Contents3
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
ContentsLayout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Reference Guide
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic functions and important information . . . . .
Instruments and warning lights
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift recommendation for changing gears* . . . . .
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer)*
MAXI DOT display (information display)* . . . . . . .
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking / Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior monitor* and Towing protection monitoring*
Electrical power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and Visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating the front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable loading floor in the luggage compartment*
(Combi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net partition* (Combi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bicycle holder in the luggage compartment* . . . .
The roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear cup holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking ticket holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter* and power sockets* . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system
. . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recirculated air mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic (semi-automatic air conditioning system)*
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“START-STOP”* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II* . . . . .
Voice control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Music playback via Bluetooth® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inputs AUX-IN* and MDI* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . .
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67991010151515161616171718181922232635353636374142434446
48485354555759596061616363676870727373747474758080808183868989899091
92929394959898104104105110111111113113113114117117117118119120122122123125127128
s3j8.a.book Page 3 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Cockpit
9
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
CockpitGeneral viewThis overview will help you to quic
kly familiarise yourself with the
displays and the control elements.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lever for the multi-functional switch: Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher . . Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering wheel: with horn with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . with pushbuttons for radio, navi
gation system and mobile phone*
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lever for the multi-functional switch: Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . . . . . . Depending on equipment fitted: Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage compartments on the front passenger side* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switch for front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch depending on equipment fitted: Unlocking the boot lid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior monitor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse box in the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light switch and headlamp beam adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Depending on equipment fitted: Radio* Navigation* Rocker switch for the heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Button for the central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depending on equipment fitted: Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocker switch for the heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . . . . . Depending on equipment fitted: Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MDI* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Note
Cars with factory-fitted radio or naviga
tion system are supplied with separate
instructions for operating such equipment.
The arrangement of the control elements on right-hand drive models may differ to
some extent from that shown in
page 8, fig. 1
. However the symbols correspond to
the individual control elements.
A1
44
A2
57
A3
80
A4
5294
A5
123104
A6
15
A7
1955
A8
54
A9
137
A10
80
A11
51
A12
129
A13
808386
A14
76
A15
123
A16
129
A17
4043
A18
195
A19
48, 51
A20
165
A21
89
A22
89
A23A24
61
A25
39
A26
9299
A27
61
A28
7477
A29
111
s3j8.a.book Page 9 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Quick Reference Guide
12Further information
page 57, “Rear mirror”.
Switching lights on and offFurther information
page 48, “Switching
lights on and off
”.
Turn signal and main beam lever Turn signal light right Turn signal light left Switching over between low beam and main beam lights Headlight flasherFurther information
page 52, “The turn signal
and main beam lever
”.
Windscreen wiper lever Intermittent switch Wipers off Intermittent wipe
Heating of the external mirror
Adjusting the left-hand exterior mirror
Adjusting the right-hand exterior mirror
Switching off operating control
Switching off all lights
Switching on side lights
Switching on the low beam and main beam
Fog lights*
Rear fog light
Fig. 7 Dash panel: Light switch
Fig. 8 Turn signal and main beam lever
AAABACAD
Fig. 9 Windscreen wiper lever
AA A0 A1
s3j8.a.book Page 12 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Instruments and warning lights
16Shift into the next higher gear or select th
e selector lever position D of the automatic
gearbox before reaching the red zone of the rev counter scale. Avoid high engine speeds du
ring the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature
page 145.
For the sake of the environment
Shif ting to a highe r g ear in g ood tim e hel p
s to reduce the fuel
consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life and reliability of the engine.SpeedometerWarning against excessive speeds* An acoustic warning signal will sound when
the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometres
per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only
valid for some countries.
Coolant temperature gauge*The coolant temperature gauge
page 15, fig. 15
operates only when the ignition
is switched on. In order to avoid any damage to the engine,
please pay attention to the following notes
regarding the temperature ranges. Cold range If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not yet reached its operating temperatur
e. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full throttle
and at severe engine loads.
The operating range The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may
also move further to the right at high
engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not critical provided the warning symbol
in the instrument cl
uster does not flash.
If the symbol
in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature
is too high or the coolant
level
is too low. Observe the guidelines
page 29, “Coolant temperature/coolant quantity
”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes
page 166, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonn
et and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet impair the cooling effi
ciency of the coolant. There is
then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temper
atures and high engine loads.
Fuel gauge*The fuel gauge
page 15, fig. 15
only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of
about 45 litres. The warning symbol
in the instrument
cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are now about 7 litres of fuel remaining in the tank.
This symbol is a reminder for you,
that you must
refuel
.
The following will be displayed in the information display*:
Please refuel!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.On some vehicles, the fuel gauge is shown
in the display of the instrument cluster.
A4
A7
s3j8.a.book Page 16 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Lights and Visibility
54The rear interior lighting is op
erated by pressi
ng the button
page 53, fig. 43
.
The button has two positions for the interior li
ghting at the rear. In the first position, the
interior lighting is switched on permanently, in the second position (after pressing) it is switched via the door contacts.
Note
We recommend having the bulb replaced by a specialist garage.Luggage compartment lightThe lighting comes on automatically when th
e boot lid is opened. If the lid remains
open for more than about 10
minutes, the luggage compartment lighting switches off
automatically.VisibilityRear window heater– You can switch the rear window heater
on or off by pressing the switch
fig. 44
- the indicator light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running. The rear wind
ow heater
switches
off automatically after 7 minutes.
If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window
heater is switched off automatically, the
warning light flashes in the button.
For the sake of the environment
As soon as the window is de-iced or free fr
om mist, the heating should be switched off.
The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel economy page 149, “Saving electricity”.Sun visorsYou can pull the sun visor for the driver or front passenger out of the fixture and swivel it toward the door in the direction of the arrow
fig. 45
.
The vanity mirrors* in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in direc- tion of arrow .
WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the deployment area of the head airbags if any objects, su
ch as ball-point pens
etc. are attached
to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head airbag is deployed.
Fig. 44 Switch for rear window heater
Fig. 4 Sun visor: swivelling outA1
A2
s3j8.a.book Page 54 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Lights and Visibility
56
Do not use the windscreen washer sy
stem at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand.
Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and re
strict the view to the front.
In the event of a freezing up of the wi
ndscreen, first of al
l eliminate the ice
page 157 and then operate the windscr
een wiper otherwise the windscreen
wiper blades could be damaged.
Caution
In frosty weather, please firs
t of all check whether the windscreen wiper blades are not
frozen to the windscreen before switching
them on. Switching on windscreen wipers
when the blades are frozen to the windscreen may result in damage both to the blades and the motor of the windscreen wipers!
Note
The content of the windscreen wiper reserv
oir is 3.5 litres. On vehicles which are
equipped with a headlight cleaning system*, the content of the reservoir is 5.4 litres.Headlight cleaning system*The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen washer system has been oper- ated for the fifth time, the low beam or main
beam are switched on as well as the wind-
screen wiper lever is held in the position
page 55, fig. 46
for about 1 second.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as in
sect residues) from the headlight lenses at
regular intervals, for example when refuelling
. Please refer to the following guidelines
page 158, “The headlight lenses”. You should remove any snow from the fixtur
es of the washer nozzles and clear ice in
winter with a de-icing spray in order to
ensure proper operation of the cleaning
system.
Replacing wiper blades for the windscreen wipersTaking off the wiper blade– Fold windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen. – Press the locking button, in order to un
lock the wiper blade and pull off in the
direction of arrow.
Attaching a wiper blade– Push the wiper blade until it locks up to the stop. – Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.– Fold the windscreen wiper ar
m back onto the windscreen.
Wiper blades in proper condition are essentia
l to obtain good visibility. Wiper blades
should not be allowed to become dirtied by
dust, insect remains and preserving wax.
Juddering or smearing of the wiper blades co
uld then be due to wax residues left on
the windscreen by vehicle washing in automa
tic vehicle wash systems. It is therefore
important to
degrease
the lips of the wiper blades after every pass through an
auto-
matic vehicle wash system
.
WARNING
If the windscreen wipers are handled ca
relessly, there is a risk of damage to
the windscreen.
WARNING (continued)
A5
Fig. 47 Wiper blade for the windscreen wiper
s3j8.a.book Page 56 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Lights and Visibility
57
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
You should clean the wiper blades regu
larly with a windscreen cleaner in
order to avoid any smears. Clean a wiper blad
e with a sponge or cloth if it is very
dirty, for example from insect residues.
Replace the wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons. The wiper
blades are available from specialist garages.Replacing the wiper blade on the rear window wiperTaking off the wiper blade– Fold windscreen wiper arm out from the windscreen and position the wiper blade
at right angles to the wiper arm
fig. 48
.
– Hold the window wiper arm at the top end with one hand.– With the other hand unlock the locking button in the direction of arrow and
remove the wiper blade.
Attaching a wiper blade– Position the wiper blade onto the wiper arm and lock the locking button . – Check whether the wiper bl
ade is correctly attached.
The same remarks apply here as for
page 56.
Rear mirrorYou can adjust the exterior mirrors electrically*.Adjust the rear mirror before commencing to drive so that there is a clear view to the rear.Dimming the interior mirror– Pull the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror toward rear (the lever on the inte-
rior mirror must point forwards in it home position).
Heating of the external mirror*– Turn the rotary knob to position
fig. 49
.
Adjusting the left-hand exterior mirror*– Turn the rotary knob to position
. The movement of the mirror surface is identical
to the movement of the rotary knob.
Adjusting the right-hand exterior mirror*– Turn the rotary knob to position
. The movement of the mirror surface is identical
to the movement of the rotary knob.
The vehicle can also be equipp
ed with a second rear mirror*, which is attached above
the inner main rear mirror. Th
e second rear mirror* enables an extensive look into the
area of the rear seats, e.g. to check on the seated passengers. You can adjust it in the horizontal as well as vertical direction re
gardless of the inner main rear mirror.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 48 Wiper blade for rear windowAA
AA
Fig. 49 Inner part of door: Rotary knob
s3j8.a.book Page 57 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Seats and Storage
61
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Heating the front seats*You can electrically heat the seat cushions and the seat backrests of the front seats. – By pressing the rocker switch in the posi
tion or switch on the front seat
heating to 25% or 100% of its power output
fig. 52
.
– To switch off the heating shift the rocker switch into the horizontal position.
WARNING
If, as an occupant, you have a subdued
pain and/or temperature sensitivity,
e.g. through medication, paralysis or beca
use of chronic illness (e.g. diabetes),
we recommend not to use the seat heating of the driver or front passenger seat. This can lead to burns on the back, the
posterior and the legs
which are difficult
to heal. If the seat heating is used, we
recommend to make regular breaks in
your journey when driving long distances,
so that the body can recuperate from
the stress of the journey. Please consult your doctor, who can evaluate your specific condition.
Caution
You should not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at specific points in
order to avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heaters.
Do not use the seat heating if the seats are not occupied by persons or if objects
are fastened or stored on them, for example a child seat, a bag etc. A fault of the heating elements in the seat heating can occur.
Do not clean the seats moist
page 160.
Note
The seat heating should only be switched
on when the engine is running. This has a
significant effect of saving
on the battery capacity.
Rear seatsFolding the rear seats forwardsFig. 53 Fold the seat cushion forwards / unlock the seat backrestTo enlarge the luggage compartment, the rear
seats can be folded forwards, if neces-
sary remove the seat cushions
page 62. The rear seats can be folded forward indi-
vidually on vehicles with divided rear seats*.Folding seats forwards– Before folding the rear seats forwards, yo
u must adapt the position of the front
seats in such a way that they are not damaged when the rear seats are folded forwards.
– Pull up the seat cushion in direction of arrow
fig. 53
and fold forwards in
direction of arrow .
– Unlock the seat backrest by pressing th
e securing knob and fold it forwards
fig. 53
on the right.
– Pull the head restraint out of the seat backrest.
Fig. 52 Rocker switch: Front seat heatingA1
A2
A1
A2
AA
s3j8.a.book Page 61 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM