
Seat belts
28
– Press the upper part of the shoulder belt guide and hold it in this position  ⇒page 27, fig. 17.
– Move the shoulder belt guide up or down until you have adjusted  the seat belt  ⇒page 25.
– After adjusting, pull the shoulder belt sharply to check that the  catch on the shoulder belt guide is engaged securely.Incorrectly fastened seat belts
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause severe injuries.Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is 
properly worn. The seat belts must be fastened exactly in the order 
described in this chapter. An incorrect sitting position impairs 
substantially the protection a seat belt offers and can lead to severe 
or fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially 
increased when a deploying airbag strikes an occupant who has 
assumed an incorrect sitting position . As driver, you are responsible 
for all vehicle occupants, especially children. Therefore:
– Never permit anyone to assume an incorrect sitting position in  the vehicle while travelling  ⇒.
WARNING
•
An incorrectly worn seat belt incr eases the risk of severe injuries.
•
Before every trip, instruct your passengers to adjust their seat belts 
properly and to wear them during the trip.
•
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use 
of seat belts ⇒ page 23.
Belt tension devicesFunction of the belt tension device
During a frontal collision, the se at belts on the front seats are 
retracted automatically.The seat belts for the front occupants are equipped with belt tension devices. 
Sensors will trigger the belt tension devices during severe head-on, lateral 
and rear collisions only if the seat  belt is being worn. This retracts and 
tightens the seat belts, reducing the forward motion of the occupants.
The belt tension device ca n be triggered only once.
The belt tension devices will not be triggered in the event of a light frontal, 
side or rear collision, if the vehicle overturns, or in situations where no large 
forces act on the front, side or rear of the vehicle.
Note
•
If the belt tension devices are triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is 
normal and is no indication that there was a fire in the vehicle.
•
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the system are scrapped. A qualified workshop is familiar with 
these regulations and will be pleased to pass on the information to you.
Service and disposal of belt tension devicesThe belt tension devices are components of the seat belts that are installed 
in the seats of your vehicle. If you work on the belt tension devices or remove 
and install parts of the system when performing other repair work, the seat 
belt may be damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an acci-
dent, the belt tension  devices function incorrectly or not at all.
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Airbag system
38hold the passengers in the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position 
where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but is an integral part of 
the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts. For this reason, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all 
times - not only because this  is required by law in most countries, but also for 
your safety  ⇒page 19, “Introduction”.
The side airbag system will not be triggered•
if the ignition is switched off,
•
during a minor side collision,
•
during a frontal collision,
•
during a rear-end collision,
•
or if the vehicle rolls.
The main parts of the airbag system are
•
an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),
•
The front side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the rear side 
airbags in the lining of the rear wheel housing.
•
a warning lamp 
 in the dash panel insert  ⇒page 31.
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The airbag 
warning lamp will light up for approx.  4 seconds every time the ignition is 
switched on (self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•
In a side-on collision, the side airb ags will not work, if the sensors do 
not correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors, 
due to air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door 
panel.
•
Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
•
Never drive if the interior door panels have been removed or if the 
panels have not been correctly fitted.
•
Never drive the vehicle if the loudspeakers in the door panels have 
been removed, unless the holes left by the loudspeakers have been 
correctly closed.
•
Always check that the openings are closed or covered if loudspeakers 
or other equipment are fitted in the interior door panels.
•
Any work carried out to the doors sh ould be made in a qualified author-
ised workshop.
•
The seat belts and airbags can only  provide maximum protection if the 
occupants are seated correctly  ⇒page 10, “Proper sitting position for 
occupants”.
•
If a fault should occur in the airbag system, have the system checked 
immediately by a qualified workshop.  Otherwise there is a danger that 
during a side collision, the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger 
correctly.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
40Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce the 
risk of injury in side impact collisions.
WARNING
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if  you lean forward, or are not seated 
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at greater risk of injury 
should the side airbag system be triggered in an accident.
•
In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the 
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts 
fastened while travelling.
•
Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in the 
deployment space between them and th e airbags, or allow children or 
other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to attach 
any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would impair the 
protection offered by the side airbags.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do 
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
•
Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon the 
backrest bolster because the system may  be damaged. In this case the side 
airbags would not be triggered.
•
Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over the 
driver seat or front passenger seat unless the covers have been expressly 
approved for use in your vehicle. Because the airbag deploys from the side 
of the backrest, the use of non-approved seat covers would obstruct the 
side airbag seriously reducing the airbag's effectiveness  ⇒page 207, 
“Accessories, parts replacement and modifications”.
•
Any damage to the original seat upho lstery or around the seams of the 
side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
•
The airbags provide protection for one  accident only, if they have been 
deployed they must be replaced.
•
When children assume an incorrect si tting position, they expose them-
selves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This is 
particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat 
and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have critical 
consequences including serious injury or death  ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.
•
Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the 
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat) 
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, a fault may 
be introduced into the operation of the airbag system.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the 
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and 
head airbags neither the doors nor the  door panels should be modified in 
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged in any way, 
this may affect the correct working of the system. All work carried out on 
the front door must be made in a qualified workshop.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system43
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
There must be no other persons, animals or objects between the occu-
pants of the outer seats and the deployment space of the curtain airbags 
so that the curtain airbag can deploy  without restriction and provide the 
greatest possible protection. Therefore, sun blinds which have not been 
expressly approved for use in your vehicle may not be attached to the side 
windows ⇒ page 207, “Accessories, parts replacement and modifica-
tions”.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do 
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged obje cts in the pockets. When using the 
coat hooks, do not hang th e clothes on coat hangers.
•
The airbags provide protection for one accident only, if they have been 
deployed they must be replaced.
•
Any work on the curtain airbag system or removal and installation of 
the airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the roof lining) 
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, a fault may 
be introduced into the operation of the airbag system.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the 
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and 
head airbags neither the doors nor the  door panels should be modified in 
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged in any way, 
this may affect the correct working of the system. All work carried out on 
the front door must be made in a qualified workshop.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit
80Tyre pressure 
The tyre monitor
14) compares wheel revolutions  and with this information, 
the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a wheel 
changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights  . The wheel diameter changes 
when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with 
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
•
The wheel on one axle is changed. Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, 
the button 
⇒fig. 48 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on until an 
acoustic signal is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or 
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value 
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor 
system button is pressed the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator 
 lights
If the tyre pressure of one wheel is much  lower than the value set by the driver 
then the indicator lights  ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest 
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and 
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check 
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre 
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in 
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or 
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator 
 lights after turning the 
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
14)Depending on the model version
Fig. 48  Central console: 
tyre monitor system 
button
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Unlocking and locking93
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Unlocking and lockingCentral lockingDescription
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all 
the doors and the tailgate from one point.Central locking can be activated using any of the following options:•
the key, by inserting it into the driver's door cylinder and rotating manu-
ally,
•
the central locking button , (electronic control) in the passenger compart-
ment  ⇒page 97,
•
the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key 
⇒ page 100.
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle security:
- Locking system “Safe”
- Selective unlocking system*
- Auto-locking to prevent involuntary unlocking
- Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
- Emergency unlocking systemNote
For anti-theft security, only the driver's door is fitted with a lock cylinder.
Safety system “Safe”
This is an anti-theft device consisting of a double lock for the 
door locks and a deactivation func tion for the boot in order to 
make forced entry more difficult.Activation
The “safe” system is activated when the vehicle is locked using the key or the 
remote control.
To activate this system with the key,  rotate the key once in the door lock 
cylinder in the locking direction.
To activate the system using the remote control, press the lock button on the 
remote  once.
When this system is activated, it is  not possible to open the doors normally, 
from the outside or the inside. The boot/tailgate may not be opened. The 
central locking button does not work.
Voluntary deactivation
The “Safe” system can be deactivated voluntarily by the user.
This is done by locking two times in  quick succession (in under 2 seconds). 
This double locking can be executed using the key or the remote control.
Using the key, rotate the lock cylinder twice in the locking direction.
To activate the system using the remote control, press the lock button on the 
remote  twice.
When the “Safe” system is deactivated, the alarm volumetric sensor is also 
deactivated.
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Unlocking and locking103
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Note
•
If, after the alarm goes off, access is gained to a second secured zone 
(e.g. the tailgate is opened after a door has been opened), the warning signal 
is triggered again.
•
Vehicle monitoring remains  active even if the battery is disconnected or 
not working for any reason.
•
The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is discon-
nected while the alarm system is active.
Volumetric sensor*
Monitoring or control function  incorporated in the anti-theft 
alarm*, that detects unauthorized vehicle entry using ultra-
sound.The system consists of 3 sensors, 2 emitters and a receptor.
Activation
– It is automatically turned on with the anti-theft alarm, when the 
vehicle is locked mechanically with the key and when the button  on the remote control is used.
Deactivation
– Press the button   on the remote control twice. Only the volu- metric sensor is deactivated.  The alarm system remains acti-
vated.
WARNING
•
The “safe” security system remains deactivated if the volumetric 
sensor is deactivated.
•
For those vehicles in which a separate sunblind is fitted in the 
passenger compartment, the alarm will not function correctly due to inter-
ference with the sensor.Note
•
If the alarm has been triggered by the volumetric sensor, this will be indi-
cated by a flashing of the indicator on th e driver's door. This flashing will be 
different to that for an activated alarm.
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Lights and visibility
112•
If the coming home* feature is activated, the acoustic signal for the 
dipped beam headlights will not sound, it will sound if the position lights are 
activated.
•
The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You 
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
•
If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with 
a factory-fitted  towing bracket, the rear fog light on the car will automatically 
be switched off.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to  the relevant statutory 
requirements.
Automatic lighting*Activation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will light  up. Deactivation
– Turn the light switch to 0.
When the switch is in this position, 
as soon as visibility conditions are 
reduced, the lights are automaticall y activated. The indication “Auto”, 
changes to red.
Automatic lighting
If the automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped headlights are auto-
matically switched on by a light-sensitive sensor if you drive into a tunnel, for 
example.
The rain function switches on the headlights if the continuous wipe function 
is switched on for longer than 5 seconds. The dipped beam headlights are 
switched off if the continuous wipe or the intermittent wipe functions are 
switched off for longer than 255 seconds.
WARNING
•
If automatic headlight control is switched on, the headlights will not be 
switched on in fog or heavy rain. Therefore, the dipped beam must be 
switched on manually.Note
•
For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is 
removed from the ignition, the acoustic signal will only sound if the light 
control is in the position 
 or  if the vehicle is not fitted with the coming 
home function.
•
If the daylight driving automatic light function is switched on, the fog 
lights or rear fog light cannot be switched on in addition.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory 
requirements.
Fig. 74  Automatic 
lighting
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