
Contents3
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
ContentsLayout of this Owner's Manual 
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Using the system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General view  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The brief instruction
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer)*  
MAXI DOT display (information display)*  . . . . . . . 
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior monitor* and Towing protection monitoring*
Electrical power windows*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Panorama 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*
Bicycle holder in the luggage compartment*  . . . .
The roof luggage rack system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Transporting children safely
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system*
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
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4646515253555757585959626266687071717272727378787879818487878788899090
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The brief instruction
14
Bonnet remote release– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the driver's side  fig. 12 .
Further information  page 161, “Bonnet remote release”.Opening the bonnetFig. 13  Radiator grille: Locking lever / se curing the bonnet with the bonnet support– Pull on the locking lever fig. 13 , the bonnet is then unlocked.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it  fig. 13  on the right.
Further information  page 161.
Inspecting the engine oil level Engine oil  must not be refilled.
 Engine oil  can be refilled.
 Engine oil  must be refilled.
Further information  page 163, “Check engine oil level”.
Fig. 12  Bonnet release lever
Fig. 14  Dipstick
AaAbAc
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Instruments and warning lights23
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Note
If warning messages are shown in the information display  page 23, these 
messages can be confirmed with the button   on the windshield wiper lever in order 
to call up the main menu.
If you do not activate the information display at that moment, the menu shifts to 
one level higher every 10 seconds.
The operation of the factory-fitted radio* or  the navigation system* is described in 
separate operating instructions to be found in the on-board literature.
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warningThe door, luggage compartment and bonnet ajar  warning lights up if at least one door, 
the luggage compartment or bonnet are not closed. The symbol indicates which door 
is still open or whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is  not closed.
The symbol goes out as soon as the doors, luggage compartment door and bonnet are 
completely closed.
A warning signal sounds if the car is driven at a speed of more than 6km/hour and if 
the engine or the luggage compartment door is open.Auto Check ControlCar stateThe Auto Check Control carries out a chec k of certain functions and vehicle compo-
nents. The check is performed constantly when  the ignition is switched on, both when 
the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Some operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear in 
the display of the instrument cluster. The di splays are shown with a red or yellow light 
symbol depending on the priority of the message.
The red symbols indicate  danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a 
warning  (priortity 2). Information for the driver  may also appear in addition to the 
symbols  page 25. Shown in the menu 
Vehicle status, if there is at least one error message. After selecting 
this menu the first of the error messages is displayed. Several error messages are 
shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3 . This indicates that the first of a total 
of three error messages is displayed. The respective messages are displayed one after 
the other in an interval of 5 seconds. Check as soon as possible the displayed error 
messages.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indicated 
again. After the first display, the symbol s are indicated without information for the 
driver.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also so und in addition to the symbol and text in 
the display:
Priority 1 - three warning signals
Priority 2 - one warning signal
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.– Bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Three  successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
AB
Engine oil pressure too low
page 28
Overheated clutches of the automatic gear-
box DSG*
page 94
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Instruments and warning lights
24
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
One  warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2  exist, the symbols appear one after the other 
and are each illuminate d for about 5 seconds.SetupYou can change certain setti ngs by means of the information display. The current 
setting is shown on the information display in the respective menu at the top below the 
line.
You can select the following information (d epending on the equipment installed on 
the vehicle):
Language
MFD Data (MFA DATA)
Time
Winter tyres
Units
Alt. speed dis.
Service Interval (Service)
Factory Setting
Back
After selecting the menu point  Back you will reach one level higher in the menu. Language
Here you can set in which language the 
warning and information texts should be 
displayed.
Displays of the MFA
Here you can switch off or on certain displays of the multi-functional indicator.
Time
Here you can set the time, the time format  (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the time 
change summer/winter time.
Winter tyres
Here you can set at which speed a warning signal should sound. This function is used 
for e.g winter tyres with the permissible maximum speed less than the maximum 
speed of the vehicle.
When exceeding the speed, the following is displayed on the information display*:
Snow tyres max. speed ... km/h (Winter tyres maximum ... km/h)
Measures
Here you can set the units for temperat ure, consumption and distance driven.
Second speed
Here you can switch on the display of the second speed in mph or in km/h
2).
Service
Here you can have the kilometers still to  be driven and the days until the following 
service interval shown and the Service Interval Display reset.
Factory Setting
After selecting the menu point  Factory Setting the factory setting of the information 
display is established again.
Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty
 page 28
2)Valid for countries where the values ar e indicated in British measuring units.
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Instruments and warning lights27
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Rear fog light 
The warning light 
 comes on when the rear fog lights are operating  page 48.
Bulb failure 
The warning light 
 comes on if a bulb is faulty:
up to 2 seconds after the ignition is switched on; 
when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display*: Check front right dipped beam!
The rear side lights and the licence plate li ghting require several light bulbs. The indi-
cator light 
 only lights up if all light bulbs of  the licence plate lighting or the parking 
light (in one rear light unit) are defective. Check regularly the function of the light 
bulbs.
Alternator 
The warning light 
 comes on after the ignition has  been switched on. It should go 
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after  the engine has started, or comes on when 
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged in 
this case so switch off all non- essential electrical components.
Caution
If the warning light 
 comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in di splay, you must then stop the car immedi-
ately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage! 
Fog lights* 
The warning light 
 comes on when the fog lights are operating  page 48.
Electrohydraulic power steering 
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up continu-
ously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering. The power steering operates 
with reduced steering assist or is completely without function.
Further information  page 137.
WARNING
Contact your specialist  garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
If the yellow warning light 
 goes out after starting the engine again and a short 
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
If the battery has been di sconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light 
 
comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a 
short distance.
There is no power-assisted steering su pport when the vehicle is being towed 
without the engine running or when the powe r-assisted steering is defect. The vehicle 
is fully steerable however. There is however increased force required to turn the 
steering wheel.
EPC fault light 
 (petrol engine)
The 
 (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when the 
ignition is switched on.
If the warning light 
 flashes after starting the engine  or flashes while driving, a fault 
exists in the engine control system. The engine management system selects an emer-
gency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by 
adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault: Workshop!
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Instruments and warning lights
28
Glow plug system 
 (diesel engine)
The warning light 
 lights up for a  cold engine when switching on the ignition (pre-
heat position) 2   page 87. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicato r light will come on for about 1  second if the engine is at a 
normal operating temperature  or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This 
means that you can start the engine  right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the  warning light 
 does not come on  or 
lights up continuously ; contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to obtain 
assistance.
If the warning light  
 begins to flash  while driving, a fault exists in the engine 
control. The engine management system  selects an emergency programme which 
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of 
driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault: Workshop!
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
 
The warning light   lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature
3). Avoid 
running at high engine speeds, at full  throttle and at severe engine loads.
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when  the ignition is switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the  coolant level too low if the warning light 
 
lights up or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off  and check the coolant level; top up the 
coolant as necessary  page 166, “Replenishing the coolant”.
Do not continue your journey  if for some reason it is not possible under the condi-
tions prevailing to top up with coolant.  Keep the engine switched off and obtain 
professional assistance from a specialist  garage, otherwise it could lead to severe 
engine damage. If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be caused 
by an operating problem at the coolant fan. 
Check the fuse for the coolant fan, replace 
it if necessary  page 194, “Fuse assignment at th e battery (manual gearbox, auto-
matic gearbox DSG)”.
If the warning light 
 does not go out although the coolant is at the correct level and 
also the fuse of the fan is in proper order,  do not continue driving. Contact a specialist 
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions  page 165, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe distance 
from the traffic and switch off the engine  and switch on the hazard warning light 
system  page 49, “Switch for hazard warning lights  ”.Fuel reserve 
The warning light 
 comes on, if the fuel leve l is less than 7 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! Range...km
Engine oil 
 
The warning light 
 lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 
4) when the ignition is switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off  if the warning light does not go off after 
the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up with oil 
as necessary  page 163.
3)Not valid for vehicles with information display.
4)The warning light   on vehicles fitted with information  display does not come on after switch-
ing the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and warning lights29
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey
 if for some reason it is not possible under the condi-
tions prevailing to top up with oil.  Keep the engine switched off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine 
damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct 
level. Do not run the engine  not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist 
garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual!
The warning light 
 lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low. 
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up  page 163 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is le ft open for more than 30 seconds. If no 
engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after driving 
about 100 km.
The warning light 
 flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal and 
the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil sensor Workshop!
WARNING
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard 
warning light system  page 49.
The red oil pressure light 
 is not an oil level indicator! One should there-
fore check the oil level at regular interval s, preferably after every refueling stop.
Pay attention to the following instructions  page 162, “Working in the 
engine compartment” before checking  the coolant fluid level and opening the 
bonnet.
Open door 
The warning light 
 comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid is 
opened. If one of the doors opens whil e driving, the warning light lights 
 up and an 
audible signal sounds.  
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning light 
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
O n  v e h i c l e s  w i t h  i n f o r m a t i o n  d i s p l a y *  t h i s  w a rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol 
 page 23.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light 
 comes on when the ignition is swit ched on if there is insufficient 
fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid  page 172.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Top up wash fluid!
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light 
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up when driving, 
a fault exists in an exhaust relevant co mponent. The engine management system 
selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist 
garage by adopting a ge ntle style of driving.
WARNING (continued)
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Instruments and warning lights
30
Traction control system (TCS)*
The warning light 
 lights up if the TCS  system is switched off.
Further information about the TCS  page 134.
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
The warning light 
 lights up, if there is a substantia l drop in inflation pressure in one 
of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or  correct as soon as possible the inflation 
pressure in the tyres  page 173.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes 
, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage 
and have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system  page 138.
WARNING
When the warning light 
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and 
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without 
delay at the nearest possible stop and in spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved 
roads) the warning light 
 can be delayed or does not light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disc onnected, the warning light 
 comes on after switching on 
the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
 (automatic gearbox)
If the green  warning light 
 lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in 
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position  P or  N.
Further information about the selector lever lock  page 96.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes quickly when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the TCS system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS 
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system 
can be switched off for technical reasons. In  this case, the TCS system can be switched 
on again by switching the igni tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS 
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS  page 134, “Traction control system (TCS)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected  and reconnected, the warning light 
 comes on 
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short 
distance.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle (f or example when applying and releasing a 
braking force to an individual wheel), then the indicator light 
 flashes quickly.
The warning light 
 lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP 
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system 
can be switched off for technical reasons. In  this case, the ESP system can be switched 
on again by switching the igni tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP 
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP  page 133, “Electronic stab ility programme (ESP)*”.
s16g.4.book  Page 30  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM