
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the functions indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist at the same time, the symbols appear
one after the other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.The meaning of the yellow symbols:One warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist at the same time, the symbols appear
one after the other and are each illuminated for about 10 seconds.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
Coolant level too low/coolant temperature
too high
⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 30
Fig. 29 Information display:
Fuel level low
Fuel level low
⇒page 30
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor faulty
⇒page 30
Washer fluid level low
⇒page 31
s3f4.1.book Page 25 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights27
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
•
If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 185.Note
•
Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version.
The symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indi-
cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•
Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system
Either the left
or right
indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 54.
Main beam
The indicator light
comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 54.
Coolant temperature/coolant level
⇒page 29
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 30
Fuel reserve
⇒page 30
Engine oil pressure
⇒page 30
Engine oil level
⇒page 30
Open door*
⇒page 31
Fluid level in windshield washer system*
⇒page 31
Control system for exhaust
⇒page 31
Traction control system (TCS)*
⇒page 31
Tyre pressure*
⇒page 32
Selector lever lock* (automatic gearbox)
⇒page 32
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
⇒page 32
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
⇒page 32
Brake system
⇒page 33
Airbag system
⇒page 33
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
⇒page 34
Seat belt warning light*
⇒page 35
s3f4.1.book Page 27 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Starting-off and Driving101
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
•
The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine - the
starter then only has to crank the engine.
•
Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 211.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 214.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
•
The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When
driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant
emissions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air
mixture for every external air temperature.•
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•
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 electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 216.
•
If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain
professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator
after the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
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.
A3
s3f4.1.book Page 101 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Driving and the Environment 164Catalytic converterProper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter)
is of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmen-
tally conscious way.Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
⇒page 181, “Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒page 188, “Replenishing
engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
⇒page 214, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING
•
In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below
the vehicle - a risk of fire!
•
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such
substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution
•
On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run
completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring.
Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
•
Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
•
If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the
ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may
be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-
grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious mannerGeneral
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:•
your personal style of driving;
•
the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
•
technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an
economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a
s3f4.1.book Page 164 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Driving and the Environment 166Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consumption
but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehicle.
You should avoid exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The ⇒page 165, fig. 175 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your
vehicle. You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quar-
ters of the possible top speed of your vehicle.Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at a level
crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 seconds
you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when you start the engine up
again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly high
in the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the
engine. Do avoid high engine revolutions at this time, however.Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high amount of
fuel.Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy
one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your
journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only has a positive effect on the
safety of your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10% higher than
normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the
Service schedule by a specialist garage.Also check the oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consid-
erable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consumption could be as
high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and
reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not
possible to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle until after you
have driven about 5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
•
You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-
lubricity oils.
•
Check the ground below your vehicle at regular intervals to detect any leakages
in good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a specialist garge if you find any
stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.
Fig. 176 Fuel consumption
in litres/100 km at different
temperatures
s3f4.1.book Page 166 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Index 248Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Classification into groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Children and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Climatronic
Defrosting windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Setting temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cockpit
General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Convenience operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Converting/masking over headlights . . . . . . . . . . 168
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Coolant level
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Coolant temperature/coolant level
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cornering lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Cup holder
front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
DDeactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Defrosting rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
De-icing the windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Diesel engines
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Diesel particle filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Door
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar
warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22EEDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Electric power-operated window
Operational faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Electrical power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Electrically adjustable rear mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Electronic Differential Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 37
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Electronic stability programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . 155
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Emergency locking of the door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Engine
starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Engine compartment
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine electronics
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 167
ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Exhaust gas
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Exhaust gas inspection
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
s3f4.1.book Page 248 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Index 250Lights
converting/masking over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Range adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Liquid in reservoir for windscreen washer system
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lock
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
lock
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 39
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Locking and unlocking from inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Locking of the door
in an emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Low beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 223
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Folding hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Luggage compartment - variable loading floor . . 72
Luggage compartment cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Luggage compartment door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Luggage rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79MMain beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 54, 223
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Manual shifting of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Memory for the on-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 122
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Multi-functional indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
NNew tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81OOil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Oil change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Onboard computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Opening a single door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Opening doors
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Operating the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Operation in winter
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Outside temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Overview of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 186
PPaint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Paint damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Petrol engines
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48RRadiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Raise vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Rear mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Recharge battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
s3f4.1.book Page 250 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM