Things to remember when driving
124
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds, 
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick down mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during 
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on various factors. Through a few simple steps, 
your driving style, and regular maintenance, you 
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear 
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached 
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and 
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof
An open glass sunroof or open windows like-
wise increase the drag coefficient and therefore 
the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures 
regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as 
needed at least twice a month and before long 
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases 
the rolling resistance and thus increases the 
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine 
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold 
engine to reach its operating temperature. 
Everything from A to Z
252 Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System85
– brake assistant85
– brake force display93
– breaking-in124
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control85
– electronic brake-force 
distribution85
– parking brake59
– refer to Braking safely126
– warning lamps13
Brake system124
– brake pads124
– breaking-in124
– disk brakes126
– warning lamp87
Braking safely126
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance232
Breaking-in brake pads124
Breaking-in the clutch124
Breaking-in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential124
Break-in period124
Brightness of Control 
Display83
Button for starting engine, 
refer to Start/Stop button57
C
California Proposition 65 
Warning6
Call
– accepting181
– ending182
– rejecting182
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing182
Can holder, refer to 
Cupholders114
Capacities242
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery229Care217
– car-care products217
– carpets219
– car washes217
– CD/DVD player219
– chrome components218
– displays219
– exterior217
– fine wooden 
components219
– hand washing218
– headlamps218
– high-pressure cleaning 
jets217
– interior219
– leather219
– light-alloy wheels218
– paint218
– plastic components219
– rubber gaskets218
– safety belts219
– sensors and cameras219
– upholstery and cloth-
covered paneling219
– windows218
Cargo
– refer to Cargo loading126
– securing128
– securing with ski bag120Cargo bay
– capacity241
– emergency operation, refer 
to Opening manually, Sports 
Wagon33
– emergency release32
– expanding, Sports 
Wagon117
– floor panel flap, refer to 
Compartment in floor, 
Sports Wagon118
– locking separately31
– opening/closing, refer to 
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate31
– opening from inside31
– opening from inside, Sports 
Wagon33
– opening from outside
31
– opening from outside, 
Sports Wagon33
– opening with remote 
control29
Cargo bay cover, refer to 
Luggage compartment 
roller cover117
Caring for the vehicle 
finish218
Car key, refer to Keys/remote 
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest112
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
Car phone, refer to 
Telephone178
Car radio, refer to Radio155
Car Shampoo219
Car wash58
– with Comfort Access37
Car washes217
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system125
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control85
CBS Condition Based 
Service215
CD, audio playback160