Lights and Visibility
62
The windscreen wipers and the wash system only operate if the ignition is switched on
and the bonnet is closed
10).
If the intermittent wipe is switched on, the intervals are also controlled depending on
speed.
The rain sensor* automatically regulates the break between the individual wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain.
The rear window will be wiped again if the front window wipers are on when reverse
gear is selected.
The windscreen washer nozzles are heated* when the ignition is switched on.
Top up with wash liquid page 207.
Winter position
If the windscreen wipers are in rest positi on, they cannot be folded out from the wind-
screen. For this reason we recommend adjusting the windscreen wipers in winter so
that they can be folded out from the windscreen easily. You can set this rest position as
follows:
Switch on the windscreen wipers.
Switch off the ignition. The windscreen wipers remain in the position in which they
were when switching off the ignition.
You can also use the service position page 63 as a winter position.
WARNING
Properly maintained wind screen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-
bility and safe driving page 63.
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.
The rain sensor only operates as a support. The driver is not released from
the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers manually
depending on the visibility conditions.
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
If the slower or the faster wiper setting is switched on page 61, fig. 50 and
the vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the lower wiper step is switched on
automatically. At a speed increase of more than 8 km/h the previous wiper setting is
established again.
If there is an obstacle on the windscre en, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. If the obstacle continues to block the wiper, the wiper stops after 5 cycles, in
order to avoid a damage to the wiper. Re move the obstacle and and switch on the
wiper again.
Automatic rear window wiper* (Combi)If the windshield wiper lever is in the position page 61, fig. 50 or , the rear
window wiper carries out a wi ping process every 30 seconds or 10 seconds at a speed
above 5 km/h.
When the rain sensor* is active (the lever is in the position ) the function is only
active if the front window wipers continue to operate (no break between each wiping
process).
Activation/deactivation
The function of the automatic rear window wiper is activated/deactivated in the infor-
mation display* in the menu:
Setup
Lights & Vision
Rear wiper
10)On vehicles which do not have a contact switch for the bonnet, the windshield wiper and wash
system operates also when the bonnet is opened.
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Lights and Visibility65
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
Automatic mirror dimming operates only properly if the sun screen* for the rear
window in the housing on the luggage compartment cover is not in use or the light
striking the interior rear-view mirr or is not affected by other objects.
Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair the
automatic dimming function or put it out of operation.
If you switch off the automatic dimming inte rior rear-view mirror, also the exterior
mirror dimming is switched off.
Exterior mirror
You can adjust the exterior mirrors electrically*.The exterior mirror he ater only operates when the en gine is running and up to an
outside temperature of +20 °C. Heating of the external mirror – Turn the rotary knob to position
fig. 54 .
Adjusting left and right exterior mirrors simultaneously– 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.
Switching off operating control– Turn the rotary knob to position
.
Folding in both exterior mirrors*– Turn the rotary knob to position
.
Folding exterior mirrors* using the key with radio remote control– If all the windows are closed, press the unlock button on the radio remote
control page 43, fig. 31 for approx. 2 seconds.
Tilting surface of front pa ssenger exterior mirror*
When the rotary knob is in position
fig. 54 and the reverse gear is engaged, the
surface of the mirror tilts down slightly. This provides an aid in seeing the kerb of the
pavement when parking the car.
The mirror returns into its initial position, after the rotary knob is moved out of the
position
and put into another position or if the speed is more than 15 km/h.
Memory for exterior mirrors*
On vehicles fitted with a memory for the driver seat, the relevant setting of the exterior
mirror is also stored automatically when the se at position is stored page 68.WARNING
Convex (curved outward) or spherical (differently curved) exterior mirrors
increase the vision field. They do, however, make objects appear smaller in the
mirror. These mirrors are only of limited use, therefore, for estimating distances
to the following vehicles.
Use whenever possible the interior rear mirror, for estimating the distances
to the following vehicles.
Fig. 54 Inner part of door: Rotary knob
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Lights and Visibility
66Note
If the exterior mirrors are folded in using the remote control* of the vehicle key,
these are folded back into the driving positi on after opening the door or switching on
the ignition.
If the exterior mirrors are folded in using the rotary knob page 65, fig. 54 , they
can only be folded back into the dr iving position using the rotary knob.
If the exterior mirrors were folded in us ing the remote control* of the vehicle key
and if the rotary knob was in the fold-in po sition before switching on the ignition, the
mirrors remain in the fold-in position the next time the ignition is switched on. Folding
back into the driving position is performed by actuating the rotary knob in a different
position from the fold-in position.
Do not touch the surfaces of the exterior mirrors if the exterior mirror heater is
switched on.
You can set the exterior mirrors by hand, if the power setting function fails at any
time by pressing on the edge of the mirror surface.
Contact your specialist garage if a fault ex ists with the power setting of the exterior
mirrors.
Automatic dimming exterior mirror on the driver's side*The exterior mirror on the driver's side is dimmed together with the interior mirror. If
the automatic dimming is switched on, the mirror dims automatically depending on
the light striking the mirror from the rear.
After the reverse gear is engaged, the mirror always moves back into the normal (not
dimmed) position.
Note
Automatic mirror dimming operates only properly if the sun screen* for the rear
window is not in use or the light striking the rear of the interior rear-view mirror is not
affected by other objects.
Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair the
automatic dimming function or put it out of operation.
If you switch off the automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, also the exterior
mirror dimming is switched off.
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Heating and air conditioning system
102
Overview of the control elements
The controls enable a separate setting of the temperature for the left
and right side.Fig. 108 Climatronic: Control elementsThe buttons
Defrost windscreen intensively
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculated air mode with air quality sensor
Rear window heater
Buttons / control dial Setting of the temperature for the left side, operation of the seat heating of the left
front seat*
Automatic mode
Switching off Climatronic
Setting the blower speed
Button for direct switching on/off of auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)*
page 104
Switching on/off of the temperature setting in dual mode Switching cooling on and off
Setting of the temperature for the right side, operation of the seat heating of the
right front seat*
Note
Below the top row of buttons is located the interior temperature sensor. Do not glue
or cover over the sensor, otherwise it co
uld have an unfavourable effect on the
Climatronic.Automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in orde r to maintain a constant tempera-
ture and to demist the windows in the interior of the car.Switching automatic mode on– Set a temperature between +18 °C and +26 °C.
– Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 page 94, fig. 104, so that the air flow is directed
slightly upwards.
– Press the button . In the right or left top corner a warning light lights up, depending on which unit was last selected.
If the warning light in the top right corner of the button lights up, the
Climatronic operates in “HIGH” mode. The “HIGH” mode is the standard setting of the
Climatronic.
When pressing again the button , the Cl imatronic changes into the “LOW” mode
and the warning light in the top left corner li ghts up. The Climatronic uses only in this
mode the lower blower speed. However taking into account the noise level, this is
more comfortable, yet be aware that the effectiveness of the air conditioning system is
reduced particularly if th e vehicle is fully occupied.
By pressing again the button , you change into the “HIGH” mode.
The automatic mode is switched off by pressing the button for the air distribution or
increasing or decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is nevertheless
regulated.
A1
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A4
A5
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A9
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Heating and air conditioning system103
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
switching cooling on and offswitching cooling on and off–Press the button page 102, fig. 108 . The warning light lights up in the button.
– When you again press the switch , the cooling system is switched off. The warning light in the button goes out. Only the function of the ventilation remains
active when no lower temperature than the outside temperature can be reached.Setting temperatureYou can separate the interior temperature for the left and right side separately.
– You can set the temperature for both sides after switching on the ignition with the
control dial .
– If you wish to set the temperature for the right side, turn the control dial . The warning light in the button lights up, this indicates that differing tempera-
tures for the left and right side can be set.
If the warning light in the button lights up, the temperature for both sides
cannot be set with the control dial . You can reinitiate this function by pressing the
button . The warning light in the button which indicates the possibility to set
differing temperatures for the left and right side, goes out.
You can set the interior temperature between +18°C and +26°C. The interior temper-
ature is regulated automatically within this range. If you chose a temperature lower
than +18°C, a blue symbol lights up at the start of the numerical scale. If you chose a
temperature higher than +26°C, a red symbol lights up at the end of the numerical
scale. In both limit positions the Climatroni c operates at maximum cooling or heating
capacity, respectively. The temperatur e is not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particul ar at the leg
area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out of the vehicle,
can result in chills in sensitive persons.
Recirculated air mode
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle
and then fed back into the interior. When the automatic air distribution
control is switched on, an air quality sensor measures the concentration
of pollutants in the drawn-in air.Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into the
vehicle, for example when driving through a t unnel or when standing in a traffic jam. If
a considerable increase in concentration of pollutants is recognized by the air quality
sensor, when the automatic air distribution co ntrol is switched on, the air distribution
control will temporarily be switched off. If the concentration of pollutants decreases to
the normal level, the air distribution control is automatically switched off so that fresh
air can be guided into the vehicle interior.Switching recirculated air mode on– Press the button repeatedly until the warning light on the left side of the
button lights up.Switch on automatic air distribution control– Press the button repeatedly until the warning light on the right side of the
button lights up.Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily– If the air quality sensor does not switch on the air distribution control automatically when there is a nauseating smell, you can switch it on yourself by pressing the
button *. The warning light lights up in the button on the left side.Switching recirculated air mode off– Press the button or press the bu tton repetitively, until the warning
lights in the button go out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your atten-
AC
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Starting-off and Driving111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 113 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inad-
vertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is acti vated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever into
position P (automatic gearbox).
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the ve hicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones of
the parking aid can be adapted in th e menu of the information display* page 25.
The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
fig. 114 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts -
continuous tone - 5 cm further behind th e vehicle. The vehicle can be extended
through an installed deta chable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is informed
about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the radio* or the navigation*
display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigati on system* can be set so that the play func-
tion volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio* or
navigation system*. This improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Fig. 114 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
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Starting-off and Driving
112
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is turned on. This is confirme d by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
WARNING
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.
You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., behind your vehicle.
Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note
The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the ignition on and
engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstac le close to your vehicle, this indicates a
system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.
Front and rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles in front and behind the
vehicle.Fig. 115 Activating the parking aid / detection range of the front sensorsThe audible parking aid determines the distan ce between the front or rear bumper and
an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the front
and rear bumper. The signal tones for the fr ont parking aid sound higher as standard
than for the rear parking aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu
of the information display* page 25.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 120°cm from the obstacle in front
of the vehicle (area fig. 115 ) and about 160 cm from the obstacle behind the
vehicle (area ). The interval between th e warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
From this moment on do not continue driving! If the vehicle is equipped with a
factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts - continuous tone -
5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehi cle can be extended through an installed
detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is
informed about this by a graphic display (vehic le towing a trailer) in the radio* or the
navigation* display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigation system* can be set so that
AA
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Starting-off and Driving113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's
Manual radio* or navigation system*. This
improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
switched on or by pressing the button page 112, fig. 115 - left, the symbol lights
up in the button. The activation is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button page 112, fig. 115 - left,
or at a speed of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
in the button is no longer illumi-
nated.
WARNING
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.
You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note
Only the front parking aid operates if yo u are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seco nds after activating the system and there
is no obstacle close to your vehicle, this indicates a system fault. The fault is confirmed
additionally when the symbol flashes in the button page 112, fig. 115 - left.
Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.
If the parking aid is activated and the sele ctor lever of the automatic gearbox is in
the position , warning signal indicates inte rruption (vehicle can no longer move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20
mph), once it has been set, without you havi ng to depress the accelerator pedal. This
is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particularly on long
journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable ro ad surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads, loose
gravel) - risk of accident!
In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.Note
Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Alwa ys depress the clutch pedal if you switch
on the cruise control system when the gearbo x is in Neutral! Otherwise the engine can
rev up unintentionally.
The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving on
steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it
travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down
by applying the foot brake.
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the sele ctor lever is in the position P, N or R.
AP
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