
Seat belts27
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Press the upper part of the shoulder belt guide and hold it in this 
position  ⇒page 26, fig. 17 .
– Move the shoulder belt guide up or down until you have adjusted  the seat belt  ⇒page 24.
– 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 prot ection only if the belt web is 
properly worn. The seat belts must be fastened exactly in the order 
described in this chapter. An in correct 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 22.
Belt tension devicesFunction of the belt tension device
During a frontal collision, the seat belts on the front seats are 
retracted automatically.The seat belts for the front occupants are equipped with belt tension devices. 
Sensors will only trigger the belt tension devices during severe head-on, 
lateral and rear collisions, and only if th e seat belt is actually being worn. This 
retracts and tightens the seat belts, reducing the forward motion of the occu-
pants.
The belt tension device can 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 it is not an indication of 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 
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Airbag system
30•
Always properly adjust the front seats.
The danger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger seat
Rear-facing child seats must never be used on the front 
passenger seat when the front passenger airbag is enabled.An enabled front airbag on the front passenger side is potentially a major 
danger to a child. The front passenger seat is life threatening to a child if 
he/she is transported in a rear-facing child seat. You should always transport 
all children up to 12 years of age on the rear seat.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating 
airbag can strike it with such great force that critical or fatal injuries may 
result.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to transport children on the rear seats. 
That is the safest place for children in the vehicle. Alternatively, the front 
passenger airbag can be disabled with a key-operated switch  ⇒page 43. 
When transporting children, use a child seat appropriate to the age and size 
of each child ⇒ page 45.
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to turn the airbag off, 
an Authorised Service Centre must be consulted.
WARNING
•
If a child seat is secured to the fron t passenger seat, the risk to the child 
of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident increases.
•
Never secure a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat if the 
front passenger airbag is enabled. The child can suffer critical or fatal inju-
ries when the front passenger airbag is triggered.
•
An inflating front passenger airbag can strike the rear-facing child seat 
and hurl it with great force against the door, the roof or the backrest.
•
If, under special circumstances, it is necessary to transport a child in a 
rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, it is absolutely essential 
that you observe the following safety measures:
−Disable the front passenger airbag  ⇒page 43, “Deactivating 
airbags*”.
− The child seat must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for 
use on a front passenger seat with front or side airbag.
− Follow the installation instructions  given by the child seat manufac-
turer and observe the safety instructions  ⇒page 45, “Child safety”.
− Before properly installing the child seat, push the front passenger 
seat completely backwards so that the greatest possible distance to 
the front passenger airbag is ensured.
− Ensure that no objects prevent the front passenger seat from being 
pushed completely back.
− The backrest of the front passenger seat must be in an upright 
position.
Warning lamp for airbag and belt tension device system 
This warning lamp monitors the airbag and belt tension 
device system.The warning lamp monitors all airbag s and belt tension devices in the 
vehicle, including control units and wiring connections.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system31
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Monitoring of airbag and belt tension device system
Both the airbag and belt tension device systems operation is constantly 
monitored electronically. Each time the 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 light up when the ignition is switched on,
•
after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,
•
it turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,
•
lights up or flashes while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In 
addition, depending on the malfunction, 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 verification and will turn off 
if there is no fault.
WARNING
•
If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tension device system 
cannot properly perform its protective function.
•
If a malfunction occured, have the system checked immediately by a 
qualified workshop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag 
system and belt tension devices may not be triggered, or may not be trig-
gered correctly.
Repairs, maintenance 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 fit 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 or a 
water-moistened cloth. Never clean th e dash panel and the airbag module 
surface with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to 
become porous. If the airbag triggered, disintegrating plastic parts could 
cause substantial injuries.
•
Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag 
system.
•
Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag 
components for other repairs (such as  repairs to the steering wheel) should 
be performed only by a qualified wo rkshop. Qualified workshops have the 
necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
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Airbag system41
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
there is a frontal collision,
•
there is a rear-end collision,
•
if the vehicle rolls,
•
during a minor side collision.
WARNING
If a fault has occured in the airbag system, have the system checked imme-
diately by a qualified workshop. Otherw ise there is a danger that during a 
collision, the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.Function of curtain airbags
Fu ll y  i n fl a ted  a i rb ag s  redu ce  t h e r i s k  o f h ea d  o r  ch est  i n ju r y  i n  
a side collision.
During some  side collisions  the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact side 
of the vehicle  ⇒fig. 25.
In certain types of accident the front, side and curtain airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas. In the 
process, the curtain bag covers the side windows and door pillars.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags 
have to deploy extremely rapidly (withi n thousandth of a second). A fine dust 
may develop when the airbag deploys. This  is normal and it is not an indica-
tion of fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the front occupants and 
help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and 
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag.Safety notes on the operation of the curtain airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce the 
risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
•
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.
•
For safety reasons, the head air bag must be disconnected in those 
vehicles fitted with a passenger compartment separation screen. See an 
Authorised Service Centre to make this adjustment.
Fig. 25  Deployed curtain 
airbags
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Child safety
46“Deactivating airbags*”. If the passe nger seat has a height adjustment 
option, move it to the highest position.•
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to turn the 
airbag off, an Authorised Service Centre must be consulted.
•
All passengers, especially children, must assume the proper sitting 
position and be properly belted in while travelling.
•
Never hold children or babies on your lap, this can result in potentially 
fatal injuries to the child!
•
Never allow a child to be transported in a vehicle without being properly 
secured, or to stand up or kneel on a  seat while travelling. In an accident, 
the child could be flung through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal injuries 
to themselves and to the other passengers.
•
If children assume an improper sitting position when the car is moving, 
they expose themselves to greater risk of injury in the event of sudden 
braking manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly important if the 
child is travelling on the front passeng er seat and the airbag system is trig-
gered in an accident; as this could cause serious injury or even death.
•
A suitable child seat can protect your child!
•
Never leave an unsupervised child alone on a child seat or in the 
vehicle.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it  may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
•
Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall must not wear a normal seat 
belt without a child restraint system, as this could cause injuries to the 
abdominal and neck areas during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an 
accident.
•
Do not allow the belt webbing to become twisted or jammed, or to rub 
on any sharp edges.
•
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause injuries even in a minor collision 
or in sudden braking manoeuvres.
•
The seat belt provides maximum prot ection only when the belt web is 
properly positioned ⇒ page 23, “Seat belts”.
•
Only one child may occupy a child seat  ⇒page 47.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Child safety
50Securing child seat with the “ISOFIX” system
The child seat with “ISOFIX” system can be secured quickly, 
easily and safely on the rear outer seats using the systemWhen removing or fitting the child seat, please be sure to follow the 
manufacturer's instructions.
– Move the seat as far to rear as it will go.
– Press the child seat onto the “ISOFIX” retaining rings until the 
child seat can be heard to engage securely. If the child seat is 
equipped with anchor points, secu re it to the correspondent ring. 
If the child seat is fitted with any other antirotation system, follow 
the manufacturer instructions carefully.
– Pull on both sides of the child se at to ensure that it is secure.
Two “ISOFIX” retaining rings are fitted on each rear seat. In some vehicles, the 
rings are secured to the seat frame and, in others, they are secured to the rear 
floor. The access to “ISOFIX” rings is between the rear back rest and the seat.
Child seats with “ISOFIX” mountings are available in your Authorised Service 
Centres.
WARNING
•
The retaining rings are designed only for use with “ISOFIX” child seats.
•
Never secure child seats without the “ISOFIX” system, retaining belts 
or objects to the fastening rings – this c an result in potentially fatal injuries 
to the child.
•
Ensure that the child seat is  secured correctly to the “ISOFIX” 
anchors.
Fig. 31  ISOFIX securing 
rings
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Cockpit57
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
display 
4). 
Stop the car and switch off the engine.  Check the coolant level 
⇒ page 220  ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety warn-
ings  ⇒page 213.
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  ⇒page 55, fig. 33    indicates the maximum 
engine speed operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to 
change up a into a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift 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 into higher gears early will  help you to save fuel and minimise 
engine noise.SpeedometerThe speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip counter, in 
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period,  the instructions shown on ⇒page 190 should 
be followed.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 55, fig. 33    clockwise until the 
first “click” to set the hour. The hour will flash. To change the 
hour, press the button.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to  the second “click” to set the 
minutes. The minutes will flash. To change the minutes, press the 
button.
4)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
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Cockpit
58Digital 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 57. On the right of the display: Selector 
lever position display for the automatic gearbox*. The current position of 
the selector lever or the gear which  is engaged (for Tiptronic)* is high-
lighted.
Ambient temperature
Distance display or flexible service interval display.*
Displayed categories*
The display in the instrument panel shows the mileage and 
trip recorder as well as the selector lever position.
Clock: “Setting the time”. On  the right of the display: Select or lever posi-
tion display for the automatic gearbox*. The actual position of the 
selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for Tiptronic) are high-
lighted.
There are optional and automatic displays in this field.
– Optional indicators:  e.g. those on the multi-function display (MFD)
– Automatic indicators:  Information texts and warnings.
– Menus providing further information and which can be used to make  diverse settings are also show n: “Instrument panel menus”
Ambient temperature:
Distance display or flexible service interval display.
Fig. 36  Detail of the 
instrument cluster: screen 
with different indicators
A1A2A3
Fig. 37  Digital display in 
the instrument panel
A1A2A3A4
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