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 Driving
116
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 23.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 120 cm from the obstacle in
front of the vehicle (area ⇒fig. 126 ) and about 160 cm from the obstacle behind the vehicle (area
⇒page 115, 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-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area
starts - continuous tone - 5cm 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. 125 - 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. 125 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. 125 Activating the
parking aid
Fig. 126 Parking aid: Detec-
tion range of the front
sensors
AA
AA
AB
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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 Driving
120
Park Assist cancelled!
The parking procedure has ended or after switching on the ignition, the vehicle has
not been driven above 10 km/h.
Park Assist: Speed too high!
Reduce the speed below 30 km/h.
Driver steering intervention! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure is ended through driver intervention.
Park Assist cancelled! ESP switched off!
The parking procedure cannot be carried out because the ESP system is switched
off.
ESP switched off! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because the ESP system was switched off during
the parking procedure.
Park Assist cancelled! Trailer
The parking procedure is not possible beca use the trailer is hitched and a plug is
inserted in the socket of the towing device.
Park Assist cancelled! Time limit exceeded
The parking procedure was not started because a time limit of 180 seconds for
engaging the reverse gear was exceeded.
Time limit exceeded! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because a time limit of 180 seconds for parking
was exceeded.
Park Assist cancelled! System error
The parking procedure is not possible because a fault exists on the vehicle. Have the
fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
Park Assist defective! Service now!
The parking procedure is not possible because a fault exists on the park assist. Have
the fault rectified by a specialist workshop. Steering intervention! Check area around veh.!
The park assist is active and takes over the steering movements. Observe the
surroundings and carefully drive backward
s, at the same time operate the pedal.
Please take over steering! Finish parking manually
Take over the steering. End the parking procedure without using the park assist.
Speed too high! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended while the speed was exceeded.
Park Assist: ESP Intervention!
Intervention of the ESP system while searching for a suitable parking place.
ESP intervention! Please take over steering!
Parking procedure is ended through the intervention of the ESP system.
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20
mph), once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal.
This is only possible within the range wh ich is permitted by the power output and
braking power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particu-
larly on long journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
•The cruise control system must not, for safety reasons, be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads or
loose chippings) - risk of accident!
•In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.
NKO B6 20.book Page 120 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM
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
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Automatic gearbox DSG*125
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
D
, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on
a stationary vehicle.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the le ver is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N into the position
R , with the ignition switched on, on a vehicl e travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on
a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and
down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wise to move into position D from N when
the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/hour or is stationary ⇒.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing
a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme for a short time
in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power
potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D.
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 othe r person opens the bonnet and starts
working on the engine when it is runn ing - risk of accident! Pay particular
attention to the warning instructions.
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 pedal in order to move the selector lever out
of this position. The warning light
⇒ page 26 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 sele ctor 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.
WARNING (continued)
NKO B6 20.book Page 125 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM