
_________________________________________________ A_ u_t_ o_ m_ a_t _i _ c _ t _ra_ n_s_ m __ is_ s_ io_ n _ __._
Ap plies to vehicle s: with 6-speed auto m ati c transmi ssio n
Emergency release for selector lever
If the vehicle's power supply fails, the selector lever can
be released in an emergency.
Fig . 163 Remove the
as htray i nsert
Fig . 164 Eme rge ncy
r elease fo r se lecto r
l ever
The emergency release is located under the insert for the
ashtray.
- Slide open the cover for the ashtray .
- Grasp the ashtray insert~
page 161, fig. 163 by the
recesses on both sides and pull it upward and out.
- Now you can see a sma ll cover in th e as htray holder.
- Release and remove this cover from the ashtray holder.
Contro ls and eq uip
ment
Using a screwdriver or a similar tool, press down on the
screw in the m iddle of the ashtray holder, which is now
accessib le, and hold it down
~ fig. 164 .
Now press the interlock and move the selector lever to
the
N position.
The selector lever can only be moved from the P position if the igni
tion key is in the lock and the ignition is turned on. If the vehicle has
to be pushed or towed if the power supply fails (e.g. battery is
discharged), the selector lever must be moved to the N position
using the emergency locking device .•
multitronic ®
Applies to v ehicl es: wi th mul titroni c® Con tinuou sly Variab le Transm issi on (C VTl
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with a electronically controlled continu
ously variable transmission (multitronic®l. Inside the multitronic ®
system, the gear ratios are not shi fted in finite steps as in a conven
tional automatic transmission, but rather
contin uously. As a result,
engine power is applied smoothly and comfortably, and better fuel
economy is achieved.
The transmission selects the appropriate gear ratio (upshifts and
downshifts) automatically based on set driving programs
=> page 165, "Dynamic shift program (DSP)".
You can also manually select a shift program (tiptronic®)
=> page 166.
You should note, that the multitronic transmission differs from a
conventiona l Automatic Transmission . In the multitronic transmis
sion the engine power is transferred via a link -plate chain, rather
than by a conventional torque converter. The multitronic transmis
sion greatly reduces vehicle "creep" when at a standstill and the
transmission is in
D Sor R. •
Vehicle care I I Technical data

_______________________________________________ A_ u_t _o _ m_ a_ t _i_ c_ t_r _a _n _ s_ m __ is_s_ i _o _ n __ llll
Autom ati c selec to r l eve r lock
The se lector lever is locked in the P and N positions when the igni
tion is turned on . To move the lever from these positions the driver
must depress the brake pedal. As a reminder to the driver, the
follow ing warning appears in the instrument cluster disp lay when
the selector is in
P and N :
When stationary app ly footbrake while selecting gear
A time delay e lement preven ts the selector lever from locking when
it is moved through the
N position (going from R to Dl. The locking
e lement will lock the selector lever if the lever is left in N (Neutral)
for mor e than approximately 1 second, without the brake peda l
being pressed .
At sp eeds above about 3 mph (5 km/h) the Automatic Shift Lock is
automatically deactivated in the
N posi tion .
Interl ock button
The lock button on the selector lever prevents the lever from being
accid entally sh ift ed into certain pos it ions. Pressing th is button
deactivates the selector leve r lock . Dependi ng on the direction of
the shift, the se le ctor lev er locks a t different positions . Th e positions
are highligh ted in the illus trati on =>
page 164 , fig. 167 .
Igniti on k ey saf ety in te rlo ck
The key canno t be removed from the ignition un less the selector
lever is in th e
P park position . When th e ignition k ey is remov ed, the
selector lever wil l be l ocked in the
P posi tion .•
A pplies to veh ic les : wit h mu ltit ro nic® Cont inuous ly Va riab le Transm iss io n (CVT )
Kick-down
The kick- down feature allo ws the ve hic le to generate
maximum acceler ati on .
When you press the acce lerator pedal beyond the resistance point
t hat is reached at ful l th rottle, the transmission wi ll select a lower
gear ra tio bas ed on vehic le spe ed and engine RPM. The engine RPM
Controls and equip
ment
wi ll be control led to produce maximum vehic le acceleration as long
as yo u conti nue to press the acce lerato r pedal beyond this resis
tance point .
& WARNING
Be careful when us ing the ki ck-down feature on slippery roads .
Rapid acceleration may cau se the vehicle to skid . •
A pplies to veh icl es : wi th mu ltitro nic® C ontinuo usly V ari ab le Tra nsm iss ion (CVT)
Dynamic shift program (DSP)
The multitronic® tr ansmissi on is elect ro nic ally
controlled.
The transmission se lects the appropriate gear ratio (upshifts and
downsh ifts) automatical ly based on preset driving programs.
The transmission wil l selec t one of the
economy programs when
yo u drive at a steady speed o r a gra dually changing speeds without
heavy acceleration . T his gives bes t fuel efficiency , with early
upshifting and delayed downshif ting .
The transmission will au tomat ically select the
s porty shift programs
when you drive at higher speeds, or with heavy acce leration and
freque ntly changing speeds . Upshifts are delayed to make full use
of engine power. Downshifting takes place at higher engine speeds
t han in t he economy programs .
The se lection of the most suitable shift program is a continuous,
automatic process . The driver can also make the transmission
sw itch to a spor ty progra m by
quickly pressing down the gas peda l.
This caus es the transmission to shift down into a lower gear ratio
and makes qu ick acceleration possible (to pass another vehic le) You
do not need to press the gas peda l into the kickdown range . After
the trans missi on has upshifte d, the o riginal p rogram is selected
according to your driving style . _.,
I • •

-L~A~u~t~o~m~a~t ::,:i c~t::!r.!:a~n~ s~m!.!!:i s~ s ~ io~n :..._ ____________________________________________ _
An additional shift program allows the automat ic t ransmission to
select the p roper gear for uphill and downhill gradients.
This prevents the transmission from shifting up and down unneces sari ly on hills. The transmission will shift down to a lower gear ratio
when the driver presses the brake pedal on a downhill gradient . This
makes use of the braking effect of the engine without the need to
shift down manually.
If you are driving in hills and mountains, the transmission will
continuously adjust the gear ratio to the road grade. If you press the
brake pedal when driving downhi ll, the transmission will down shift
automatically . This increases the braking effect of the engine .
If the cru ise control is on when you are traveling downh ill, the trans
mission will automatically select a lower gear ratio in order to main
tain the set vehic le speed . This wil l cause the engine speed to
increase. •
Applies to v ehicles: wit h mult it ro n ic® Co ntin uous ly V ariab le Tra nsm iss io n (CVT )
tiptronic ® manual shift progr am
Using the manual shif t program ( tiptronic® J you can
manually shift between seven pre-programmed gear
r at io s ( tra nsmission p ositi ons).
Fig . 16 8 C enter
c onsole : shifting
m anu ally Fi
g. 169 Di sp la y:
m anu al shift progr am ,
se lec ted ge ar
Switching to manual shift program
Pus h th e se lecto r leve r to the r ight from D. As soon as the
transmission has sw itched over, t he selected gear
ap pears in t he display ~ fig . 169.
To upshift Push the se lector lever forward to t he p lus position
~ fig.168
0-
To downshift
- Pu sh t he lever t o the minus posi tion
Q .
When accelerati ng, the transm ission wi II automatica lly shift into the
next higher gear before the engine reaches the maximum RPM.
When accelera ting, if you apply a ligh t thrott le, the tipt ron ic® wi ll
automatically shift into the next higher gear to save fuel. If you apply
a heavy throttle , the transmiss ion wi ll stay in gear engaged unti l
near maximum RPM are reached, or until the driver manually shifts
into a higher gear .
I f you take your foot off the accelerator peda l when driving down a
steep incline, the tiptronic ® will downshift from the selected gear
into the next l ower gea r based on r oad speed a nd engine RPM . The
automatic downshifting is interrupted as soon as you apply throttle
again . .,_

____________________________________________ A_ d_a--' p=-- t_iv _e_ A_ ir_ S_u_ s-=- p_e _ n_ s _ io_ n __ llll
Ap plies to vehicl es: wi th Adap tive Ai r Su sp ension
Chassis controls
Four different driving modes can be set by the driver.
The automatic contro l processes are speed -and time -dependent.
For example, it is not possib le to raise the suspension to the lift
mode above certain speeds.
L ev el a djustment
automatic
dynamic
aut om ati c Ground clearan
ce
about 4.7 - 4 .1 inches
(120 -105 mm)
about 4.7 inches (120 mm)
about 4.1 inches (105 mm)
a bo ut 5.3 inches ( 135 mm)
Se lect the automatic mode i f you p refer suspension and damping
settings emphasizing comfort .
• Low ering : When a speed of about 75 mph (120 km/h) is exceeded
for more than 30 seconds, the vehicle is automatically lowered by about 0.6 inch (15 mm) to the dynamic level which is more suitable
for highway speeds. Road holding is optimized as a result of the lower center of gravity and fuel consumption is reduced as a result
of reduced wind res istance.
• Rais ing : The vehicle is automatically raised again if the speed
falls below about 44 mph (70 km/h) for a period of 2 minutes . The
vehic le is raised immediate ly when speed falls below about 22 mph
(35 km/h).
s ta nd ard
Select the standard mode if you desire a suspension setting with a
special emphasis on comfort. In the standard mode there is
no
lowering of the suspension. Even a t high speeds, the vehicle stays
at the same level. Damping characteristics with a decided emphasis
on comfort are selected in this mode.
Controls and equip
ment d
y n ami c
Select the dynamic mode if you prefer a sporty suspension setting .
In this mode, the vehicle is lowered whi le it is still stationary and
spo rty damping characteristics are selected . The warn ing light
c.::i
in the instrument cluster will come on for a few seconds just to
remind you of the reduced ground clearance .
If y ou switch off the engine wh ile the ve hicle is in the dynamic mode
and then switch on the ignition once again, the
c.::i warning light
wi ll also come on again f or a few seconds as a reminder .
lift
Select the lift mode when you have to travel over poor sect ions of
road (e .g. trails). In the lift mode, the vehic le is raised by 0.6 inch (15
m m) compared to norma l leve l while it is stil l stationary and
damping characteristics are adjusted to emphasize comfort .
The lift mode can be activated only at speeds below 50 mp h (80
km/h) . When a speed of about 62 mph (100 km/h) is exceeded, the
system automatical ly leaves lift mode and the mode set previously
(standard, automat ic, dynam ic) is activated aga in. •
App lies to v ehic les : with Ada ptive Air Suspens io n
Setting the driving modes
The driving modes are set in MM/.
Fig . 189 MMI di splay:
Settin gs _,.
I • •

lffl)..,___D_ r_iv _i_ n""' g::;._ S_ a_f _e _ly =---------------------------------------------------
& WARNING
Improperly stored luggage or other items can fly through the
vehicle causing serious personal injury in the event of hard braking or an accident. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
• Always put objects, for example, luggage or other heavy items
in the luggage compartment.
• Always secure objects in the luggage compartment using the
tie-down eyelets and suitable straps.
& WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles. To help
reduce the risk of a loss of control leading to serious personal
injury :
• Always keep in mind when transporting heavy objects, that a
change in the center of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle
handling:
-Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
- Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compart-
ment as possible.
• Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating specified on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight standards
can cause the vehicle to slide and handle differently.
• Please observe information on safe driving~
page 194.
& WARNING
To help prevent poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into the
vehicle, always keep the rear lid closed while driving.
• Never transport objects larger than those fitting completely
into the luggage area because the rear lid cannot be fully closed.
& WARNING (continued)
• If you absolutely must drive with the rear lid open, observe the
following notes to reduce the risk of poisoning :
- Close all windows,
- Close the power roof*,
- Open all air outlets in the instrument panel,
- Switch off the air recirculation,
- Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.
& WARNING
Always make sure that the doors, all windows, the power roof*
and the rear lid are securely closed and locked to reduce the risk
of injury when the vehicle is not being used.
• After closing the rear lid, always make sure that it is properly
closed and locked .
• Never leave your vehicle unattended especially with the rear lid
left open. A child could crawl into the vehicle through the luggage
compartment and close the rear lid becoming trapped and unable
to get out . Being trapped in a vehicle can lead to serious personal
injury.
• Never let children play in or around the vehicle.
• Never let passengers ride in the luggage compartment. Vehicle
occupants must always be properly restrained in one of the
vehicle's seating positions.
[ i] Tips
• Air circulation helps to reduce window fogging. Stale air escapes
to the outside through vents in the trim panel, on the left side of the
luggage compartment. Be sure to keep these slots free and open.
• The tire pressure must correspond to the load -see the tire pres
sure sticker on the fuel filler door.•

Driving and environment
The first 1,000 miles (1,500 km) and afterwards
!\Jew engine
The engine needs to be run-in during the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
F o r th e fir st 600 mil es (1,000 kilomet ers):
Do not use full throttle.
- Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the top speed marked on
the speedometer.
- Avoid high engine speeds .
From 600 t o 1,000 mil es (1,000 t o 1,500
kil om eter s):
- Speeds can
gradually be i ncreased to t he maximum
permiss ible road or engine speed .
During and aft er br eak-in p eri od
- Do not rev the engine up to high speeds when it is cold. This applies whether the transm ission is in N (Neutral) or
1n gear.
Aft er the br eak-in p eriod
- D o not exceed max imum e ngine speed unde r any
circumstances.
- Upshift into the next higher gear
before reac hing the red
area at the end of the tachome ter scale ~
page 12 .
Controls and equip
ment Safety first Vehicle operation
Dri
ving and environm ent
During the first few hours of driving, the eng ine's internal friction is
higher than later when all the moving parts have been broken in.
How well this break -in process is done depends to a considerable
extent on the way the vehicle is driven during the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 ki lometers).
0 Not e
Extreme ly high engine speeds are automatically reduced. However,
these rpm limits are programmed for an engine well run-in, not a
new engine .
~ For the sake of the environment
Do not drive with unnecessarily high engine speeds -upshifting
early saves fuel, reduces noise and protects the environment .
New tires
If your v ehic le is running on new tires, driv e particularly
carefu l for the first 350 miles (500 ki lometers) after fitting.
& WARNING
N ew tir es tend to be slipp ery and mu st al so be "broken -in ". B e
su re to r ememb er thi s during th e fir st 350 m ile s ( 50 0 k ilome te rs).
Brak e gen tly. Av oid follow ing close ly behind other vehicl es or
o the r s ituati ons that mig ht requi re su dde n, ha rd b raking.•
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data

-Driving
and environment --=---------------
New brake pads
--
Remember that new brake pads do not have a full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 kilometers) after they
are installed .
New brake pads have to be "burnished in" before they have optimal
grab =>& .
During the break -in period, you should avoid putting severe loads
on the brakes . Severe loads include, for examp le, sudden hard
braking, in particular at very high speeds or, for example, on moun
tain passes.
& WARNING
New brake pads don't have the best stopping power and must be
"broken-in" during the initial 100 to 150 miles (150 to 200 kilome
ters) of normal city driving. You can compensate for this by
pressing the brake pedal more firmly . This also applies later when
new pads are installed.
:J
Catalytic converter
It is very important that your emission control system
(catalytic converter) is functioning properly to ensure that
your vehicle is running in an environmentally sound
manner.
- Always use lead-free gasoline:=> page 295, "Fuel supply".
- Never run the tank down all the way to empty.
- Never put too much motor oil in your engine ==>
page 306,
"Adding engine oil 't=:;r\11
•
Never try to push- or tow-start your vehicle.
The catalytic converter is an efficient "clean-up" device built into the
exhaust system of the vehicle. The catalytic converter burns many
of the po llutants in the exhaust gas before they are released into the
atmosphere.
The exclusive use of unleaded fuel is critically important for the life
of the catalytic converter and proper functioning of the engine.
& WARNING
• Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas where the hot
exhaust system may come in contact with dry grass, brush, fuel
spill or other material which can cause a fire .
• Do not apply additional undercoating or rustproofing on or
near the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or
heat shields. During driving, the substance used for undercoating
could overheat and cause a fire .
0 Note
• Be aware that just one tank filling with leaded fuel will alr eady
seriously degrade the performance of the catalytic converter.
• Do not exceed the correct engine oil level=>
page 306.
• Do not drive until the fuel tank becomes completely empty. The
engine could misfire. Unburned fuel could also get into the exhaust
system and this could cause the catalytic converter to overheat.
• Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.
• Do not continue to operate your vehicle under these conditions,
as otherwise fuel can reach the catalytic converter. This could result
in overheating of the converter, requiring its replacement .
• To assure efficient operation of the Emission Control System:
- Have your vehicle maintained properly and in accordance with
the service recommendations in your Warranty
& Maintenance
booklet. •

- Lack of proper maintenance as wel l as improper use of the
vehic le wi ll impair the func tion of the emission con tro l system
and could lead to damage.
<£> For the sake of th e envir onm ent
Even when the Emission Control System is operating properly, the
exhaust gas can have a su lfur -like exhaust gas smell under some
operating states . This depends on the sulfur content of the fuel
being used. Using a different brand of fue l may help, or filling the
tank with lead-free super grade gasoline. •
Avoid damaging the vehicle
When you are driving on poor roads, or over curbs, steep ramps,
etc., make certain that low- lying parts such as spoi lers and exhaust
system parts do not bottom out and get damaged.
This is especially true for vehicles with low-slung chassis (sports
chassis) * and fully loaded vehicles .
a
Operate your vehicle economically
and minimize pollution
General
Your personal style of driving will determine the economy
of your vehicle, as well as exhaust and noise levels.
Fuel economy, environmental impact, and wear on your engine,
brakes and tires largely depend on three factors:
• your personal driving style
• operating cond itions
• technica l limitations
Controls and equip
ment Safety first Vehicle operation
Dri
ving and environm ent
If you anticipate what you need to do next and drive economica lly,
you can easily cut your fuel consumption by 10 -15 percent . This
section wil l give you some tips on how you can help the environ
ment and your pocketbook.
[ i ] Tips
The consumption estimates as published by ENV IRONMENTAL
PRO TEC TION AGENCY (EPA) and Transport Canada may not corre
spond to your actua l consumption on the road, which wi ll vary
depending upon vehic le load and speed, road and weather condi
tions, trip length, etc. •
Drive smoothly and keep a lookout ahead
Vehicles use the most fuel when they ore accelerating.
-Avoid unnecessary accelerat ing and braking.
Vehicles use the most fuel when they are accelerating . If you antici
pate what is going to happen next, you wi ll need to brake less and,
thus, acce lerate less. Let the vehicle coast whenever possib le - for
examp le when you see that the next traffic light is red. •
Avoid full throttle
Driving at moderate speeds saves fuel and improves your
mileage.
-Try and keep well below your car 's max imum speed.
Acce lerating gently reduces fue l consumption , engine wear, and
does not disturb the environment.
Fue l consumption, exhaust emissions and engine noise increase
disproportionately at high speeds . If you drive at approximate ly
three quarters of top speed, fuel consumption wil l be reduced by
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data