Starting-off and Driving113
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light
has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is
at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5°C. This
means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 241.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of
all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion into ⇒page 111, fig. 121 .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy peri od at high loads but should be allowed
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine
compartment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid
any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once re verse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
A1
Fig. 122 The shift pattern: 5-
speed or 6-speed manual
gearbox
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Starting-off and Driving
114
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 to the clutch and gearbox parts.
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. 123 .
– 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:
Release parking brake!
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. 123 Centre console:
Handbrake
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Starting-off and Driving115
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Rear parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones
of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu of the information display*
⇒ page 23. The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
⇒ fig. 124 ). The interval 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. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle
is equipped with a factory-fi tted towing device*, the border of the danger area
starts - continuous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be
extended through an installe d detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation*, the distance to the
obstruction is shown graphically on the disp lay. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the 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 decrea ses when activating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio* or navigation*. This
improves the audibility of the parking
aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the
vehicle or carrying ou t 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., 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
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the
parking aid.
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fi tted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the ignition on
and engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates
a system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
•If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer
move).
Fig. 124 Parking aid: Detec-
tion range of rear sensors
AA
AB
AP
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Starting-off and Driving117
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the
parking aid.
Note
•Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, th is indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol
flashes in the button ⇒page 116,
fig. 125 . Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
•If the parking aid is activated and the se lector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer
move).
Park Assist*
Description and important information
The park assist assists you when parkin g in a suitable parallel parking place
between two vehicles or behind a vehicle.
The park assist automatically searches fo r suitable parking spaces after switching
on the ignition and when driving up to 30 km/h.
During the parking procedure the park assist only takes over the steering move-
ments, the pedals continue to be operated by the driver.
Function of the system is based on:
•Length and depth measurement of the parking spaces when driving
•Evaluation of the size of the parking space
•Definition of the correct position of the vehicle for parking
•Calculating the line on which the vehi cle drives backwards into the parking
place
•Actuation of the steering force assistance , automatic spinning of the wheels of
the front axle when parking.
WARNING
The park assist does not take away th e responsability from the driver when
parking.
•Pay particular attention to small chil dren and animals as they would not
be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.
•Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the park assist or the parking aid. Thus,
these objects or people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the
sensors of the parking aid.
•The external sound source of the park assist and the parking aid can be
disruptively influenced and under unfavourable conditions, objects or
people cannot be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.
Caution
•If other vehicles are parked behind or on the kurb, th e park assist guides your
vehicle beyond the kurb or onto it. Make su re that the wheels or the wheel rims of
your vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.
•You should satisfy yourself before parking that there is no small obstacle, such
as a rock, thin post, 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 or structures of certain objects such as
wire mesh fences, powder snow etc..., cannot be recognised by the system.
•The evaluation of the parking place an d the parking procedure depends on the
circumference of the wheels. The system does not function correctly if your vehicle
is mounted with wheels of non-permissible size, snow chains or a temporary spare
wheel (in order to reach the nearest work shop). If the tyres other than those
excepted by the manufacturer are mounted, the resulting position of the vehicle in
WARNING (continued)
AP
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Starting-off and Driving121
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Note
•Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Al ways depress the clutch pedal if you
switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral. Otherwise the
engine can rev up unintentionally.
•The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which
it travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake.
•It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the se lector lever is in the position P, N or R.
Storing a speed
The cruise control system is operated by means of the switch and
rocker button in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch ⇒fig. 131 into the position ON.
– After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button into the SET position.
After you have released the rocker button out of the position SET, the speed you
have just stored is maintained at a cons tant speed without having to depress the
accelerator.
You can increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the acceler-
ator will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed.
This does not apply, however, if you drive at a speed which is more than 10 km/h
higher than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed
will be cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off tempo-
rarily by actuating the brake or clutch pedal ⇒page 122.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.
Changing a stored speed
You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing the
accelerator.
Fa s t er
–You can increase the stored speed without depressing the acceler-
ator, by pressing the rocker button ⇒fig. 131 into the RES posi-
tion.
– The speed of the car will increase co ntinuously if you hold the rocker
button pressed in the RES position. Once the car has reached the
desired speed, release the rocker butto n. The set speed is then stored
in the memory.
Slower
–You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button
in the SET position.Fig. 131 Operating lever:
Rocker button and switch of
cruise control system
AA
AB
AA
AB
AB
AB
AB
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Starting-off and Driving
122
– Holding down the rocker button pressed in the SET position will cause
the speed of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the car has
reached the desired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is
then stored in the memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the car is travelling at a speed of
less than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is erased. It is
then necessary to again store the speed with the rocker button in
the position SET after an increase in speed of the vehicle to more than
30 km/hour.
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily
– You can switch off the cruise control system temporarily by
depressing the brake pedal or clutch pedal, on models with auto-
matic gearbox and only with brake pedal.
– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you press the switch in the middle position.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
The Resumption of the stored speed is achieved by releasing the brake or clutch
pedal, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox only after releasing the brake pedal
and after shortly pressing the rocker button ⇒page 121, fig. 131 into the posi-
tion RES.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.
Switching off the cruise control system completely
– Press the switch ⇒page 121, fig. 131 to the right into position
OFF .
AB
AA
AB
AA
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Automatic gearbox DSG*123
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Automatic gearbox DSG*
Automatic gearbox DSG*
Introduction
Your car is equipped with an automatic gearbox DSG. The abbreviation DSG means
Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gearbox).
Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the
engine and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional
automatic gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks
when shifting the gear and the power transm ission of the engine to the front wheels
is not interrupted.
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically.
You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode.
This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually
⇒ page 126.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever),
move the selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒ page 124,
and then release the Shiftlock button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒. Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stop-
ping just for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold
the vehicle stationary using the foot brake. The engine can, however,
be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector
lever to P and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N
⇒ page 112. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the
selector lever position P.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerato r pedal and wait for idling speed of the
engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING
•Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the
selector lever if the car is stationary an d the engine is running - risk of acci-
dent!
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
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Automatic gearbox DSG*
124
•If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car
stationary with the gear engaged by me ans of the “accelerator”, this means
by letting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is
a risk of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened auto-
matically and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
•If you must stop at a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal, so that you
can prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
Caution
•The double clutch on the automatic gear box DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If you make use of the uphill func tion on a vehicle which is stationary or
driving slowly uphill, it will result in an increase of thermal stress of the clutches.
•An overheating of the clutches can be de tected by the flashing of the selector
level indicator and the “jerk” of the clut ches, finally the clutches are opened. The
power transmission from the engine to the front wheels is interrupted and as a
result of this the vehicle can no longer be driven. If the clutch opens automatically,
depress the brake pedal, wait a few se conds and only then continue driving.
Selector lever positions
The current selector lever position is indicated in the information display of the
instrument cluster ⇒fig. 133 .
P - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engage d when the vehicle is stationary ⇒.
I f y o u w i s h t o m o v e t h e s e l e c t o r l e v e r i n to or out of this position, you must press the
Shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and at the same time depress the
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector leve r cannot be moved out of the position P.
R - Reverse
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling ⇒ .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the reverse
lights will come on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N into the position
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 132 Selector lever
Fig. 133 Information
display: Selector lever posi-
tions
NKO B6 20.book Page 124 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM