Page 115 of 226

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Electronic stability programme
(ESP)
WARNING
ESP does not relieve you of your
responsibility to drive with due care
and attention.
without ESP
A
with ESP
B
The ESP supports stability when the
vehicle starts to slide away from your
intended path. This is performed by
braking individual wheels and reducing
engine torque as needed.
The system also provides an enhanced
traction control function by reducing
engine torque if the wheels spin when you
accelerate. This improves your ability to
pull away on slippery roads or loose
surfaces, and improves comfort by limiting
wheel spin in hairpin bends. Stability control (ESP) warning lamp
The ESP warning lamp will flash when the
system is operating. See
Warning
lamps and indicators (page 64).
Emergency brake assist WARNING
Emergency brake assist does not
relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention.
Emergency brake assist will detect when
you brake heavily by measuring the rate
at which you press the brake pedal. It will
provide maximum braking efficiency as
long as you press the pedal. Emergency
brake assist can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations.
Trailer stability control
WARNINGS
Trailer stability control does not
relieve you of your responsibility to
tow with due care and attention.
Disabling ESP will turn off the
system.
Trailer stability control is an enhanced
feature of ESP, and automatically detects
when an attached trailer starts to sway.
If this situation occurs, the system will
automatically brake individual wheels to
stabilise the trailer and vehicle. In case a
very severe sway is detected, the engine
torque will be reduced and the vehicle will
be slowed automatically.
USING STABILITY CONTROL
Note:The system will be switched on
automatically every time you switch the ignition on.
113
Stability controlE72903AAABBBB
Page 117 of 226

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING
The parking aid does not relieve you
of your responsibility to drive with
due care and attention.
CAUTIONS
Vehicles fitted with a trailer tow
module not approved by us may not
correctly detect obstacles.
The sensors may not detect objects
in heavy rain or other conditions that
cause disruptive reflections.
The sensors may not detect objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic
waves.
The parking aid does not detect
obstacles moving away from the
vehicle. They will only be detected
shortly after they start to move towards
the vehicle again. Take particular care when reversing
with a tow ball arm or rear fitted
accessories e.g. a bicycle carrier, as
the rear parking aid will only indicate the
distance from the bumper to the obstacle. If you use a high pressure spray to
wash your vehicle, only spray the
sensors briefly from a distance not
less than 20 centimetres (8 inches). Note:On vehicles fitted with a tow ball
arm, the parking aid is deactivated automatically when any trailer lamps (orlighting boards) are connected to the13-pin socket via a trailer tow module wehave approved.
Note:Keep the sensors free from dirt,
ice and snow. Do not clean with sharp objects.
Note:The parking aid may emit false
tones if it detects a signal using the same frequency as the sensors or if the vehicleis fully laden.
Note:The outer sensors may detect the
side walls of a garage. If the distance between the outer sensor and the sidewall remains constant for three seconds,the tone will switch off. As you continue,the inner sensors will detect rearwardobjects.
USING THE PARKING AID
Switching the parking aid on
and off
Note:
The parking aid switches off
automatically when you start the engine or when you exceed 16 km/h (10 mph).
Note:The front and rear sensors are
always activated or deactivated together.
The parking aid is per default off. To
switch the parking aid on, press the switch
in the instrument panel or select reverse
gear.
The light in the switch illuminates when
the parking aid is activated.
To turn it off, press the switch again.
Manoeuvring with the parking
aid 115
Parking aidE72902
Page 125 of 226
Pull out the cover until it locks.
Release it from the retaining points by
pressing below the handle. Let it roll slowly
back into the case. To remove or install the cover, push either
end of the case inwards.
Stowing the luggage cover -
vehicles with tyre repair kit
Space is provided under the luggage
compartment floor.
REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
WARNING
When you are using a child seat with
a support leg, make sure that you
install the foam spacer correctly
inside the storage compartment and that
you position the cover correctly. 123
Load carryingE112571 E112572 E112588
Page 129 of 226

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the maximum gross
train weight stated on the vehicle
identification plate. See
Vehicle
identification (page 170).Do not exceed 100 km/h (62 mph).
The rear tyre pressures must be
increased by 0.2 bar (3 psi) above
specification. See
Technical
specifications (page 168). CAUTIONS
Do not exceed the maximum
permissible nose weight, i.e. vertical
weight on the tow ball, of 100
kilogrammes (220 pounds) for vehicles
with a diesel engine, or 105 kilogrammes
(231 pounds) for vehicles with a petrol
engine. We recommend you purchase a
towing kit from your dealer. Failure to
do so may result in damage to the
engine. Note:Not all vehicles are suitable or
approved to have tow bars fitted. Check with your dealer first.
Place loads as low and central to the
axle(s) of the trailer as possible. If you are
towing with an unladen vehicle, the load
in the trailer should be placed toward the
nose, within the maximum nose load, as
this gives the best stability.
The stability of the vehicle to trailer
combination is very much dependant on
the quality of the trailer. In high altitude regions above 1 000
metres (3 281 feet), the stipulated
maximum permitted gross train weight
must be reduced by 10% for every
additional 1 000 metres (3 281 feet).
Steep gradients WARNING
The overrun brake on a trailer is not
controlled by ABS.
Change down a gear before you reach a
steep downhill gradient.
DETACHABLE TOW BALL
WARNINGS
When not in use, always transport
the tow ball arm securely fastened
in the luggage compartment.
Take special care when fitting the
tow ball arm as the safety of the
vehicle and the trailer depends on
this. Do not use any tools for mounting
or dismounting the tow ball arm. Do
not modify the trailer coupling. Do
not disassemble or repair the tow ball arm. 127
TowingE71328
Page 130 of 226
Unlocking the tow ball arm
mechanism
1. Detach the keyhole protective cap.
2. Insert the key and turn it
anti-clockwise to unlock (1).
3. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the handwheel out and turn it clockwise
until it clicks (2).
4. The red mark on the handwheel must
align with the whitemark on the tow
ball.
5. Release the handwheel. The tow ball arm is unlocked.
Inserting the tow ball arm WARNING
The tow ball arm may only be
inserted when completely unlocked. 1.
Pull out the plug (1).
2. Insert the tow ball arm vertically and press it upwards until it engages (2).
Do not hold your hand near the
handwheel.
3. The green mark on the handwheel
must align with the whitedot on the
tow ball.
4. To lock, turn the key clockwise and remove the key (3).
5. Attach the keyhole protective cap.
128
TowingE9947712 E99484132
Page 131 of 226

Driving with a trailer
WARNING
If any of the below conditions
cannot be met, do not use the tow
bar and have it checked by a
properly trained technician. Before starting your journey, make sure
that the tow ball arm is properly locked.
Check:
•
The
green mark on the handwheel
is aligned with the whitedot on the
tow ball arm.
• the handwheel (A) is correctly fitted
to the tow ball arm.
• you have removed the key (B).
• the tow ball arm is securely positioned.
It must not move when jerked.
Removing the tow ball arm WARNING
Never unlock the tow ball arm with
the trailer attached. 1. Unhitch the trailer.
2. Detach the keyhole protective cap.
3. Insert the key and turn it
anti-clockwise to unlock (1).
4. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the handwheel out, turn it clockwise
against the stop (2) and remove the
tow ball arm (3).
5. Release the handwheel.
When unlocked in this way, the tow ball
arm can be reinserted at any time.
Insert the plug into its seat (4).
Maintenance WARNING
Remove the tow ball arm and
protect the seat with the plug before
steam cleaning your vehicle.
129
TowingE71331AB E994854132
Page 132 of 226
Keep the system clean. Periodically
lubricate bearings, sliding surfaces, and
locking balls with resin-free grease or oil
and the lock with graphite.
Keep a note of the key number. In case
of loss, replacement keys are available
from the manufacturer by stating the
three digit key number.
130
Towing
Page 133 of 226

RUNNING-IN
Tyres
WARNING
New tyres need to be run-in for
approximately 500 kilometres (300
miles). During this time, you may
experience different driving
characteristics. Brakes and clutch
WARNING
Avoid heavy use of the brakes and
clutch if possible for the first 150
kilometres (100 miles) in town and
for the first 1 500 kilometres (1 000 miles)
on motorways. Engine
CAUTION
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1 500 kilometres (1 000 miles). Vary
your speed frequently and change
up through the gears early. Do not labour
the engine. COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be
affected at temperatures below -30°C
(-22°F). DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water CAUTIONS
Drive through water in an emergency
only, and not as part of normal
driving.
Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
In an emergency, the vehicle can be
driven through water to a maximum depth
of 200 mm and at a maximum speed of
10 km/h (6 mph). Extra caution should be
exercised when driving through flowing
water.
When driving in water, maintain a low
speed and do not stop the vehicle. After
driving through water, and as soon as it
is safe to do so:
•
Depress the brake pedal lightly and
check that full brake function is
achieved.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the vehicle's lights are fully
operational.
• Check the power assistance
of the steering system.
131
Driving hints