Transporting children safely157
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
passenger seat if the airbag system deploy
s in the event of an accident. This can
result in severe or even fatal injuries.
It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer their maximum protection page 143, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”. Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manu-
facturer of the child safety seat regarding correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag when attaching
a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated with its
back facing in direction of travel page 154. If this is not done, there is a risk of
the child suffering severe or even fatal in juries if the front passenger airbag is
deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions also require that the
side and head airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations
regarding the use of child safety seats.
Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat
Child safety seats should always be attached to the rear seats.We recommend, for safety reasons, that you always mount a child restraint systems on
the rear seats whenever possible. If you still decide, however, to use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat then you must pay attention to the following warnings in
connection with the use of the airbag system on the front passenger seat.
WARNING
Warning - particular hazard! Never use a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of
travel. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front
passenger airbag. The airbag may cause th e child severe, or even fatal injuries,
in the event of it being deployed.
This is also clearly stat ed on the sticker which is located on the centre
column of the body on the front passenger side fig. 138 . The sticker is visible
upon opening the front passenger door. For some countries, the sticker is also
affixed to the sun visor of the front passenger.
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when a child
safety seat is nevertheless attached to the front passenger seat where the child
is seated with its back facing in direction of travel page 154, “Deactivating an
airbag”. If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even
fatal injuries if the front passenger ai rbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also require that the side or head passenger airbags
be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please
comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child
safety seats.
If the front passenger airbag has been switched off by a specialist garage
using the vehicle system tester, the side airbag and the head passenger airbag*
remain switched on. In certain countries national legal provisions require that
besides the front passenger airbag also the side or head passenger airbags are
deactivated. Please comply with any differing national legal regulations
regarding the use of child safety seats.
If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is used
on the front passenger seat, the front pass enger seat must be moved back fully.
For vehicles with height adjustable front passenger seat, the seat must be put in
the highest position.
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed. Have the airbag (or ai rbags) deactivated if necessary page 154,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 138 Sticker on the centre column of
the body on the front passenger side.
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Transporting children safely
158
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety and side airbag*
Children must never be seated in the deployment area of the side
airbags and head airbags.Fig. 139 Seated position of an unprotected chil d at risk from side airbag / Child properly
protected by safety seatIn the event of a side collision, the side ai rbags offer the vehicle occupants enhanced
protection.
The side airbags are inflated in fractions of a second in order to be able to provide this
protection page 151, “Function of the side airbags”.
An airbag inflating develops such a strong force that an occupant who has not adopted
an upright seated position may suffer injuries from the airbag or as a result of objects
which are located within the deployment area of the side airbag.
This applies particularly to children if they are not transported in accordance
with legal requirements.
The child is protected when seated in a chil d safety seat matching its age. Adequate
room is available between the child and the deployment area of the side airbag and
head airbag. The airbag offers optimal protection.
WARNING
It is essential to always switch off page 154 the front passenger airbag
when attaching a child safety seat on th e front passenger seat where the child is
seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries also when
the child is facing the direction of travel). If this is not done, there is a risk of the
child suffering severe or even fatal inju ries if the front passenger airbag is
deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions also require that the
side and head airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations
regarding the use of child safety seats.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with
the appropriate national regulations r egarding the use of child safety seats.
Children must never be seated with thei r head in the deployment area of the
side airbag - risk of injury!
Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbag - risk
of injury!
Child seatClassification of child seats into groups
Only child safety seats which have an official approval and are suitable
for the child, may be used.ECE-R 44 standard applies to child safety seats. ECE-R means: Economic Commission
for Europe - Regulation.
Child safety seats which have been tested for conformity to ECE-R 44 standard have a
non-detachable test seal (a large E within a circle and below this the test number)
attached to the seat.
Child safety seats are classified in 5 groups:
WARNING (continued)
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Transporting children safely159
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Children of more than 150 cm in height may use the seat belts fitted to the vehicle
without a seat bolster.
Use of child safety seatsAn overview of the usefulness
of child seats on each of the seats according to the ECE-
R44 standard:
Universal category - seat is suitable for all approved types of child safety seats.
The seat can be fitted with fixing eyes for the “ISOFIX*”system.
The divided rear seat - seat can be fitt ed with fixing eyes for the system “To p
Te t h e r *” page 162, “Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system”.
Child seats of group 0/0+The optimal solution for babies of up to about 9 months old weighing up to 10 kg or
babies up to about 18 months old weighing up to 13 kg is a child safety seat which can
be adjusted into the reclining position fig. 140 .
In view of the fact that such child seats are installed that the child is seated with its back
facing the direction of travel, they mu st not be used on the front passenger
seat page 157, “Use of child safety se ats on the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag (airbags) when
attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
in a specialist garage
or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* page 154,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag”.
Please comply with any differing nati onal legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
Group
Weight
0
0 - 10 kg
page 159
0+
up to 13 kg
page 159
1
9 - 18 kg
page 160
2
15 - 25 kg
page 160
3
22 - 36 kg
page 161
Child seat
of the group
Front passenger seat
Rear seat outside
Rear seat middle
0
0+
1
2 and 3
AUA+
AUA+AT
AU
AUA+
AUA+AT
AU
AUA+
AUA+AT
AU
AU
AU
AU
AUA+AT
Fig. 140 Child seats of group 0/0+
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Transporting children safely
160
Child safety seats in Group 1Child seats in Group 1 are for babies and small children up to 4 years of age with a
weight of between 9 and 18 kilograms. It is best for children in the lower range of this
group, to use a child seat which allows the ch ild to sit with its back to the direction of
travel. It is best for children in the uppe r range of the Group 0+, to use a child seat
which allows the child to sit page 160, fig. 141 in the direction of travel.
Child safety seats in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel,
must not be used on the front passenger seat page 157, “Use of child safety seats on
the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag (airbags) when
attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
in a specialist garage
or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* page 154,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag”.
Please comply with any differing nati onal legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 2For children up to about 7 years of age weighing between 15 and 25 kg the optimal
solution is a child safety seat in combination with the three-point seat belt fig. 142 .
WARNING
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with
the appropriate national regulations regard ing the use of child safety seats. If
required, the airbag has to be deactivated,
in a specialist garage
or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* page 154,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag”.
The shoulder part of the seat belt mu st run approximately across the middle
of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest. It must on no account run
across the neck. The lap part of the seat belt must run across the pelvis and fits
snugly; it must not run over the belly. Tighten the belt webbing over your hip if
necessary.
Please comply with any differing nati onal legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
Fig. 141 Child seat with padded table in
Group 1 installed on rear seat bench
facing the direction of travel
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 142 Child seat in Group 2 installed
on the rear seat facing the direction of
travel
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Transporting children safely161
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Child safety seats in Group 3For children of about 7 years of age weighing between 22 and 36 kg and of a height of
less than 150 cm, the optimal solution is a ch ild safety seat (seat bolster) in combina-
tion with the three-point seat belt fig. 143 .
Children of more than 150 cm in height may use the seat belts fitted to the vehicle
without a seat bolster.
WARNING
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with
the appropriate national regu lations regarding the use of child safety seats. If
required, the airbag has to be deactivated,
in a specialist garage
or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* page 154,
“Switch for the front passenger airbag”.
The shoulder part of the seat belt mu st run approximately across the middle
of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest. It must on no account run
across the neck. The lap part of the seat belt must run across the pelvis and fits
snugly; it must not run over the belly. Tighten the belt webbing over your hip if
necessary.
Please comply with any differing nati onal legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” systemFig. 144 Locking eyes (ISOFIX system) / the IS OFIX child seat is pushed into the mounting
funnelsThere are two fixing eyes* between the seat backrest and the seat cushion of the front
passenger seat for fixing the “ISOFIX” system child seat in place. The locking eyes on
the rear outside seats are located below th e upholstery. The places are marked with
signs with the logo “ISOFIX” - left.Install child seat– Insert the mounting funnels onto the locking eyes between the seat back-
rest and the seat cushion fig. 144 .
– Push the notched arms of the child seat in to the locking eyes in direction of arrow
, until they are heard to lock in place fig. 144 - right.
– Pull on both sides of the child seat!
One can mount a child safety seat using the “ISOFIX” system quickly, easily and reliably.
Please pay close attention to instructions from the manufa cturer of the child safety
seat when installing and removing the seat.
Child seats fitted with the “ISOFIX” system can only be mounted and fixed in a vehicle
fitted with an “ISOFIX” system when these child seats have been released for this type
of vehicle according to the ECE-R 44 standard.
You can obtain child seats with the “ISOFIX” attachment system from specialist garages
who will also installed it as well.
Complete installation instructions are enclosed with the child safety seat.
Fig. 143 Child seat in Group 3 installed
on the rear seat facing the direction of
travel
AA
AB
A1
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Transporting children safely
162WARNING
The locking eyes have just been deve loped for child safety seats which use
the “ISOFIX” system. You should therefore never attach other child safety seats,
seat belts or objects to th e locking eyes - hazard!
Ask a specialist garage whether a child seat which you bought for another
vehicle is recommended for use in your vehicle before using a child seat with
“ISOFIX” system.
Certain child seats which use the “ISO FIX” system can be attached with
standard three-point seat belts. Please pay close attention to instructions from
the manufacturer of the child safety seat when installing and removing the seat.Note
Child seats which use the “ISOFIX” system are currently available for children
weighing from 9 up to 18 kg. This correspond s to an age range of from 9 months to 4
years.
The child seats can also be fitted with the “Top Tether” system page 162.
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” systemThe rear exterior seats and/or the middle seat (only valid for some countries) are
equipped as standard with the attachment syst em “Top Tether” at the rear of the seat
backrest for enhancing the child safety fig. 145 .
Always perform the installation and removal of the child seat using the “Top Tether”
system as stated in the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat.
WARNING
Attach the child seats with the “Top Tether” system only to the points
provided for this purpose fig. 145 .
On no account should you equip your vehicle, e.g. mount screws or other
anchorage points.
Pay attention to the important safety information regarding the use of child
seats.Note
Store the remaining part of the belt for the “Top Tether” system in a textile pocket,
which is located at the child seat.
Fig. 145 Rear seat: Top Tether
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Intelligent Technology163
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralGeneral
The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
Traction control system (TCS),
active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
Antilock brake system (ABS),
Brake Assist,
Uphill Start Assist
The ESP system cannot be switched off, only the TCS system can be switched off by
pressing the button fig. 146 , the warning light
lights up. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also proc-
esses additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the
rotational velocity of the vehicle about its ve
rtical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co nstantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehi cle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces wh ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a
vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away)
while occurs this is on the inner rear wh eel of a vehicle which tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by
noises.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
flashes in the instrument
cluster page 34.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS page 167, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP
page 34.WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle.
Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of
driving to the condition of the road surfac e and the traffic situation. This partic-
ularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety
Fig. 146 ESP switch
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Intelligent Technology
164
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an acci-
dent!
Note
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circum ferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP page 222, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock prev ents an individual wheel from slip-
ping.Models fitted with ESP ar e equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automaticall y, that is without any action on the part of the driver.
It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should
only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable
difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping
wheel and the differential transmits a greate r driving force to the other driven wheel.
This control process is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatica lly if unusually severe stresses exist in order to avoid
excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The
vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not
fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically
as soon as the brake has cooled down.
EDL Off-road*
After switching on the Off-road mode page 170, EDL Off-road is activated.
EDL Off-road is matched in such a way that it assists the traction of the vehicle when
driving on an unfirm ground.
EDL is activated earlier in the Off-road mode than in the normal mode. The brake pres-
sure builts up more quickly on the slipping wheel, on one axle, as well as diagonally.
WARNING
Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. Th e driven wheels might still spin despite
the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!Note
If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.
Please have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL page 222, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
WARNING (continued)
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