
Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified 
with 
+ are checked for proper function each 
time you turn the ignition key. They each light 
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored sys-
tem, the corresponding lamp will either fail to go 
out when the engine is started, or it will come on 
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current 
+118
Headlamp flasher41
High beams60
Engine oil 
+103
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System 
+51
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis 
control system for Canadian models
Brake system 
+ 
With handbrake released53, 105
With handbrake engaged39
With other warning lamps53
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Brake pads 
+85
Please fasten safety belts 
+32
Airbags 
+57
Front fog lamps61
Automatic transmission +40 
Turn signals41
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 51, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
+52
Service Engine Soon 
+107
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for 
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +92
Engine electronics 
+38
Topping off washer fluid43
Coolant low105
Flat Tire Monitor
* +54 
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +55
Lamp defective59
Cruise control44
Door or liftgate open 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 43
Fast wipe
The wipers operate at normal speed when the 
vehicle is stationary, not on vehicles with rain 
sensor.
Cleaning windshield, rear window and 
headlamps*
0Wipers retracted
1Cleaning windshield and headlamps
2Rear window wiper intermittent mode
3Cleaning rear window
Do not activate the washer if there is 
any danger of the fluid freezing on the 
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be 
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid 
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not activate 
the washer when the washer fluid is empty as 
this will damage the washer pump.<
Cleaning windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the 
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief 
period. 
The washer jets are automatically heated 
whenever the engine is running or the ignition is 
switched on.
Cleaning headlamps*
When the vehicle lighting system is switched 
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and 
appropriate intervals.
Rear window wiper
Rear window wiper in intermittent mode. When 
reverse gear is engaged, the wiper operates 
continuously.You can also program the interval:
1.Briefly move the wiper lever from position 0 
to position 2.
2.Wait for desired interval; maximum of 
30 seconds.
3.Move the wiper lever from position 0 to 
position 2 again.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. For 
this reason, keep it away from sources of 
flame and store it only in its original containers. 
Store it so that it is inaccessible to children. 
Always follow the instructions for use provided 
on the containers.<
Filler neck for Washer fluid
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is 
cool in order to prevent contact with hot 
engine components. Otherwise, there is a risk 
of fire and personal injury if the fluid spills.<
All of the washer jets are supplied from one res-
ervoir.
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze 
additive according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
To maintain the mixing ratio, mix the 
washer fluid before adding it to the reser-
voir.<
Capacity
Approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters.
With headlamp washer system
* 
approx. 6.9 US quarts/6.5 liters. 

Under the hood
102
Important components in the engine compartment
1Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp 
and windshield washer system, refer to 
page43
2Body ground, negative terminal, refer to 
page121
3Jump starting terminal, refer to page1214Filler neck for engine oil, refer to 
Adding engine oil
5Reservoir for brake fluid, refer to page105
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page105. In vehicles with a gasoline 
engine, the expansion tank is on the other 
side 

Everything from A to Z
130
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System51
– indicator lamp12
Acceleration assistance
– refer to Acceleration 
assistant53
– refer to DSC51
Acceleration assistant53
Accessories, refer to For your 
own safety5
Accident, refer to Receiving 
assistance120
Activated-charcoal filter68
Adaptive Head Light60
Adding engine oil104
Adjusting seats28
– electrically28
– mechanically28
– mechanically, Sports seat29
Airbags57
– deactivating front passenger 
side35,57
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags58
– sitting safely27
– warning lamp58
Air circulation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode64,68
Air conditioner63
Air distribution
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Airing, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Air outlets, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure94
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation65,68Air volume64
– adjusting manually67
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications93
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
All-season tires, refer to 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires99
All wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive52
Anchorage points78
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid43
Antilock Brake System 
ABS51
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system25
Approved axle load, refer to 
Weights128
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights128
Armrest
– front73
– rear73
Ashtray74
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control68
Audio device, external74
Automatic
– air distribution67
– air volume67
– recirculated-air control 
AUC68
Automatic climate control66
Automatic cruise control44
Automatic curb monitor33
Automatic deactivation of 
front passenger airbags57Automatic headlamp 
control60
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic40
– indicator lamp41
– interlock38
– selector lever interlock40
– shiftlock40
– towing122
– tow starting123
AUTO program67
Average fuel consumption49
– setting units48
Average speed49
– setting units48
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms26
Axle weights, refer to 
Weights128
B
Backrest, refer to Seats28
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support29
Backup lamps, bulb 
replacement114
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit121
Bar, towing123
Battery118
– charging118
– disposal118
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting121
– power failure118
– remote control18
– warning lamp118
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders72 

Everything from A to Z
134 Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Fuel filler cap92
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction92
Fuel gauge46
Fuel tank contents, refer to 
Filling capacities129
Full preparation package 
mobile phone, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses119
G
Garage-door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control69
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel quality93
– refer to Fuel 
specifications93
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge46
Gear indicator in automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic40
Gearshift lever, manual 
transmission40
General driving notes84
Glove compartment72
Grills, refer to 
Ventilation65,68
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights128
Ground clearance87
H
Halogen lamps112
Handbrake39
– indicator lamp39
Hands-free microphone, refer 
to Car phone preparation75
Hand washes108
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control52
Head airbags57Headlamp control, 
automatic60
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps112
– replacing bulbs111
Headlamp washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities129
– refer to Washer fluid43
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing43
– washer fluid43
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light60
Head restraints29
– sitting safely27
Heated mirrors33
Heated rear window
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Heated seats31
Heated steering wheel34
Heater
– rear window64,68
– windshield washer jets43
Heating
– exterior mirror33
– seats31
– steering wheel34
Heating and ventilation63,66
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo 
loading85
Height, refer to 
Dimensions127
Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel34
High beams60
– headlamp flasher60
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs113
High Performance Synthetic 
Oil104
High pressure cleaning 
jets108
Hill-climbing ability, refer to 
Driving on poor roads87Hill Descent Control HDC52
Hills85
Holder for beverages72
Hood101
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system84
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to Brake assistant51
Hydroplaning84
I
Icy conditions, refer to 
Outside temperature 
warning48
Ignition38
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to 
Ignition lock38
Ignition lock38
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags58
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic41
– brakes105
– coolant temperature47
– DSC52
– engine temperature47
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– fog lamps61
– front passenger airbags58
– reserve46
– safety belt warning32
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview12
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory18
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure94
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– Tire Pressure Monitor55 

Everything from A to Z
138 Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely27
– with airbags27
– with head restraint27
– with safety belt27
Ski bag75
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray74
Snow chains100
SOS, refer to Initiating an 
emergency request120
Spare fuses119
Spare key18
Spare wheel, refer to Compact 
wheel116
Speed
– with compact wheel118
– with winter tires99
Speedometer, refer to 
Instrument cluster11
Split rear backrest, refer to 
Enlarging cargo area76
Sport program, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic41
Sports seat29
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems51
Starting, refer to Starting 
engine38
Starting difficulties
– at very low temperatures39
– jump starting121
Starting engine38
Starting off uphill, refer to 
Acceleration assistant53
Status of passenger 
airbags58
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5
Steam cleaners108
Steering lock38
Steering wheel10,13
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering 
wheel13
– heater34
– lock38Steptronic40
Storage compartments73
Storage package73
Storage package nets73
Storage space, refer to Cargo 
area76
Storing desired speed, refer to 
Cruise control44
Storing seat position, refer to 
Seat and mirror memory31
Storing tires99
Storing your vehicle110
Straps, refer to Cargo 
loading85
Sunroof, refer to Panorama 
glass sunroof23
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching cooling function on/
off64,67
Switching off engine39
Symbols4
T
Tachometer46
Tail lamps114
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb59
– replacing bulbs114
Tank, washing systems, refer 
to Washer fluid43
Tank capacity129
Technical data126
Technical modifications5
Telephone, refer to separate 
operating instructions
Temperature
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
– tires98
Temperature display
– outside temperature48
– outside temperature 
warning48
– setting units48
Temperature gauge47
Temperature of coolant, refer 
to Coolant thermometer47
Temperature warning48Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control44
Thigh support adjustment29
Three point safety belts32
Tightening torque of lug bolts, 
refer to After mounting117
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control20
– switching off20,26
Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror33
Tire inflation pressures94
– monitoring, refer to Tire 
Pressure Monitor55
– restoring94
Tire Pressure Monitor55
– malfunction warnings55
– resetting system55
– system limitations55
– warning lamp55
Tire replacement98
Tires
– age97
– breaking-in82
– changing98
– changing, also refer to Wheel 
changes115
– coding97
– condition98
– damage98
– DOT Quality Grades97
– flat115
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure table96
– size, refer to Correct wheels 
and tires99
– storage99
– temperature98
– traction97
– tread98
– tread wear97
– Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading97
– wear indicators, refer to 
Minimum tread depth98
– winter tires99
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit111 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 139
Torque
– engine126
– lug bolts117
Touch signaling42
Tow bar123
Tow fitting122
Towing eye122
Towing the vehicle122
– with automatic 
transmission122
Tow rope123
Tow sockets for tow 
fitting122
Tow starting122
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor55
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions127
Traction97
Traction control, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control51
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Transmission locking 
mechanism, refer to 
PPark41
Transmission malfunction, 
refer to Malfunction41
Transporting children 
safely35
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing cargo86
Traveling on poor roads87
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tread depth98
Tread wear97
Tread wear indicator in tires, 
refer to Minimum tread 
depth98
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer46
Trip odometer46
Trunk lid, refer to Liftgate22
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions127Turning lamp60
Turn signals41
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs113
– side, replacing bulbs114
U
Units48
– outside temperature48
Universal garage-door 
opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote control69
Universal remote control69
Unlocking
– from inside21
– hood101
– with the remote control19
Unlocking and locking doors 
with the remote control19
V
Valve screw caps, refer to 
After mounting117
Vehicle
– battery118
– breaking-in82
– cargo loading85
– dimensions127
– locking from inside21
– parking39
– storage110
– weights128
Vehicle care, refer to Care and 
maintenance108
Vehicle jack116
– jacking points117
Vehicle Memory18
Vehicle storage110
Ventilation65,68
– draft-free65,68
Viscosity104
Voice control, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator lamps, 
overview12
Warning triangle120
Warranty, refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models, 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models106
Warranty and service6
Washer fluid43
Washer fluid reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities129
– refer to Filler neck for washer 
fluid43
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray74
Water penetration108
Weights128
Welcome lamps59
Wheel/tire combination99
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions127
Wheel bolt, wrench116
Wheel changes, compact 
wheel116
Wheel chock116
Wheels and tires99
Width, refer to 
Dimensions127
Windows22
– convenience operation21
– safety switch23
Windshield
– cleaning43
– defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows64,67
Windshield washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities129
– refer to Washer fluid43
Windshield washer system
– washer/wiper system42
– washer fluid43
Windshield wiper blade 
replacement111