
Driving 194
WARNING
The counter steering assistance system combined with ESP helps the
driver to steer the vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all times, it is the
driver who steers the vehicle. The counter steering system does not steer
the vehicle.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Adjust the steering wheel before your trip and only when the vehicle is
stationary.
xPush the lever Ÿfig. 133 downwards.
xAdjust the steering wheel so that you can hold onto the steering wheel
with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock posi-
tions and your arms slightly bent.
xPush the lever firmly upwards until it is flush to the steering column
Ÿ.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the steering wheel adjustment function and an incorrect
adjustment of the steering wheel can result in severe or fatal injury.
xAfter adjusting the steering column, push the lever Ÿfig. 133
firmly upwards to ensure the steering wheel does not accidentally change
position while driving.
xNever adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. If you
need to adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion, stop safely
and make the proper adjustment.
xThe adjusted steering wheel should be facing your chest and not your
face so as not to hinder the driver's frontal airbag protection in the event of
an accident.
xWhen driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to reduce injuries
when the driver's frontal airbag deploys.
xNever hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or in any other
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
driver's airbag deploys, you may sustain injuries to your arms, hands and
head.
Fig. 133 Mechanical
steering wheel adjust-
ment.
A1
A1

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)

Driving215
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that the
braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there is a
fault in the braking system. The
H warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop immediately
and have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to
use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate Ÿ.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
xFor the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to be
pressed with more force.
xTo avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
xWhen running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring
extreme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances
increase.
xWhen driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
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.
xNon-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
xTest the brakes carefully.
xDry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
xNever allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
xIf the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the
braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate.