
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
s16g.4.book  Page 14  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

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
s16g.4.book  Page 23  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

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.
s16g.4.book  Page 24  Wednesday, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

Instruments and warning lights
26
WARNING
If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body inju-
ries or major vehicle damage.
The engine compartment of your car is  a hazardous area. There is a risk of 
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire wh en working in the engine compartment, 
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and  other fluids. It is also essential to 
observe all warnings  page 162, “Working in the engine compartment”.Note
Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version.
Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 - 
danger) or yellow symbol s (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left 
 or right 
 indicator light flashes depending on the position of the turn 
signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the turn 
signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system  page 50.
Main beam 
The indicator light 
 comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the 
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam  page 50.
Low beam 
The warning light 
 comes on when low beam is selected  page 46.
 
Engine oil
page 28
Open door
page 29
Fluid level in windshield washer system*
page 29
Control system for exhaust
page 29
Traction control system (TCS)*
page 30
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
page 30
Selector lever lock*
page 30
Traction control system (TCS)*
page 30
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
page 30
Antilock brake system (ABS)
page 31
Brake system
page 31
Cruise control system*
page 32
Airbag system
page 32
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
page 32
Seat belt warning light
page 33
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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.
s16g.4.book  Page 28  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM 

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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Intelligent Technology
136
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level 
of the brake fluid is monitored electronically  page 31, “Brake system  ”.
WARNING
Only apply the brakes for the purpose of  drying and cleaning the brake discs 
if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeop-
ardy.
When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one 
must ensure that the air supply to the  front wheel brakes is not reduced other-
wise the braking system could run too hot.
Allow for the fact that new brake pads  do not achieve their full braking effi-
ciency until approximately  200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run 
in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compen-
sate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the 
brake pedal. This guideline also applie s to any new brake pads installed at a 
future date.Caution
Never allow the brakes to rub by applying sl ight pressure if you do not wish to brake 
the vehicle. This causes the br akes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking 
distance and excessive wear.
Before negotiating a steep downhill sectio n, please reduce your speed and shift 
down into the next lower gear (manual gear box) or select a lower driving stage (auto-
matic gearbox). This enables  you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle 
and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any ad ditional braking should be done intermit-
tently, not continuously.Note
The brake light flashes automatically in case  of an emergency braking at speeds greater 
than 60 km/h or with the intervention of th e ABS, which lasts longer than 1.5 seconds. 
After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped, the brake light 
stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on. The hazard warning 
light system is switched off automatically  after accelerating or driving off again.
Brake boosterThe brake booster boosts the pressure whic h you generate with the brake pedal. The 
necessary pressure is only genera ted when the engine is running.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine befo re the vehicle is stationary.
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.
Antilock brake system (ABS)ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.General
The ABS contributes significan tly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle. 
Compared to a vehicle not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain 
optimal steering ability even during a full br ake application on a slippery road surface 
because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all 
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The  braking distance for example on gravel and 
fresh snow, when you should anyway be driv ing slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 20 km/hour an automatic test 
procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise for 
about 1 second.
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too 
low for the speed of the vehicle and tending  to lock. This control cycle is noticeable 
from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal  which is accompanied by noises. 
This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels 
are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal 
depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking 
range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
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Driving and the Environment
144
You should avoid exploiting the top speed  of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel 
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at 
high speeds.
The  page 143, fig. 130  shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your 
vehicle. You will cut your fuel consumption by  half if you only make use three-quarters 
of the possible top speed of your vehicle.Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.It is worthwhile switching off the engine in  a traffic jam or when waiting at a level 
crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you 
will have saved more fuel th an that is needed when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much  longer for it to reach its normal operating 
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emis sions, though, are particularly high in 
the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the engine. 
Do avoid high engine revolu tions at this time, however.Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy  one 
of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your journey. 
Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not on ly has a positive effect on the safety of 
your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on  fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fu el consumption which is 10% higher than 
normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be  undertaken exactly according to the 
Service schedule by a specialist garage.
Also check the  oil level after refueling. Oil consumption  is dependent to a consider-
able extent on the load and speed of the en gine. Oil consumption could be as high as 
0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a  higher oil consumption at first, and reaches 
its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possible to  correctly assess the oil consumption of a ne
w vehicle until after you have driven about 
5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
You can achieve additional  improvements in your fuel economy by using high-
lubricity oils.
Check the ground below your vehicle at regular intervals to detect any leakages in 
good time. Please have your vehicle inspec ted by a specialist garge if you find any 
stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.– Avoid driving a distance of no more  than 4 km if the engine is cold.
The engine and catalytic converter mu st first have reached their optimal operating 
temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
The cold engine vehicle cons umes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediately 
after starting. Fuel co nsumption drops to 10 litres/100  km after just 1 kilometre. The 
engine reaches its operating temperat ure (outside temperature and engine 
dependent) only after about  4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then stabi-
lizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the  ambient temperature. The 
 fig. 131  shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one 
Fig. 131  Fuel consumption in litres/100 
km at different temperatures
s16g.4.book  Page 144  Wednesda y, February 10, 2010  3:53 PM