
Seats and Storage 84•
Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console of from
other storage possibilities may get into the footwell of the driver. You would
then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator
- risk of accident!
Storage compartments on the front passenger side*On some vehicles, the storage compartments are not equipped with lids.
Opening and closing the storage compartments on the front
passenger side
– Pull the handle of the lid in direction of arrow ⇒fig. 103 and fold it
open.
– Swivel the flap until it is heard to lock.A pin holder is located on the inside of the flap.
WARNING
The storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons.Cooling of storage compartment on front passenger side*
The storage compartment can be fitted for vehicles with an air-
conditioning system with a closable inlet for cooled air.– You can switch the cooling system on or off using the control dial
⇒fig. 104.Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or interior
air to flow into the storage compartment.
The storage compartment is only cooled in the cooling mode. We recommend that
you switch off the cooling (opening concealed) if it is operating in the heating mode
or if you are not using the cooling system for the storage compartment.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 103 Dash panel: Storage
compartments on the front
passenger side
Fig. 104 Storage compart-
ment: Using cooling system
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Starting-off and Driving 100Ignition lockPetrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines
- interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on•
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering, with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft
of your vehicle ⇒.
Position Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical components with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one
releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (igni-
tion switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by
the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come
to a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of accident!
•
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•
The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine - the
starter then only has to crank the engine.
Fig. 120 Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1A2A3A1A2A3
A1A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
s29g.4.book Page 100 Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:54 AM

Starting-off and Driving 102•
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after 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 100, fig. 120.
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 period 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 for 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 185, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)Shift into reverse only when the vehicle 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 reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
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 changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
A1
Fig. 121 The shift pattern: 5-
speed manual gearbox
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Starting-off and Driving103
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
HandbrakeApplying 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. 122.
– 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:
HANDBRAKE ON
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 result 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 first of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever
into position P (automatic gearbox).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 sensors
are integrated in the rear bumper.
Fig. 122 Centre console:
Handbrake
Fig. 123 Parking aid: Range
of sensors
s29g.4.book Page 103 Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:54 AM

Starting-off and Driving 104Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
⇒page 103, fig. 123). The interval between the warning signals becomes
shorter as the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed 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 out similar manoeuvres.
•
You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the
sensors.Note
•
When operating with a trailer, the parking aid is without function.
•
A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5 seconds after
switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and there is no obstacle close
to your vehicle. 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).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal. This is
only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particularly 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.Note
•
Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal if you
switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral. Otherwise the
engine can rev up unintentionally.
•
The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which
it travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake.
•
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.
AA
AB
AP
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Starting-off and Driving105
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Storing a speedThe cruise control system is operated by means of the switch and
rocker button in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch ⇒fig. 124 into the position ON.
– After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button
into the SET- position - the current speed is stored.After you have released the rocker button out of the position SET-, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator.
Yo u c a n increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the acceler-
ator will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed.
This does not apply, however, if you drive at a speed which is more than 10 km/h
higher than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed
will be cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off tempo-
rarily by actuating the brake or clutch pedal ⇒page 106.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.Changing a stored speed
You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing the
accelerator.Fa s t er
–You can increase the stored speed without depressing the acceler-
ator, by pressing the rocker button ⇒fig. 124 into the RES+ posi-
tion.
– The speed of the car will increase continuously if you hold the rocker
button pressed in the RES+ position. Once the vehicle has reached
the desired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then
stored in the memory.
Slower
–You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button
in the SET- position.
– Holding down the pushbutton pressed in the SET- position will cause
the speed of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the vehicle has
reached the desired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is
then stored in the memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the vehicle is travelling at a
speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is
erased. It is then necessary to again store the speed with the rocker
button in the position SET- after an increase in speed of the vehicle
to more than 30 km/hour.
Fig. 124 Operating lever:
Rocker button and switch of
cruise control system
AA
AB
AA
AB
AB
AB
AB
AB
s29g.4.book Page 105 Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:54 AM

Starting-off and Driving 106Switching off the cruise control system temporarily– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you
depress the brake or clutch pedal.The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Press the rocker button in the position RES+ for the resumption of the stored
speed after releasing the clutch or brake pedal.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.Switching off the cruise control system completely– Press the switch ⇒page 105, fig. 124 to the right into position
OFF.
ABAA
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Automatic gearbox107
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Automatic gearbox6-speed automatic gearbox*IntroductionYour car is equipped with an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Shifting up and also down through the gears is performed automatically.
At the same time this is a conventional automatic gearbox. The maximum speed is
reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an economic driving programme,
which is intended to reduce the fuel consumption.Information for driving with an automatic gearbox
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically.You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode.
This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually
⇒page 110.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever),
move the selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒page 108,
and then release the Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement
nudge can be felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒.Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stop-
ping just for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold
the vehicle stationary using the foot brake. The engine can, however,
be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector
lever to P and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N
⇒page 100.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the
engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING
•
Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the
selector lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of acci-
dent!
•
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
s29g.4.book Page 107 Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:54 AM