Driving
56
System limitations
This transmission is equipped with an over-
heating protection system that protects the
clutches against extremely high loads.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow if
the transmission becomes too warm.
Avoid high engine loads and driving off
frequently.
If the transmission overheats, the indicator
lamp lights up red and power flow to the engine
is interrupted. You can only continue driving
after the transmission has cooled down.
Avoid driving off frequently with high accelera-
tion and do not hold the vehicle on inclines by
depressing the accelerator lightly; otherwise,
the transmission may overheat.
Transmission positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the instrument cluster
P, R, N, D1 to D7, S1 to S7, M1 to M7
The transmission position and the gear cur-
rently engaged are displayed.
Engaging transmission
positionsN,D,R
>Transmission position P can only be disen-
gaged if the engine is running.
>Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, depress the
brake; otherwise, the transmission will not
shift.Briefly push the selector lever in the desired
direction, beyond a resistance point if nec-
essary.
When shifting out of P or into R, press button1
at the same time.
The engaged transmission position is also dis-
played on the selector lever.
When you release the selector lever, it returns
to its center position.
N Neutral
The vehicle can roll.
N remains engaged after the engine is
switched off if the remote control remains
in the ignition lock. This function can be used in
an automatic car wash, for example. P is auto-
matically engaged after approx. 30 minutes.<
D drive mode
In drive mode, all forward gears are shifted auto-
matically.
R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
Engaging transmission position P
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
Press buttonP.
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P Park
The rear wheels are locked.
P is engaged automatically when the following
conditions are met:
>The driver's door is opened while the
engine is running, your safety belt is not fas-
tened and neither the brake pedal nor the
accelerator are activated.
>The engine is switched off unless N is
engaged and the remote control is in the
ignition lock.
>The remote control is removed from the
ignition lock.
Kickdown
T o a cc ele ra te ra pidly, e.g., when passing, press
the accelerator down past the resistance point.
This provides maximum acceleration.
Activating the Sport program and
manual mode M/S
Move the selector lever from position D toward
the left:
The Sport program is activated.
Sport program
S1 through S7 is displayed in the instrument
cluster. This position is recommended for a
performance-oriented driving style.
Manual mode:
When you press the selector lever forward or
backward, or when you press the shift paddles,
manual mode is activated and the gear is
changed.
M1 through M7 are displayed in the instrument
cluster.The transmission provides assistance in the fol-
lowing situations:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for
example, a downshift that would cause the
engine to overrev will not be executed by
the system.
>When the vehicle stops, the transmission
automatically shifts down to first gear.
>Shortly before the vehicle slows down to
below the minimum speed of the gear cur-
rently engaged, the transmission automati-
cally shifts down without requiring your
intervention.
Rapid downshifting: in manual mode, you can
skip several gears to achieve optimal accelera-
tion. Do so by pressing the accelerator past the
resistance point.
Changing to drive mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
Shifting gears via the selector lever
In manual mode:
>To shift up, pull back the selector lever.
>To shift down, push it forward.
Shifting gears via the shift paddles on
the steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears with-
out taking your hands off the steering wheel.
You do not need to raise your foot from the
accelerator when doing so.
>To shift up: press one of the shift paddles
back, arrow1.
Driving
58 >To shift down: press one of the shift pad-
dles forward, arrow2.
Gears can be shifted using the shift paddles in
drive mode or in manual mode.
Gear change in manual mode:
When manual mode is active, refer to page57,
gears can be changed using the shift paddles or
the selector lever.
Gear change in drive mode
The shift paddles can be used to change gears
in drive mode as well.
Afterwards, if the shift paddles are not used for
some time and vehicle acceleration is insuffi-
cient, the forward gears are changed again
automatically.
Launch Control
Launch Control enables you to drive off with an
optimal vehicle acceleration on a high grip road
surface.
Do not use Launch Control too often, as
the higher loads on the vehicle lead to
premature component wear.<
Launch Control is available when the engine is
at operating temperature, i.e., after driving con-
tinuously for at least 6 miles/10 km.
1.With the engine running, depress the brake
pedal with your left foot.
2.Activate the SPORT+ program of the
Dynamic Driving Control, refer to page79.
3.With the vehicle stationary, activate manual
mode and select first gear.
4.Press the accelerator all the way down. The
engine speed when driving off is controlled.
A flag symbol appears in the instrument
cluster.
5.The vehicle accelerates when you release
the brake pedal. Keep the accelerator
pressed all the way down.
6.The transmission shifts up automatically as
long as the accelerator is pressed all the
way down.Launch Control only becomes available again
after a certain distance has been driven.
Launch Control can only be used after the
break-in phase, refer to page112.
To maintain driving stability, activate DSC
whenever possible.<
Manually releasing and engaging the
transmission lock
If a power failure occurs, e.g., if the battery
is discharged or disconnected or if there
is an electrical malfunction, the transmission
lock must be released manually; otherwise, the
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot
be towed.<
Release the transmission lock manually for tow-
ing only and set the parking brake beforehand
to prevent the vehicle from rolling. After parking
the vehicle, lock the transmission lock again
manually, refer to page59.
Manual release
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.
3.Insert the Allen wrench from the onboard
vehicle tool kit, refer to page212, into
the cap.
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Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button again, arrow3.
The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor before enter-
ing an automatic car wash. Failure to do
so could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and
the wipers are operated for a short time.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do, your vision could be
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid
reservoir is empty; otherwise, you will damage
the washer pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
automatically while the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Therefore, keep it away from ignition
sources and only store it in the closed original
container that is kept out of reach of children;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury.
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer.<
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is
cool to avoid contact with hot engine
parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire
hazard and a risk to personal safety.
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores
and maintains the speed that you specify using
the lever on the steering column. In order to
maintain the specified speed, the system
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g., winding roads, dense traffic,
poor visibility or unfavorable road conditions
due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice or loose surfaces.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident as a result.<
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you
should shift gears when you drive for an
extended period at very high or very low engine
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
Driving
62
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or acceler-
ating
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow1, until the desired
speed is reached.
>Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
and hold until the desired speed is reached.Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, and hold until the desired speed is
reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
reduc ed by up to 5 mph o r 10 km/h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Interrupting the system
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer change color.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with a manual trans-
mission
>When you engage selector lever position N
in cars with an automatic transmission
>When you engage transmission position N
in 7-gear sport automatic transmissions
with a dual clutch
>When you activate the DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control or deactivate DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator
warn you of the presence of an object
in front of
* or behind your vehicle. To measure
the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors
in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm
from the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m
from the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an objec t a t h i g h s p e e d ; o t h -
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late.<
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. 1 sec-
ond when you engage reverse gear or move the
automatic transmission selector lever to
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 165 ft/50 m of driving or above
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h, the system
switches off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds>If you remain in front of an object that has
been detected by only one of the corner
sensors
>If you are driving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the
Control Display.Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal tone sounds. The display
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC
is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e.g., curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or after a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g.,
ledges, cannot be detected. Therefore, always
drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of
personal injury or property damage.
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Dynamic Driving Control
The concept
Dynamic Driving Control can be used to adjust
the driving dynamics of the vehicle.
Several programs are available for this purpose;
they can be activated using the two Dynamic
Driving Control buttons.
The following characteristics are adapted,
depending on which program was selected:
>Engine response.
>Shift times of the automatic transmission
*.
>Power steering support
*.
>Changes in the suspension characteristics
through damping control
*.
>Vehicle stabilization through DSC Dynamic
Stability Control.
Operating the programs
1You can activate or deactivate the following
programs using this button:
>DSC OFF
>TRACTION
2You can activate or deactivate the following
programs using this rocker switch:
>SPORT+
>SPORT
>NORMAL
DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC OFF
Press and hold the button, but not
longer than approx. 10 seconds, until
the indicator lamp for the DSC lights up in the
instrument cluster and DSC OFF is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The DSC system is switched off.
Deactivating DSC OFF
Press the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC indicator lamp
go out.
For better control
When DSC is switched off, DSC OFF is dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is
deactivated.
TRACTION
Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on. Driv-
ing stability is limited during acceleration and
when driving in bends.
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Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:
>An incorrect compass direction is shown.
>The compass direction shown does not
change although the direction of
travel does.
>Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no large metal objects or
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of
your vehicle and that you have enough
space to drive in a circle.
2.Set the currently valid compass zone.
3.Ensure that the retractable hardtop is fully
closed.
4.Press the adjustment button for approx.
6-7 seconds to call up C. Drive at least one
full circle at a maximum speed of 7 km/h.
After the system is calibrated correctly, dis-
play C is replaced by the compass direc-
tions.
5.Open the retractable hardtop fully and
repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steering, in accordance with
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx.
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment
button again to switch between English, "E",
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle, arrow2.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately
after use.<
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
Lock with a key, arrow1.
If you hand out the remote control without
the integrated key, such as at a hotel,
refer to page28, the glove compartment cannot
be unlocked.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on a USB
device, e.g., music collections, refer to
page158.