
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
679910101515151616161717181822232534343535364041424345
4646515253555757585959626266687071717272727378787879818487878788899090
91929494100100101106107107109109109110113113113114115116118118119121123124126126128131132
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Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
6
Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make it easy for you 
to find and absorb the information you require.Chapters, table of contents and subject indexThe text of the Owner's manual is divided into relatively short sections which are 
combined into easy-to-read  chapters. The chapter you are reading at any particular 
moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page.
The  Table of contents  is arranged according to the chapters and the detailed  Subject 
index  at the end of the Owner's Manual helps  you to rapidly find the information you 
are looking for.SectionsThe majority of  Sections apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it is clearly 
unavoidable, despite dividing the contents  into sections, that mention may be made 
of equipment whic h is not fitted to your vehicle.
Equipment which is marked *  is only standard on certain vehicle model versions or 
only suppliable as optional  equipment for certain models.Brief information and instructionsEach section has a Heading.
This is followed by  Brief information (in large italic lettering), which tells you the 
subject which is dealt with in this section.
Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an  Instruction (in relatively large letters) 
which explains to you in a straightforw ard way the action you have to take. Work steps 
which have to be carried out are illustrated with a hyphen.Direction indicationsAll direction indications such as “left”, “right”,  “front”, “rear” relate to the direction of 
travel of the vehicle.Explanation of symbols Equipment which is marked in such a way is only standard on certain vehicle model 
versions or only suppliable as opti onal equipment for certain models.
 End of a section. The section is continued on the next page.NotesAll four kinds of notes, which are used in th e text, are always stated at the end of the 
respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked  with the heading Warning. These 
Warning notes draw your attention to a serious risk of accident or injury. While 
reading the text you will frequently en counter a double arrow followed by a 
small warning symbol. This symbol is intended to draw your attention to a 
Warning note at the end of the section to which you must pay careful attention.
Caution
A  Caution  note draws your attention to the possib ility of damage to your vehicle (e.g. 
damage to gearbox), or points ou t general risks of an accident.
For the sake of the environment
An Environmental  note draws your attention to environmental protection aspects. 
This is where you will, for example, find tips  aimed at reducing your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal Note draws your attention in a general way to important information.Direction indicationsAll direction indications such as “left”, “right”,  “front”, “rear” relate to the direction of 
travel of the vehicle.MeasuresIn some countries British  measures can be given.
s16g.4.book  Page 6  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Cockpit9
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
CockpitGeneral viewThis overview will help you to quickly 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
43
A2
55
A3
78
A4
5092
A5
119100
A6
15
A7
1853
A8
52
A9
133
A10
78
A11
49
A12
125
A13
788184
A14
74
A15
119
A16
125
A17
3942
A18
191
A19
46, 49
A20
161
A21
87
A22
87
A23A24
59
A25
38
A26
9095
A27
59
A28
7275
A29
107
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Instruments and warning lights
16
Shift 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 141.
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 28, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity   ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes  page 162, “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 efficiency 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 55 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
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Instruments and warning lights
22
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The set speed limit remains stored even after switching off the ignition.MAXI DOT display (information display)*IntroductionThe information display provides you with information in a convenient way 
concerning the  current operating state of your vehicle . The information system also 
provides you with data (depending on the equipment installed in the vehicle) relating 
to the radio, mobile phone, multi-function al indicator, navigation system, the unit 
connected to the MDI input and the automatic gearbox.
Certain functions and operating conditions  are always being checked on the vehicle 
when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Functional faults, if required  repair work and other information are indicated by red 
symbols  page 23 and yellow symbols  page 24.
Lighting up of certain symbols is combined with an acoustic warning signal.
Information and texts giving warnings  are also shown in the display page 25.
The display of text is possible in the following languages: Czech, English, German, French, Italian,  Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Chinese.
You can select the desired language in the setting menu.
The following information can be shown in  the display (depending on the equipment 
installed on the vehicle):
Main menu– You can activate the  MAIN MENU by pressing the rocker switch    fig. 20  for 
more than 1 second.
– You can select indi vidual menu points by means of the rocker switch  . When the 
pushbutton   is briefly pressed, the info rmation you have selected is displayed.
You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed on 
the vehicle):
MFD (Onboard computer)  page 18
Audio *
Navigation *
Phone*  page 101
Vehicle status   page 23
Setup   page 24
The menu point  Audio is only then displayed when the factory-fitted Radio* is 
switched on.
The menu point  Navigation is only then displayed when the factory-fitted Navigation 
system* is switched on.
Main menu
 page 22
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warn-
ing
page 23
Service Interval Display
page 17
Selector lever position for an automatic gearbox
page 94
Fig. 20  Information display: Control 
elements
AAAA
AB
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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 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 

Instruments and warning lights
32WARNING
Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid 
level and opening the bonnet  page 162, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
If the brake system warning light 
 does not go out a few seconds after 
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and 
check the brake fluid in the reservoir  page 167, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level 
has dropped below the MIN marking, do no t drive any further - risk of accident! 
Obtain professional assistance.
Cruise control system* 
The warning light 
 lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning  light does not go out or comes on or flashes 
while driving  . This also applies if the warning  light does not come on after the 
ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag fault!
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one airbag 
has been switched off.
Front, side and head airbags or belt tensioner which have been switched off 
using the vehicle system tester:
The warning light 
 lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and then 
flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated! If the passenger front airbag has been
 switched off using the switch (for 
switching off airbags)* in th e end face of the dash panel on the front passenger 
side:
The warning light 
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched 
on.
switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting 
up of the yellow indicator light in display 
  
     page 125.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault 
exists. Otherwise, there is a  risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of 
an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags  page 124, “Deactivating airbags”.Diesel particle filter* 
 (diesel engine)
If the warning light 
 comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the diesel 
particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order to clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed 
of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1  800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15 minutes or until 
the warning light goes out with the 4th or  5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: posi-
tion S) when the traffic situation permits it . This increases the exhaust temperature and 
the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is burnt.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits  .
The warning light 
 goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle filter.
If the filter is not properly  cleaned, the warning light 
 does not go out and the 
warning light 
 begins to flash. In the information display* appears  Diesel-particle 
Owner's manual . Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine into the emer-
gency mode, which only has a reduced power  output. After switching the ignition off 
and on again the warning light 
 comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without  delay by your specialist garage.
s16g.4.book  Page 32  Wednesday, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM