
Driving201
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing gear
Introduction
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
xReverse lights light up.
xWhen reversing, the air conditioner automatically changes to air recircu-
lation mode.
xThe rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
xAlso, the parking sensor system, the optical parking sensor and the
camera for the reverse assist system are connected.
Additional information and warnings:
xInstruments Ÿpage 64
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xPark Assist system Ÿpage 229
xReverse assist system (Rear Assist) Ÿpage 234
xAir conditioning Ÿpage 179
xElectronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
Ÿpage 255
xEmergency locking and unlocking Ÿpage 348
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting in
an accident and considerable damage.
xOnly use the kickdown or rapid acceleration if visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions so permit.
WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or for long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. This will increase wear.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears before
long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat
and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
WARNING (continued)

Driving225
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Parking sensor system
Introduction
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent sound will
be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The shorter the
distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close to
the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
xPark Assist system Ÿpage 229
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot replace
driver awareness.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
xThe surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the
ultrasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these types
of clothes.
xExternal sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be
detected.
Caution
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could result in
damage to your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
xWhen cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm (4 inches).
Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor
system, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 226
Parking sensor system*
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is
approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
Switching the parking sensor system on and off
xPress the button Ÿfig. 148 when the ignition is switched on.
xAutomatic on: select reverse gear.
xAutomatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
xThe parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
xIf the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loudly
after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will remain
constant.
xWhen the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound auto-
matically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
xIf the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no
sound will be emitted.
xYour Authorised Service Centre can adjust the volume of the warning
signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a
specialist workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible.
Fig. 148 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for switching the parking
sensor system on and off.
Fig. 149 Parking sensor
system sensors on the
front bumper.
'