
Heating and air conditioning system
118
the numerical scale. In both limit positions the Climatronic operates at maximum
cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature is not controlled in this
case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the
leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out of the
vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
Recirculated air mode
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle
and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from
getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or
when standing in a traffic jam.
Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button - the warning light lights up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button or the button - the warning light in
the button goes out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
If the windscreen mists up, press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140 . After
the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
Automatic air distribution control
When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air
quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn
in air.
If a considerable increase in concentr ation of pollutants is recognized by
the air quality sensor, the air distribution control will temporarily be
switched off. If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal
level, the air distribution control is au tomatically switched off so that fresh
air can be guided into the vehicle interior.
Switch on automatic air distribution control
– Press the button repeatedly * until the warning light on the right side of the button lights up.
Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily
– If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatically when there
is a nauseating smell, you can switch it on yourself by pressing the
button *. The warning light lights up in the button on the left side.
Switch on automatic air distribution control again
– Hold the button pressed * for more than 2 seconds and on the right side of the button the warning light lights up.
Switch off automatic air distribution control
– Press again the button * until the warning lights in the button go out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
AUTO
A1AUTO
20A5Facelift.book Page 118 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Heating and air conditioning system119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
dent increases. Switch recirculated
air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
•If the windscreen mists up, press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140.
After the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
•The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2°C.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the bl ower stages automatically in line
with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower
stages manually to suit your particular needs.
– P re s s a g a i n t h e b u t t o n o n t h e l e f t s i d e ( re d u c e b l o w e r s p e e d ) o r o n the right side (increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, the Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button when the respective
number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce
attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
Defrosting windscreen
Defrosting windscreen - switching on
–Press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button or the button .
The temperature control is controlled auto matically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*
Description and important information
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the
engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) func tions in connection with the Climatic or
Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engi ne is switched off for preheating of the
vehicle as well as while driving (only during the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) warms up the coolant during the combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower
speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
11)
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively decreased
(e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING (continued)
A1AUTO
11)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.
AUTO
20A5Facelift.book Page 119 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Heating and air conditioning system121
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Return to a higher level by selecting the menu point Back, i. e. in the
menu Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) .
– In the menu Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) select the menu point
Running time and set the desired operating period in steps of
1 minute. The operating period can be 5 to 60 minutes.
– By selecting the menu point Back, you will reach in the menu
Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) .
– In the menu Aux. heating (auxiliary heating) select the menu point
Mode .
– In the menu Mode select the desired mode Heating or Ventilation .
Programming
For the programming of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) in
the menu Aux. heating (Aux. heating) there are three pre-set times:
•Pre-set time 1
•Pre-set time 2
•Pre-set time 3
In each pre-set time, the day (if necessary each day = daily) and the time (hour and
minute) can be set for the operating period of the auxiliary heating and/or ventila-
tion.
If you leave the pre-set menu by selecting the menu Back or do not operate the
display for longer than 10°seconds, the set values are stored, but the pre-set time is
not active.
Both other pre-set times can be prog rammed and stored in the same way.
If you select the menu Activate after setting the desired values, appears on the
display Pre-set time (weekday, hours, minute) activated! and the set pre-set
time is active.
Only one programmed pre-set time can be active.
The last programmed pre-set time remains active. Changing the active pre-set time is carried out after selecting the menu point
Activate
in the menu Aux. heating (auxiliary heating) by selecting a pre-set time.
The prerequisite for the correct switching on of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) according to th e programmed pre-set time is the correct
setting of the current time and the weekday ⇒ page 120.
If the system is running, a warning light in the button for direct switching on/off of
the auxiliary heating lights up.
The running system deactivates after expiration of the operating period or is deac-
tivated earlier by pres sing the button for direct switching on/off of the auxiliary
heating ⇒page 123.
The random pre-set time can be deactivated by selecting the menu point Deactive
in the menu Activate.
After selecting the menu point Fa c t o r y s e t t i n g in the menu Aux. heating
(auxiliary heating) , it is possible to change to the factory setting.
Radio remote control
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be
switched on or off with the remote control.
– For switching on, press the button .
– For switching off, press the button .
Fig. 142 Auxiliary heating:
Radio remote control
ON
OFF
20A5Facelift.book Page 121 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Heating and air conditioning system
122
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control.
The receiver is located in the interior of the car.
If the battery is properly charged, the ef fective range is up to 600 m. For switching
on or off the auxiliary heating, hold the remote control vertically with the antenna
⇒ page 121, fig. 142 towards the top. You must not cover over the antenna with
the fingers or the palm of the hand. Obstacles between the remote control and the
vehicle, bad weather conditio ns and a weaker battery can clearly reduce the range.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on or off with the remote control, if the
distance between the remote control and the vehicle is at least 2 m.
Warning light in the remote control
The warning light in the remote control ⇒page 121, fig. 142 indicates after a
keystroke if the remote control signal was received by the auxiliary heating and if
the battery is adequately charged.Caution
There are electronic components in the remote control, protect the remote control
against water, severe shoc ks and direct sun rays.
Changing the battery of the radio remote control
If the warning light of the remote control indicates a weak or discharged
battery, ⇒page 121, fig. 142 , it must be replaced. The battery is located
under a cover on the back of the remote control.
– Place a coin into the gap of the battry cover and by turning to the left, unlock the cover.
– Change the battery, insert the cover and lock it by turning to the right.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accord ance with environmental regulations.
Note
•Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
•The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original
battery.
Display warning lightImportance
Lights up green for 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating was switched on.
Lights up red for 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating was switched off.
Slowly flashes green for 2 seconds.The ignition signal was not received.
Quickly flashes green for 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating is blocked, e. g
because the tank is nearly empty or
there is a fault in the auxiliary heating.
Flashes red for 2 seconds.The switch off signal was not received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
flashes green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was not
received.
Flashes orange for 5 seconds.The battery is discharged, however the
switching on or off signal was not
received.
AA
20A5Facelift.book Page 122 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Starting-off and Driving125
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle batter y will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft
of your vehicle ⇒.
Position Move the steering wheel back and forward
a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical compon ents with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one
releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in th e ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is ru nning and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P .
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (igni-
tion switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by
the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the selector lever posi-
tion P). The steering lock can enga ge immediately - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise star t the engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Fig. 146 Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
20A5Facelift.book Page 125 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Starting-off and Driving
128
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
•One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
•Depress the clutch pedal fully when chan ging gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully. Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time press in the
locking button ⇒fig. 148 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒ .
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have
inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Handbrake on
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake
which is only partially released can re sult in the rear brakes overheating
which will have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk
of accident! In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake
pads.
•Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever
into position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 148 Centre console:
Handbrake
20A5Facelift.book Page 128 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Starting-off and Driving
130
Front and rear parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles in front and behind
the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the front or rear bumper
and an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the
front and rear bumper. The signal tones for the front parking aid sound higher as
standard than for the rear parking aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted
in the menu of the information display* ⇒page 30.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 120°cm from the obstacle in
front of the vehicle (area ⇒fig. 151 ) and about 160 cm from the obstacle behind the vehicle (area ). The interv
al between the warning signals becomes
shorter as the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a clearanc e of just 30 cm (Bereich ) - danger
area. From this moment on do not continue driving! If the vehicle is equipped
with a factory-fitted towing device*, the bo rder of the danger area starts - contin-
uous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be extended through
an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a fa ctory-fitted radio* or navigation*, the distance to the
obstruction is shown graphically on the di splay. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is
also informed of the radio* or the navigation* by a graphic display (vehicle towing
a trailer) on the display. The radio* or navi gation*, which is factory-fitted, can be set
so that the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see
Owner's Manual radio* or navigation*. Th is improves the audibility of the parking
aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
turned on or by pressing the button ⇒fig. 150 - the symbol lights up in the
button. The activation is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button° ⇒fig. 150 or at a speed
of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
in the button is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute fo r the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the
vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin po st, trailer drawbar etc., in front or
behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range
detected by the sensors.
•Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
Fig. 150 Activating the
parking aid
Fig. 151 Parking aid: Detec-
tion range of the front
sensors
AA
AA
AB
20A5Facelift.book Page 130 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Automatic gearbox137
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position
S, because the
maximum speed is reached with the 5th gear
12).
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selector
lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary
to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever
(except P and N) since the power transmission is never completely inter-
rupted, also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle "creeps".
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by
hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is engaged when the
car is stationary. The vehicle would ot herwise immediately start off - also
when the handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!
•You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the
handbrake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts
working on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and N.
You must first of all depress the brake peda l in order to move the selector lever out
of this position. The warning light
⇒ page 38 lights up in the instrument cluster
as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in position P and N:
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one to seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector
lever lock will click into place if the lever
is in the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if th e vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N when
the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
you press the Shiftlock button.
Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is blocked in
position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.
Depressing the accelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated in
the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum accelera tion of the vehicle when exploiting
the maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the
current selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one
or several gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The
gearbox does not shift up into the highes t gear until the engine has reached its
maximum revolutions for this gear range.
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown f unction can result in the driven wheels
spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk of skidding!
12)Not valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox DSG.
20A5Facelift.book Page 137 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM