
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? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety 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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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 programme (ESP)*  . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving economically and with respect for the 
environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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
120
121
125
128
128
129
131
132
134 143
146
147
150
150
152
155
159
160
160
161
162
163
166
167
172
173
175
179
179
179
180
181
186
186
186
187
191
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Seat belts
20The warning lamp   in the instrument panel lights up
1) if the driver seat belt 
is not fastened when the ignition is switched on. In addition, an acoustic 
signal is given for a few seconds and a text is displayed on the combi-instru-
ment asking you to  fasten your seat belt
1).
The warning lamp* 
 does not go out until the driver seat belt is fastened 
while the ignition is switched on.
1)Depending on the model version
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Airbag system
32Monitoring of airbag and belt tension device system
The functionality of the airbag and belt tension device system is constantly 
monitored electronically. Each time th e ignition is switched on, the warning 
lamp 
 lights for several seconds and the display in the instrument panel* 
shows  AIRBAG / TENSIONER .
The system must be checked when the warning lamp 
 :
•
does not come on when the ignition is switched on,
•
does not go out about 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on,
•
goes out and then comes on again after the ignition is switched on,
•
or if it comes on or flickers while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In 
addition, depending on the malfunctio n, a fault message appears in the 
display of the combi-instrument for approx. 10 seconds and a short acoustic 
signal is given. In this event, you should have a qualified workshop check the 
system immediately.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the 
indicator lights for several  seconds more after the veri fication and will turn off 
if there is no fault.
WARNING
•
If there is a malfunction, the air bag and belt tension device system 
cannot properly perform its protective function.
•
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immediately by 
a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a risk that, in the event of an acci-
dent, the airbag system and belt tension devices may not be triggered, or 
may not be triggered correctly.
Repair, care and disposal of the airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle. 
If you work on the airbag system or remove and install parts of the system 
when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be 
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the 
airbag inflates incorrectly  or does not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the airbag are scrapped . The specialist workshops and the 
Vehicle disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•
If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used 
incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The airbags may 
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
•
Do not cover or stick anything on  the steering wheel hub or the soft 
plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dashboard, 
and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.
•
It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•
To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry cloth 
or one moistened with water. Never clean the dash panel and surface of the 
airbag module with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the 
surface to become porous. If the airbag inflates, disintegrating plastic 
parts can cause substantial injuries.
•
Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag 
system.
•
Any work on the airbag system or re moval and installation of the airbag 
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should 
be performed only by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops have the 
necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
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Cockpit55
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Operating instructionsCockpitOverviewOverview of the instrument panel
This overview will help you to  familiarise yourself with the 
controls and displays.
Door release lever 
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air vent
Lighting control for instrument and  control lighting   . . . . . . . . 
Headlight range control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Turn signal and main beam lever and cruise control system* . 
Instrument panel:
− Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Indication lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Horn (works only when the igni tion is on)/ and driver front 
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen wiper and windscreen wash lever and operation of 
the multi-function display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Thumb wheel for left seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Controls for
−
Heating* and ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Air conditioning*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Air conditioner*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio
Thumb wheel for right seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Indicator light for deactivated fr ont passenger airbag . . . . . . . 
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Glove compartment lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gear shift lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cup holder compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handbrake
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handle for releasing the bonnet  . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Button for opening and closing the front windows  . . . . . . . . . 
Safety switch* for the rear windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Control* for opening and closing the rear windows . . . . . . . . . 
Note
Some of the items of equipment listed here are fitted only on certain 
models/model years or are optional extras.
A1A2
111
A3A4
114
A5
114
A6
116, 175
A7
56
59
72
A8
30
A9
121, 61
A10
132
A11
150
152
155
A12A13
132
A14
44
A15
30
A16
134
A17
167
A18
139
A19A20A21
162
A22
212
A23
106
A24
106
A25
106
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Cockpit
56InstrumentsInstrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.Detailed view of dash panel instrument panel
Fuel gauge ⇒ page 57
Multi-function display
Engine coolant temperature gauge  ⇒page 57
Rev counter ⇒ page 58
Time adjustment button / tr ip recorder reset button ⇒page 58
Speedometer
Fig. 33  Detailed view of dash panel instrument panel
A1A2A3A4A5A6
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Cockpit57
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Fuel gauge 
 and reserve indicator
Instrument panel: fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone  ⇒fig. 34  (arrow), the warning 
lamp will light and an acoustic signal will sound  reminding the driver to 
refuel . At this point there are still about 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following text appears in the instrument panel display
3)  PLEASE 
REFUEL *.
Engine coolant temperature display 
 
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
Needle in cold zone 
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads  ⇒fig. 35.
Needle in normal zone 
In normal driving conditions, the needle  should be in the middle section of 
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard, 
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern as long 
as the warning lamp does not light up  and no warning* text appears in the 
combi-instrument display.
Needle in warning zone 
The warning lamp*  ⇒page 72, fig. 47    will light up if the needle is in the 
warning zone. The following warning appears in the instrument panel 
3)Depending on the model version
Fig. 34  Instrument panel: 
fuel gauge
Fig. 35  Instrument panel: 
engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge
AAABAC
A2
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Cockpit
58
4)
display   . Stop the ca r and switch off the engine. Check the coolant le vel 
⇒ page 219  ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always bear in mind the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 212.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At 
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the 
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone on the dial  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    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 move the selector lever to D (or l ift your foot off the accelerator) before 
the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine 
noise.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    anti-clockwise to 
the stop to set the hour. If the kn ob is turned briefly anti-clock-
wise the clock will advance one hour further.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the limit stop to set the  minutes. If the knob is turned briefly clockwise the clock will 
advance one minute further.
4)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
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Cockpit59
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Digital display in the instrument panelDisplay (without warning or information texts)
The display in the instrument panel shows, amongst other 
things, the mileage and trip recorder as well as the selector 
lever position.
Digital clock display  ⇒page 58.
Distance display or service interval display  ⇒page 60.
Selector lever position display for the automatic gearbox*.
Display for the gears in Tiptronic mode (automatic gearbox)*. The 
selected gear appears in the display field with a light background 
⇒ fig. 37 .
Fig. 36  Detail of the 
instrument cluster: screen 
with different indicators
Fig. 37  Detail of the 
instrument cluster: screen 
with Tiptronic gear indi-
cator
A1A2A3A4
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