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Releasing
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for
example, cannot release the parking brake.<
The parking brake can only be released while
the ignition is switched on or the engine is
running.
With manual transmission
Press the button of the parking brake. Depress
the brake and clutch pedals while doing so.
With automatic transmission or 7-gear
sport automatic transmission with dual
clutch
Press the parking brake button while the brake
is depressed or transmission position P is
engaged.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Indicator lamp in Canadian models.
Malfunction
In the event of a failure or malfunction of the
parking brake, secure the vehicle against rolling
using a wheel chock, for example, if you leave
the vehicle.
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer
to page54.
Vehicle parking
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and set the park-
ing brake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running.<
Disengaging the remote control
In order to remove the remote control from the
ignition lock, you must first move the selector
lever to position P and switch off the engine:
interlock. Removing the remote control from
the ignition lock, refer to page50.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Driving
54
Displays in the instrument cluster
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.
Changing selector lever positions
>With the ignition switched on or the engine
running, the selector lever can be moved
out of position P.
>Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise, the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
depress the brake until you are ready to
start.<
A lock prevents you from inadvertently engag-
ing selector lever positions R and P. To cancel
the lock, press the button on the front of the
selector lever, see arrow.
P Park
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
The rear wheels are locked.
R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this in a car wash, for example.
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are selected automatically.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you are driving in
position D.
Kickdown
Kickdown enables you to achieve maximum
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
M/S
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. This position is
recommended for a performance-oriented driv-
ing style.
To deactivate the sport program or manual
mode M/S, move the selector lever to the right
into position D.
Shifting gears via the selector lever
When you press the selector lever forwards or
backwards, the manual mode is activated and
Steptronic changes gear. M1 through M6 are
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
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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4.Turn the cap with the Allen wrench, arrow 1,
and remove it, arrow 2.
5.Insert the Allen wrench into the opening,
arrow 1.
6.Turn the Allen wrench as far as it will go,
arrow 2. The transmission lock is released.
Do not turn the Allen wrench in the
opposite direction as this may dam-
age the mechanism.<
7.Draw the Allen wrench out of the opening.
After parking the vehicle, lock the trans-
mission lock again, refer to Locking man-
ually. Otherwise, there is a danger of the vehicle
rolling.
The transmission lock is locked again.
2.Clip the sleeve of the selector lever back in
place.
3.Set the parking brake.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to page 219.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal indicator
has failed.<
Indicating a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to indicate a turn.
Controls
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Mobility
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.