Lights and Visibility53
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch into position
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Switch on the ignition.
– Turn the light switch into position
.
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam ⇒page 60, fig. 47 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)
– Turn the light switch into position.
When the parking lights are switched on, the symbol next to the light switch is
illuminated. Low beam comes on only if the ignition is
switched on. After switching off the igni-
tion, the low beam is switched off automati cally and only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in ⇒fig. 41 . The symbols which mark the switch positions are
identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not
bright enough to light up the road suffic iently in front of you or to be seen by
other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it
is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you wi thdraw the ignition key and open the
driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the
driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights
on.
•If the car is parked for a lengthy period , we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•If a fault occurs in the light switch , the low beam comes on automatically
•In the event of cool or humid weather co nditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on , the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
Fig. 41 Dash panel: Light
switch
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Lights and Visibility55
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
If the vehicle speed is below 65 km/h for at least 2 minutes, the lights are switched
off.
Rain lights
If you move the windshield
wiper lever in the position slow wipe for more than 5
seconds, the side lights and low beam ar e automatically switched on. The light is
switched off when the windsh ield wiper lever is no longer than 4 minutes in the
position for slow or intermittent wipe.
If you switch on the windscreen wipe in the operation rain sensor* for longer than
10 seconds or in the operation permanent wipe (position 2 or 3) ⇒page 65
switching on for longer than 15 seconds, th e side lights and low beam are switched
on automatically. The light switches off if the windscreen wipe is in operation rain
sensor* for more than 4 minutes or is no t switched on in the operation permanent
wipe.
WARNING
The automatic light control only operates as a support. The driver is not
released from his responsibility to inspect the light and if necessary to switch
on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor cannot
detect for example rain or snow. For these conditions we recommend to
switch on the low beam
!
Note
•Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair its
function or put it out of operation.
•The same principles as fo r using the automatic light control also apply to the
light which is switched on manually ⇒page 53.
Coming Home Function
The function makes it possible to switch on the lights in the darkness for
a short time after leaving the vehicle. Switching on Coming Home Function
– The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control
and the low beam illuminates.
– Switch off the ignition.
– After opening the driver's door , the function Coming Home is
switched on.
– Close all the doors and the boot lid and lock the vehicle. After a short time, switch all lights off.
Depending on equipment fitted the function Coming Home switches on the
following lights:
•Parking lights,
•Low beam,
•Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors,
•Licence plate light.
Coming Home Function
The lights go out 10 seconds after cl osing all the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, th e lights go out 60 seconds after switching
off the ignition.
On vehicles fitted with automatic driving la mp control you can also switch the light
switch in the position
. The function Coming Home is controlled with the light
sensor in the mount of the interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the
set value of the light sensor, the Coming Home Function is not switched on after
switching off the ignition.
Note
•If the Coming Home Functi on is switched on constantly, the battery will be
heavily discharged particularly in short-haul traffic.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
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Lights and Visibility57
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Mode city
In the mode “city”, the dispersion of the cone
of light in front of the vehicle is wider
and the width of illumination is shorter. It has as an aim to illuminate the adjacent
footpaths, crossings, pedestrian crossings etc. The mode is active at speeds of 15 -
50 km/h.
Mode motorway
In the mode “motorway” the dispersion of the cone of light is so widespread, that it
illuminates also the left (and right)
6) lane of the motorway, so that the driver can
react in time to an obstacle or any other danger. The mode is activated stepwise as
of a speed of 90 km/h. It gains its greatest effectiveness at speeds above 120 km/h.
Tourist light
When driving in countries with opposing traffic system, driving on the left/right, it is
possible to switch on the mode “tourist light” electronically. This mode makes it
possible to drive in the particular count ry without dazzling the oncoming vehicles.
When the mode “tourist light” is active, the above mentioned modes and the side
to side swivel of the headlight is deactivated.
The mode “tourist light” is activated in the information display* in the menu
⇒ page 19:
„SETUP (Settings)
„Automatic light (Automat. Lights)
Note
•The functions of the side to side swivel of the headlight* (activation at a speed
of 10 km/h), fog lights with the function “corner” ⇒page 57 and the function
dynamic headlight beam range* add to the System AHL*.
•The System AHL* is solely delivered with Bi-Xenon gas discharge bulbs for low
beam and main beam lights.
Fog lights
Switching on the fog lights
– First of all turn the light switch into position
or ⇒ fig. 43 .
– Pull the light switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light ⇒ page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Fog lights with the function “Corner”*
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are designed for a better
illumination of all areas near the vehicle when corning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are regulated according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light 7) in the following circumstances:
•the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
•the daylight driving lights are not switched on;
6)It is valid for vehicles which are designed for driving on the left.
7)If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the
left and the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
Fig. 43 Dash panel: Light
switch
A1
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Lights and Visibility
58
•the low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position and the
intensity of the ambient light causes the low beam to be switched on;
•the fog lights are not switched on;
•no reverse gear is engaged.
Note
If you engage the reverse gear during the active function “Corner”, both fog lights
illuminate.
Rear fog light
Switching on the rear fog light
– First of all turn the light switch into position
or ⇒ page 57,
fig. 43 .
– Pull the switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light ⇒ page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer ligh ts up automatically when you are towing a
trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your
vehicle.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Instrument lighting
– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 44 to the desired intensity of the instru-
ment lighting
8).
A2
8)For the information display* ⇒page 19 the intensity of the lighting is automatically set. The
setting using the control dial ⇒fig. 44 is only possible when driving in the dark.
Fig. 44 Dash panel: Instru-
ment lighting
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Lights and Visibility59
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Headlamp range adjustment*
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 45 until you have adjusted the low beam
so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximat ely to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, lugg age compartment empty.
All seats occupied, lugg age compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling oncoming
traffic.
Note
The Bi-Xenon bulbs* adapt automatically to the load and driving state of the vehicle
(e.g. speed, accelerating, braking) when the ignition is switched on and when driving. Vehicles which are not equipped
with Bi-Xenon bulbs* do not have a
manual headlight rang e adjustment control.
Switch for hazard warning lights
–Press switch ⇒ fig. 46 to switch the hazard warning light system on
or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn signals and the
indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You can also switch on the
hazard warning light system if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is
deployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard warning light
system.
Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
•you encounter traffic congestion,
•your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.
Fig. 45 Dash panel: Lights
and Visibility
A-
A1
A2
A3
Fig. 46 Dash panel: Switch
for hazard warning lights
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Lights and Visibility
60
The turn signal and main beam lever
The parking lights and headlight flasher are also switched on and off
using the turn signal and main beam lever.
The turn signal and main beam lever perform the following functions:
Right
and left turn signal light
– Push the lever upwards or downwards ⇒fig. 47 .
– If you only wish to flash three times* (the so-called convenience turn signal), push the lever briefly up to the upper or lower pressure point
and release it. This function can be activated/deactivated in the infor-
mation display* ⇒page 23.
– Turn signal for changing lanes - in or der to only flash briefly, move the
lever up or down to the pressure point and hold it in this position.
Main beam
– Switch on the low beam.
– Push the lever forwards.
– Pull the lever back into the initial position in order to switch the main beam off again. Headlight flasher
– Pull on the lever of the steering wheel (sprung position) - the main
beam and warning light in the instrument cluster come on.
Parking light
– Switch off the ignition.
– Push the lever up or down - the ri ght-hand or left-hand parking light
is switched on.
Information concerning the function of the lights.
•The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator light or in the instrument cluster also flashes.
•The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
•The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a bulb of the turn signal light
fails.
•The side light and rear light on the appr opriate side of the vehicle are switched
on when the parking light is selected. The parking light only operates if the ignition
is switched off.
Caution
Use main beam or the headlight flasher only if this does not risk dazzling other road
users.
Note
•If you have switched on the right or left turn signal light and you switch off the
ignition, the parking light is not automatically switched on.
•Use only in accordance with the legal requirements the described lighting and
signal systems.
Fig. 47 Turn signal and main
beam lever
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Lights and Visibility
62
Front reading lights
Front reading lights
– You switch on or off the reading light on the right or left by pressing the
switch
⇒ fig. 50 or ⇒fig. 51 .
Interior lighting and rear reading lights
Interior lighting
– The rear interior lighting is operat ed together with the front interior
lighting ⇒page 61.
Reading lights
– You switch on or off the reading light on the right or left by pressing the switch
⇒ fig. 52 .
Door warning light
Fig. 50 Detail of the head-
liner: Front reading lights
Fig. 51 Detail of the head-
liner: Front reading lights
with integrated interior
monitor
Fig. 52 Detail of the head-
liner: Interior lighting and
rear reading lights
Fig. 53 Front door: Warning
light
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Lights and Visibility63
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The warning light is located in the door trim panel below
⇒page 62, fig. 53 .
The warning light goes on every time the door is opened. The light goes out about
10 minutes after opening the door in order to avoid discharging the battery of the
vehicle.
Luggage compartment light
The lighting comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. The luggage
compartment lighting will switch off agai n automatically if the boot lid remains
open for more than about 30 minutes.
Entry lighting*
The lighting is positioned on the bottom edge of the exterior mirror.
The light beam is directed towards the entry area of the front door.
The light comes on after the doors have been locked or on opening the boot lid. The
light goes out after switching on the ignition or up to 30 seconds after closing all the
doors, the bonnet and the boot lid.
If a door, the bonnet or the boot lid re mains open, the light goes out within 2
minutes if the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
If the entry light comes on, do not touch its cover - risk of burns!
Visibility
Rear window heater
– You can switch the rear window heater on or off by pressing the switch
⇒ fig. 54 - the indicator light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only oper ates when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 10 minutes.
For the sake of the environment
You should switch off the rear window heater as soon as the rear window is clear.
The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel economy
⇒ page 191, “Saving electricity”.
Note
•The position and the shape of the switch can differ depending on equipment
installed in the vehicle.
•If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater is switched off automat-
ically, in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control.
Fig. 54 Switch for rear
window heater
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