is switched on automatically each
time the engine is started. It can be swit-
ched off and on, as desired, together with
the TCS system, by pressing the pushbut-
ton.
If the system is switched off, the ESP warn-
ing light comes on - see page 60.
In exceptional cases where wheel slip is
desired, it is beneficial to switch off the ESP
system. For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the ESP system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ESP.
Operating principle of ESP
The ABS, EBC, EDL, TCS systems are in-
tegrated in the electronic stability program.
In addition to the data available from these
functions, the ESP control unit is also sup-
plied with signals which are transmitted by
highly sensitive sensors. What is measu-
red is the spinning rotary motion about the
vertical axis of the vehicle, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the brake pressu-
re and the steering lock.
Note
The direction selected by the driver is de-
termined with the aid of the movement of
the steering and the vehicle speed and
constantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If variations exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to slide, the ESP
automatically brakes the wheel in question
and reduces engine speed.
The vehicle is again stabilised as a result
of the forces acting on the wheel during the
braking operation. If the vehicle is overs-
teering (tending to break away at the rear),
it is primarily the outside front wheel which
is braked, whereas, if the vehicle is under-
steering (tending to slide out of the curve),
the rear inner wheel is then braked.
Warning
The ESP system is also not able to
overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. You should remember this,
particularly when driving on slippery
and wet road surfaces.
Your style of driving should always
be adapted to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the ESP
must not tempt you to take any risks
which compromise your safety.
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65
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
3 - Traction control system* TCSVehicles fitted with the anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS) can additionally be equipped
with a traction control system (TCS).
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the TCS pre-
vents the driven wheels from slipping when
the car is accelerated, by reducing the en-
gine output. The system operates in com-
bination with the ABS over the entire vehi-
cle speed range. If a fault develops in the
ABS, the TCS is also affected.
The TCS switches on automatically when
the engine is started. If desired, the sys-
tem can be switched off and on by press-
ing the pushbutton.
If the system is switched off, the TCS warn-
ing lamp comes on - refer to page 60.
The TCS should always be switched on in
normal driving conditions. It is only benefi-
cial to switch off the system in certain ex-
ceptional cases if wheel slip is desired.For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the TCS system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ASR.
Warning
Always adapt your style of driving to
the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. The increased safety
offered by the TCS system must not
induce you to take risks with your
safety.
The traction control system greatly facili-
tates starting-off, accelerating and climb-
ing hills, or at all makes this possible, even
when driving on poor road conditions.
4 - Knurled wheel for seat heating*The cushion and backrest of the front seats
can be heated electrically when the igni-
tion is on.
The heater can be switched on with the
appropriate knurled wheel and regulated as
desired.
To switch heating off, turn knurled wheel to
the basic position „0“.
Note
Do not switch on the seat heater until after
starting the engine. This considerably re-
duces the drain on the battery capacity.5 - Releasing fuel filler flap from driver’s seat*The fuel filler flap opens when the switch is
pressed. For further information - see page
127.
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66CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTEmergency release of fuel filler flap
If the remote release at the driver’s seat*
does not operate properly, it is possible to
unlock the fuel filler flap manually:
Open tailgate, detach the luggage com-
partment trim on the right and pull off.
Then, push the locking rod in direction
of arrow - see illustration.
Headlight range controlIf the low beam is switched on, it can be
matched exactly to the load of the vehi-
cle with the headlight range control.
You can turn the knurled wheel until the
low beam has been adjusted in such a way
that other road users are not dazzled.
The individual headlight beam settings cor-
respond approximately to the following ve-
hicle load:
- - driver, front passenger
I - 5 persons
II - 5 persons and an additional 180 kg in
the luggage compartment, in line with the
permissible load of the front and rear axles
III - driver and an additional 330 kg in the
luggage compartment, in line with the per-
missible load of the front and rear axles.
Warning
Adjust the headlight beam control,
so that the traffic on the opposite
side is not dazzled.
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs adapt
automatically to the load and driving
state (e.g. accelerating, braking) when
ignition is switched on and when driv-
ing.
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67
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Multifunction switchThe turn signal system only operates if the
ignition is switched on.
Right turn signals - lever up
Left turn signals - lever down
When turn signals are operating, the ap-
propriate warning light also flashes - see
page 56.
The turn signal lights are cancelled auto-
matically when the steering wheel is moved
back into the straightahead position.
High and low beamIf low beam is switched on, press the lever
away from the steering wheel. A blue warn-
ing light comes on to indicate the high beam
setting. To switch over to the low beam
setting, pull the lever back into its original
position.
Note
On models fitted with xenon headlights*, do
not switch on main beam and fog lights at
the same time when the car is stationary.Coming Home Function*The function enables the lighting of the low
beam for a short time after leaving the ve-
hicle, e.g. for illumination of Coming-Home
etc.
Select function
Switch off light
Switch off ignition
Flash with main beam (headlight flasher)
Open and close door
If the door is open, the light is on for
approx. 3 minutes.
If the door is closed, the light is on for
approx. 30 seconds
Headlight flasherPull lever toward steering wheel as far as
the pressure point - the main beam and the
indicator light come on.
Note
Use of the signal and lighting systems de-
scribed is subject to local national regula-
tions.Parking lightsThe parking light can only be switched on
if the ignition is off.
Right parking lights - lever up
Left parking lights - lever down
Notes
Use of the parking lights is subject to
local national regulations.
If the lever is not in the middle position
after withdrawing the key, an audible sig-
nal sounds when the driver’s door is ope-
ned. The audible signal switches off again
as soon as the door is closed.
Page 69 of 205

68CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTTempomat
(cruise control system)*With the aid of this system it is possible to
constantly maintain any desired speed from
30 km/h without the driver having to hold
his foot on the accelerator pedal.Warning
Do not use the cruise control system
in dense traffic or on a slippery road
surface (ice, snow, rain, grit, etc.).
If the cruise control system is switch-
ed on, do not shift into neutral with-
out depressing the clutch pedal oth-
erwise the engine may overrev.
In order to prevent unintentional use
of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.
Note
On models fitted with an automatic gear-
box, the cruise control system is only ac-
tive in selector lever positions D, 3 and 2. It
is not possible to use the cruise control
system in selector lever positions P, N , R
and 1 . The system is operated with the sliding
switch
A and the pushbutton B on the
multifunction switch.
Switching onMove switch A to ON .
Storing a speed
Switch on the cruise control system. As soon
as you have reached the desired speed,
briefly press pushbutton B in position SET.
After pressing pushbutton B in position
SET , the car will maintain the speed stored
(above 30 km/h [20 mph]) without you hav-
ing to depress the accelerator.
The stored speed can also be increased in
the usual way by depressing the accelerator.
When the accelerator is released, the speed
is again reduced to the speed previously
stored.This is not the case, however, if the stored
speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h
for a period of more than 5 minutes. In such
a case, it is necessary to again store the
speed.
The speed can be reduced in the usual
way - by depressing the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal (switches off system tempo-
rarily - refer to page 69).
Warning
You must only resume the stored
speed if it is not too high for the traf-
fic conditions which exist at that
moment.
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69
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Changing stored speedDecelerating
The stored position can be reduced by
pressing the pushbutton B in position SET.
The speed of the vehicle is reduced continu-
ously if the pushbutton B is pressed and held
in position SET. Release the pushbutton
once the desired speed is reached. The
speed is then stored.
If the pushbutton is released at a speed
below 30 km/h, the speed is not stored and
the memory is erased. In this case, the
speed of the vehicle must be re-stored with
pushbutton B in position SET after accel-
erating the car to more than 30km/h.
Accelerating
The stored speed can be increased by
pushing the switch B in the position RES
without operating the accelerator.The speed of the car is increased continu-
ously if the switch is pressed and held. Re-
lease the switch as soon as the desired speed
is reached. This speed is then stored.
Switching off system temporarilyModels with manual gearbox
The system is switched off temporarily by
depressing the brake pedal or clutch pedal.
The system is also switched off by sliding
switch A to the right - into position OFF.
The speed which is stored at this moment
is retained.
Resuming the stored speed is achieved by
releasing the brake pedal or clutch pedal
and after pressing the switch B into posi-
tion RES
Warning
You must only resume the stored
speed if it is not too high for the traf-
fic conditions which exist at that
moment.
Models with automatic gearbox
The system is switched off temporarily by
depressing the brake pedal.
The system is also switched off by sliding
switch A to the right - into position OFF.
The speed stored at this moment is re-
tained.
Resuming the stored speed is achieved by
releasing the brake pedal or clutch pedal
and pressing the switch B into position RES
Warning
You must only resume the stored
speed if it is not too high for the traf-
fic conditions which exist at that
moment.Switching off system completelyModels with automatic gearbox
To switched off the system completely ,
move the switch A fully to the right to OFF.
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70CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Multifunction steering wheel*What is operated with the pushbuttons on
the steering wheel depends on the equip-
ment fitted to the car.
Pushbuttons 1, 2, 3 and 4 are used to op-
erate the main functions of the cruise con-
trol and the radio system Please also refer
to the additional information provided in the
corresponding operating instructions.
Press the button (refer to arrow) when the
lights are switched on in order to illuminate
the buttons on the steering wheel.Operating cruise controlThe cruise control is switched on by mov-
ing switch A to ON (refer to ill. on p. 68).
The system is switched off completely by
moving switch A fully to the right to the OFF
position (refer to ill. on p. 68).
Storing speed
Switch the cruise control on. As soon as
you have reached the speed you wish to
maintain, briefly press pushbutton 1 in the
position SET-. The car maintains the stored
speed without the need to operate the ac-
celerator pedal. Changing a stored speed -
see page 68.
Changing stored speed
The stored speed can be reduced by
pressing pushbutton 1 in position SET-. If
the button is pressed and held, the speed
reduces continuously. Once you have
reached the speed you wish to maintain,
release the button. The desired speed is
then stored.
The stored speed can be increased by
pressing pushbutton 1 in position RES+. If
the button is pressed and held, the speed
increases continuously. Once you have
reached the speed you wish to maintain,
release the button. The desired speed is
then stored.Switching off cruise control temporarilyThe cruise control is switched off tempo-
rarily by pressing pushbutton 2 in the posi-
tion CANCEL.
The stored speed is resumed by pressing
pushbutton 1 in position RES+.
For further versions of switching off the
cruise control temporarily - refer to p. 69. Warning
The stored speed must only be re-
sumed if it is not too high for the traf-
fic conditions which exist at that
moment.
Operating radio system and CD
changerThe radio system is operated with push-
buttons
3 and 4.Pushbutton 3 with positions VOL+ and
VOL- :
The volume of the radio system, cassette
player, CD changer and recorder of traffic
reports is increased or reduced by press-
ing the button in the appropriate position.
Pushbutton 4 with positions indicated by
the two arrows:
Radio system : You can search up or down
for radio stations in accordance with the
frequency search by pressing the button in
the appropriate position.
Cassette player : You can operate the fast
forward or return by pressing the button in
the appropriate position.
CD changer : You can select preceding or
subsequent sections of music by pressing
the button in the appropriate position.
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71
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Traffic information memory* (RDS): You
can play preceding or subsequent traffic
information bulletins by pressing the but-
ton in the appropriate position.
Windscreen wiper and
washer systemThe windscreen wipers and windscreen
washer system only operate when the ig-
nition is switched on.
In frosty weather, check that the wiper
blades are not frozen to the glass before
switching the wipers on for the first time.
Notes
Topping up washer fluid - see page 151.
Changing windscreen wiper blades - see
page 152.
Windscreen
Flick wipe
Lever in position 4.
Intermittent wipe
Lever in position 1.
Four different intermittent settings can be se-
lected with the intermittent wipe switch A.
Slow wipe
Lever in position 2.
Fast wipe
Lever in position 3.
Automatic wipe/wash
Pull lever toward steering wheel (position
5 ); the windscreen wipers and washer sys-
tem operate.
Letting go of the lever will cause the wind-
screen wash system to stop and the wiper
to continue for another 1 - 3 wiper strokes
(depending on the period of spraying of the
windscreen).
The wiper wipes once again 5 seconds af-
ter the last wiper stroke, in order to wipe
the last drops from the windscreen.
Rain sensor*
Lever in position 1.
The wipe intervals are controlled automa-
tically by the rain sensor depending on how
much rain is falling.
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be set
individually with switch A.