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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Instruments and warning lights15
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Instruments and warning lightsOverview of the instrument cluster
Engine revolutions counter
Display
with counter for distance driven page 17
with Service Interval Display page 17
with digital clock page 18
with Multi-functional indicator* page 18
with Information display* page 22
Speedometer page 16
Coolant temperature gauge* page 16
Button for display mode:
Set hours / minutes
Activating / deactivating the second speed in mph or km/h*
Service interval - Display of the remaining number of days, kilometres or miles
to the next Inspection Service / Reset*
1)
Button for:
Reset trip counter for distance driven
Resetting Service Interval Display
Set hours / minutes
Activate / deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge* page 16
Engine revolutions counterThe red zone of the rev counter scale fig. 15 indicates the range in which the
engine control unit begins to limit the engi ne speed. The engine control unit restricts
the engine speed to a steady limit value.
Fig. 15 Instrument cluster
A1A2A3A4A5
1)Valid for countries where the values ar e indicated in British measuring units.A6A7
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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 lights25
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Warning lightsOverview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 21 Instrument cluster with warning lights
Turn signal lights (to the left)
page 26
Turn signal lights (to the right)
page 26
Main beam light
page 26
Low beam light
page 26
Rear fog light
page 27
Failure of the light bulbs
page 27
Dynamo
page 27
Fog lights*
page 27
Electrohydraulic power steering
page 27
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
page 27
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
page 28
Coolant temperature/coolant level
page 28
Fuel reserve
page 28
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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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Heating and air conditioning system
84
Using the air conditioning system economicallyThe compressor on the Climatic uses powe r from the engine when in cooling mode
which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the interior
has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to allow the
heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is
open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching in the cooling
system just by switching to fresh air mode.
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.Operational malfunctionsIf the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
The fuse of the Climatic is defective. Check the fuse, replace it if necessary
page 191.
The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot page 16.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the cooling capacity
decreases, switch the cooling system off. Contact a specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)Description
The Climatronic system is a combinat ion of an automatic heating, fresh
air and cooling system which provides optimal comfort for the occu-
pants of the car.The Climatronic maintains a constant temperat ure fully automatically, once it has been
set. This is achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the outflowing air, the
blower stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight
which eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode
page 86 ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
engine running,
outside temperature above approx. +2°C,
switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, th e temperature and air humidity drops in the
vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of this partic-
ularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system prevents the
windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output
only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculat ed air mode in order to enhance the cooling
effect .
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order to
ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to provide
cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle be low the vehicle. This is quite normal and
not an indication of a leak!AC
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Starting-off and Driving89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-
started over a distance of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When
driving the engine reaches its operating te mperature more rapidly and the pollutant
emissions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture
for every external air temperature.
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 191.
If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after
the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light
has
gone out.
The glow plug warning light will come on for about one 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.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 191.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of all
be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by turnin g the ignition key from position into
page 87, fig. 92 .
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of accident!
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed it
to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
A1
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