If and when253
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Rear towline anchorageOn the right hand side of the lower rear section of the body, there is a fixed
towline anchorage ⇒ fig. 174 (arrow).
To w i n g b r a c k e t
If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket, it should also be used for
towing other vehicles.To w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒page 250. However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition and switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear
lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Note
•
The legal requirements concerning towing should be observed.
•
Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
Fig. 174 Rear towline
anchorage
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If and when
254Notes for tow-starting or towingIf a cable is used for towing the vehicle, please observe the
following:
As the driver of the towing vehicle
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu-
lations to the contrary.
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
As the driver of the vehicle being towed
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu- lations to the contrary.
– Place the gearstick in neutral or position N .
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material. Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving tips
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate that you are going to
change direction. Move the turn signal lever accordingly. Meanwhile, the
hazard warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the
rest position, the hazard warning lights will automatically reconnect.
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. In this case the pedal
has to be pressed harder.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Move the selector lever to N.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
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If and when255
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The braking behaviour and capacity of a vehicle changes when being towed
or when you are trying to start the vehicle by pulling. Please observe the
following notes in order to prevent injury and accident:•
Inexperienced drivers should refrain from trying in order to avoid acci-
dent.
•
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
− The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Take care not to bump into the towing vehicle.
− More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power
steering does not operate when the engine is switched off.
•
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
− Accelerate smoothly and avoid any sudden movement.
− Brake more in advance than usual and brake gently.Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it
⇒ page 252.
Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
•
If, due to a breakdown, the gearbox does not have lubricant, the vehicle
should be towed with the drive wheels suspended.
•
If it is necessary to tow a vehicle with an automatic gearbox for more than
50 km, it should be towed by qualified personnel and with the drive wheels
suspended.
Lifting the vehicleVehicle lifting points
Fig. 175 Lifting with the
lifting platform: lifting
point at front leftFig. 176 Lifting with the
lifting platform: lifting
point at rear left
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If and when
256Your vehicle may only be lifted by a lifting platform at the points shown in the
illustrations ⇒page 255, fig. 175 and ⇒page 255, fig. 176 ⇒ .
Using the jack to lift the vehicle ⇒page 241.
To prevent damage to the underside of the vehicle when lifting the vehicle,
rubber pads must be used.
Before driving onto a lifting platform, you must check there is sufficient clear-
ance between low parts of the vehicle and the lifting platform.
WARNING
If the lifting platform is inappropriate or the vehicle is lifted incorrectly,
accidents or injuries may be caused. The vehicle could even fall from the
lifting platform.•
All occupants should leave the vehicle before it is lifted.
•
The vehicle must only be lifted at the points indicated in the diagrams
⇒ page 255, fig. 175 and ⇒page 255, fig. 176 . If the vehicle is not lifted
at the indicated points, it may fall from the platform while the engine or
gearbox is being dismounted, for example.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. Risk of accident. The
vehicle may fall from the platform due to the engine vibrations.
•
When work is being carried out underneath the vehicle, it must be
secured using suitable frames. If not, an accident may occur.
•
To lift the vehicle, only two-pillar or two-post lifting platforms with
sufficiently long arms and load-bearing capacity should be used.
•
Lifting platforms with fluid filled cushions may not be used for lifting
the vehicle.Caution
•
The vehicle should never be lifted at the engine oil sump, the gearbox, or
the front or rear axle. This could cause serious damage to the vehicle.
•
Before driving onto a lifting platform, you must check there is sufficient
clearance between low parts of the vehicle and the lifting platform.
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General notes on the technical data
260WeightsKerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase ⇒.
WARNING
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
•
Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
To w i n g a t r a i l e rTra iler weig htsTrailer weigh ts
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these
data ⇒ . Drawbar load
The
maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 85 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with an axle
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•
For safety reasons, you should not drive at speeds above 80 km/h when
towing a trailer. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
•
Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
WheelsTyre pressure, snow chains, wheel boltsTyre pressu res
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced ⇒.
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General notes on the technical data261
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the
front wheels.
Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s h ou l d b e ch e cke d as s oo n as p o ssi bl e wit h a to rq u e w re n ch ⇒. The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
•
Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Correct tyre pressure
is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is an
increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
•
If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads could be damaged.Note
We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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Index273
Index4MOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Additional instruction manual Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Adjust seats rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Adjusting lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Air conditioning manual faults in operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air conditioning system Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Airbag cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Airbags Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Anti-lock brake system Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Anti-locking brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Anti-puncture kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Sealing and inflating tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Ashtrays
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Automatic belt retractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Automatic car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . 164
Automatic gearbox with Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . 173
Automatic mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Automatic wipe Windscreen wiper and washer . . . . . . . . . . 117
automatic wipe Rear window wiper and wash . . . . . . . . . . . 118
AUX-IN Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Belt height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 30
Belt retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Belt tension device Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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Index
274Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Belt tensioner
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Brake pad wear Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Brake pad wear indicator* Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181, 187
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181, 187
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Breakdown set storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Bulb defect warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163CCar care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Car care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
CD changer
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 individual opening of doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Central locking button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Central stowage on instrument panel . . . . . . . 134
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Changing a light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238, 242
Changing brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Changing bulbs lights on tailgate/rear door . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Lights on vehicle body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Reading light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Registration plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Changing the bulbs interior light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Changing the lamps Side indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 226 Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
in front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Cleaning alloy wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . . . 195
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cleaning cloth seat covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Cleaning fabric trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Cleaning plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Cleaning wooden trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Air outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
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