
Contents
4Trailer towing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instructions to follow  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving tips  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
 . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle exterior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle interior maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile telephones and radiotelephones  . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels and tyres
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel  . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System)* . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes on the technical data
 . . . . . . . 
Outstanding information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Data on fuel consumption  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Techn ical  Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 77 kW (105 bhp).  . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l 103 kW (140 bhp). . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp)  . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
195
195
196
196
197
199
199
200
206
208
208
208
209
209
210
210
211
212
213
216
220
222
226
227
230
230
238
238
240
247
249
253
262
265 269
269
269
271
272
273
273
274
275
276
278
279
280
282
283
285
287
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Lights and visibility
122icing in the zone. The function is switched on by pressing the rear heating 
window key 
.
WARNING
•
Worn and dirty wiper blades obstruct visibility and reduce safety levels.
•
In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless 
you have warmed the windscreen with  the heating and ventilation system. 
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure 
your view of the road.
•
Always note the corresponding warnings on  ⇒page 223, “Changing 
windscreen wiper blades”.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the 
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers 
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both 
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•
The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.
•
In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will only 
work when the ignition is  on and the bonnet closed.
•
When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the 
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.
•
The next speed down will automatically be selected if speed ⇒ page 121, 
fig. 85    or   is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed will be 
resumed when the vehicle starts again
•
The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once 
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the vehicle 
is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three secionds 
after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the last wipe.  For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition off and 
then on again.
•
When the “intermittent wipe function” is on, the intervals are directly 
proportional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter 
the intervals.
•
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. 
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the 
obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.
•
Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of the 
windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position (horizontal).
•
The heat output of the heated jets is controlled automatically when the 
ignition is switched on, depending upon the outside temperature.
A2
A3
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Intelligent technology
188speed suitable for the road conditions. Failure to do so could result in an 
accident.Brakes
What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km 
they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the  brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and 
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for 
instance, city traffic, frequent short tr ips or hard driving with abrupt starts 
and stops.
Wet roads; road salt
When the velocity is  over 80 km/h windscreen wipers are  on, the brake 
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This 
occurs - without warning to the driver - at regular intervals and requires a 
more rapid response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy  rain, or after washing the car or driving 
through water, the full braking effect ca n be delayed by moisture (or in winter 
by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The brakes should be “dried” by pressing 
the pedal to restore full braking effect.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the car is 
driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt  on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads 
has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and corrosion 
to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if you only drive low 
mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or 
if rust has formed on the disks, it is 
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times from a 
moderately high speed ⇒ .
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase  suddenly, this may mean that 
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest qual-
ified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be 
prepared to use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stop-
ping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low. 
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The 
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
•
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs, 
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other 
road users. Risk of accident.
•
Ensure the vehicle does not move wh ile in neutral, when the motor is 
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
WARNING (continued)
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper, push 
it in one direction only without swinging it.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and sili-
cone deposits off.
Wax deposits can be removed with a special cleaner available in your Author-
ised Service Centre. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper 
blades to judder. If a window cleanser
, specifically for removing wax, is added 
to the windscreen washer fluid prevents wiper blades from juddering. Wax 
deposits are not removed.
Caution
•
Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and 
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!
•
The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the 
window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers on the heating elements 
inside the window.
Cleaning windscreen wiper bladesClean wiper blades are essential to provide clear vision.
1.  Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen  wiper blades.
2.  Use window cleanser to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use  a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn stains.
Rubber seals maintenance
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so 
quickly.1.  Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2.  Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.The strips on the doors,  windows, bonnet and rear lid will remain pliable and 
last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for example sili-
cone spray).
Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The 
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not 
freeze so quickly in winter.Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and 
anti-corrosive properties.Cleaning chrome parts1.  Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2.  Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth.
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Checking and refilling levels215
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the  ground underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have  your vehicle inspected in a qualified 
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in 
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard  ⇒fig. 156 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the rele ase lever (arrow) and open the 
bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this  in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment.
Fig. 156  Detail of foot-
well area on driver's side: 
lever for unlocking the 
bonnet.
Fig. 157  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels
222•
When the engine is warm or hot, th e cooling system is pressurised! Do 
not unscrew the cap on the expansion t ank when the engine is hot. This is 
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown. 
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do 
so will result in engine damage!
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to  cool down before 
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant 
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised 
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise, 
there is a risk of engine damage.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be 
mixed with washer fluid.The  windscreen washer  and the headlight washing system  are supplied with 
fluid from the windscreen washer flui d container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on  the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. 
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please 
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 162  In the engine 
compartment: Cap of 
windscreen washer fluid 
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels223
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 213.Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen 
washer fluid.
•
Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per 
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes 
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you 
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper 
blades should be replaced immediately.
Fig. 163  Windscreen 
wipers in the service posi-
tionFig. 164  Changing the 
front wiper blades
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Index287
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Accessories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Acoustic signal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Adjusting the seat belt height  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
AFS (curve lights) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Air conditioner* 2C-Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air conditioning system General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Air conditioning*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air recirculation mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Manual air conditioning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Airbag system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alarm system Switching off  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Ambient temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 69 Anti-freeze  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Anti-lock brake system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Anti-puncture tyres  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Switching off  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Anti-theft wheel bolts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Aquaplaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Ashtray*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function  . . . . . . 125
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic car wash tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Automatic gearbox / DS G automatic gearbox . 170
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Automatic mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Automatic wiper/wash function for the rear window 124
Auxiliary audio connection: AUX-IN  . . . . . . . . . 146
BBall coupling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Battery
Changing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Winter conditions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Belt tension device Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Belt tension devices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Biodiesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Bonnet  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Brake assist system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Changing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Brake servo  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  183, 190
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Brake servo  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Braking distance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Bulb changes general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Bulb defect warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  116, 165
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