Automatic gearbox DSG*
122WARNING
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (except
P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted, also not
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by hand
from the engine compartment) if a driv e position is engaged when the car is
stationary. The vehicle would otherwise immediately start off - also when the
handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!
You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the hand-
brake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts working
on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential to observe
all warnings page 204, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Selector lever lockAutomatic selector lever lock
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and N . You
must first of all depress the brake pedal in or der to move the selector lever out of this
position. The warning light
page 34 lights up in the instrument cluster as a
reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P and N.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one to
seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lo ck will click into place if the lever is in
the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed of
less than 5 km/hour. The lock is swit ched off automatically into position N when the
car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the hand le of selector lever prevents certain selector lever posi-
tions being engaged inadvertently. The select or lever lock is cancelled when you press
the Shiftlock button. Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after
switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is blocked in
position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.Fully depressing the accelerato r pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated in
the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum accelerati on of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine wi thout taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic). The gearbox shifts down to one or several
gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox does not
shift up into the highest gear until the en gine has reached its maximum revolutions for
this gear range.
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown function can result in the driven wheels
spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk of skidding!Dynamic shift programmeThe automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automati cally on the basis of pre-defined driving
programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible and
shifting down as late as po ssible will have a favourable effect on your fuel consump-
tion.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal
combined with sharp acceleration and frequent changes in speed, exploiting the top
speed of the car or depressing the accelerator pedal (kickdown function), will cause
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Using the system
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the gearbox to switch over to this style of driving and shift down earlier with frequent
changes in gears in comparison to the moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driving is
a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch or shift down
into a dynamic shift programme by depressi
ng the accelerator rapidly. The gearbox
shifts down into a lower gear matching th e speed of the car and this allows you to
accelerate rapidly (e.g. when overtaking) without having to depress the accelerator
pedal fully into the kickdown range. The original programme will be reactivated to
match your particular styl e of driving once the gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up an d down when negotiating an
uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the Tiptronic
position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque.
Tiptronic
The Tiptronic allows the driver to also shift gears manually.Fig. 116 Selector lever: manual shifting / information display: manual shiftingThe selector lever position you have engaged is indicated in the information display of
the instrument cluster together with the engaged gear fig. 116 - right.Switching over to manual shifting– Push the selector lever to the right out of position D. After switching over, the
current engaged gear is indicated in the display.
Shifting up gears– One-touch forward of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position) fig. 116 -
left.Shifting down gears– One-touch back of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position) .
It is possible to switch over to manual bo th when the car is stationary and also when
driving.
When you accelerate, the gearbox shifts up automatically into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gear box does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gear box shifts into a lower gear in line with
the vehicle speed and engine speed.Emergency programme
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in the system.The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are func-
tional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of the segments in the
display lighting up or going out.
A functional fault can ha ve the following effect:
The gearbox only shifts into certain gears.
The reverse gear R cannot be used.
The manual shift programme (Tiptronic) is switched off in the emergency mode.
If the gearbox has switched over to emergency mode, drive to the nearest
specialist garage in order to have the fault rectified.
A+
A-
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Automatic gearbox DSG*
124
Selector lever-emergency unlockingIn case of interruption of the power supply (e .g. flat vehicle battery, defective fuse) or
defect of the selector lever lock, the select or lever can no longer be shifted from the
position P in the normal way and the vehicle ca n no longer be moved. The selector
lever must be unlocked in case of emergency.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
– Pull up rear cover.
– Use the finger to press the yellow plastic part downwards fig. 117 .
– Simultaneously press the shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and shift the lever into the position N (if the selector lever is shifted again into the posi-
tion P, it is once again blocked).Tow-starting and towing vehicle Tow-starting a vehicle
It is not possible to tow-start vehi cles fitted with automatic gearbox page 230.
you can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle for starting
your car if the vehicle battery is flat page 228.
Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following information if it comes necessary to tow-in your
car page 230.
Fig. 117 Selector lever-emergency
unlocking
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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 section, please reduce your speed, shift down
into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage (automatic
gearbox). This enables you to make full us e of the braking power of the vehicle and
reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done intermittently,
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 the 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 which you generate with the brake pedal. The
necessary pressure is only genera ted when the engine is running.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before 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 significantly to enhanc ing 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.
In general you must not expect 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
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!
ABS Off-road*
After switching on the Off-road mode page 170, ABS Off-road is activated.
ABS Off-road increases the braking power of the vehicle on an unfirm ground, as it
keeps the wheels blocked for a longer period of time when the brake is applied while
sliding. The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
WARNING
The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do
not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS
is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the
conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety
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TCS Off-road page 165,
ABS Off-road page 167.
Switch on Off-road
The Off-road mode is switched on by pressing the button page 170, fig. 150 . The
warning light in the button lights up. The warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster if the system is switched on
page 37.
Switch off Off-road
The Off-road mode is switched off by repe ated pressing of the button. The warning
light in the button goes out. When switching off the ignition, the Off-road mode is also
switched off and can be switched on again, if necessary, after switching on the ignition.
If the engine is switched off by accident an d restarted within 30 seconds, the Off-road
mode remains switched on.
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve proper operation
of the Off-road mode. Differing rolling circum ferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.
WARNING
Always adjust your speed to suit weat her, road and traffic conditions. The
increased safety must not tempt you to take a greater safety risk than otherwise
- risk of accident!
The Off-road equipment can also not overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle.
The effect of the Off-road equipment depends as well on the tyres.
The Off-road equipment is not designed for the use on common roads.
Start-Off Assist*The Start-Off Assist enhances the driving comfort and can be used when starting off, in
particular on a slope. When the vehicle is stationary, the Start-Off Assist is activated
after switching it on using the button for the Off-road mode page 170, fig. 150 .Operating principle
When depressing the accelerator pedal fully, the engine speed required for the start-
up procedure of the stationary vehicle is restricted. The overspeed trip unit is automat-
ically deactivated after terminating the start-up procedure. As part of the Assist System,
the accelerator pedal is adapted in its characteristics for an easier start-off on slippery
and loose soil.
Downhill Drive Support*Operating principle
The Downhill Drive Support maintains a cons
tant speed on a steep downhill section
when driving forwards and backwards by automatically intervening in the brake
system of all wheels. It prevents the wheels locking because the ABS remains active.
The warning light
in the information display of the instrument cluster indicates that
the Downhill Drive Support is available page 37.
The vehicle speed, which is maintained by the Assist System, is selected by the driver
while driving on a downhill section as of the moment the first intervention of the Assist
System is performed or else, while driving on a downhill section, the driver must
control the vehicle speed until the Assist System intervenes for the first time. When the
Assist System actively intervenes, this is indicated by the warning light flashing or by a
pulsating movement of the brake pedal, similar to the intervention of the ABS.
You can increase or reduce the speed, even when no gear is engaged, by operating the
accelerator or brake pedal. Thus the function is always interrupted and is reactivated
afterwards.
The Downhill Drive Support is activated auto matically if the following conditions are
met:
the Off-road mode is switched on and the warning light
lights up in the instru-
ment cluster,
the engine of the vehicle is running and either the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, the reverse
gear or no gear is engaged,
the engine of the vehicle is running, the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position R, N, D, S or Tiptronic,
the speed is less than 30 km/h,
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172
the downhill gradient is at least 10% (w hen driving over sleepers the limit can
briefly drop to 8%),
neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
It is however a requirement that the vehicle has sufficient grip on the soil. The Downhill
Drive Support cannot properly fulfil its functi on on slushy soil due to physical reasons
(ice or mud).
The Downhill Drive Support is deactivated wh en braking or accelerating or if the
downhill gradient is less than 8 %.
Manual gearbox
The vehicle speed is steadily regulated by the Assist System depending on the type of
gearbox or engine:
1. gear - approx. 8
11) - 30 km/h
2. gear - approx. 13
11) - 30 km/h
3. gear - approx. 22
11) - 30 km/h
Reverse gear - approx. 9
11) - 30 km/h
Neutral for driving forwards - as well as driving backwards - approx. 2
11) - 30 km/h
Automatic gearbox
Selector lever in the position D, S or Tiptro nic (for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear) for driving
forwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
Selector lever in the position R for driving backwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
Selector lever in the position N for drivin g forwards as well as backwards - approx.
2 - 30 km/hNote
During an intervention of the Downhill Drive Support, the brake lights do not light
up.
Do not switch off the Off-road mode during an intervention of the Assist System.
11)The indicated values represent the average of the lower speed limits if a gear is engaged (de-
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Driving and the EnvironmentThe first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwardsA new engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres– Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, that is 3/4 of
the maximum permissi ble engine speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres– Increase the power output of the engine gradually up to the full speed of the gear
engaged, that is up to the maxi mum permissible engine revolutions.
During the first operating hours the engine ha s higher internal friction than later until
all of the moving parts have harmonized. Th e driving style which you adopt during the
first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your
vehicle.
You should not drive at unnecessarily high engine revolutions even after the
running-in period is complete . The maximum permissible en gine speed is marked by
the beginning of the red zone on the scale of the revolutions counter. Shift up into the
next higher gear on a vehi cle fitted with manual gear box before the red zone is
reached. Extremely high engine revolutions are automatically governed, by the way.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do not
drive at engine revolutions which are too low. Shift down as soon as the engine is no
longer running smoothly.
Caution
All the speed and engine revolution figures ap ply only when the engine is at its normal
operating temperature. Never rev up an engine which is cold, neither when the vehicle
is stationary nor when driving in individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessari ly high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear as
early as possible are ways to minimise fu el consumption and operating noise levels
and protects the environment.New tyresNew tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. You should
take account of this fact for the first 500 kilometres and drive particularly carefully.New brake padsAllow for the fact that new brake pads do no t achieve their full braking efficiency until
approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they
develop their optimal friction force. You ca n, however, compensate for this slightly
reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal.
This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
During the running-in pe riod, you should avoid excessive stresses on the brakes. This
includes, for example, violent braking, part icularly from very high speeds, and also
when crossing mountain passes.
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guidelines given in this chapter in order to
make best use of these characteristics and
to maintain their effectiveness.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to avoid a
high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight you will not
need to brake so often and will also then not have to accelerate so much. Let your
vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the next set of
traffic lights is at red.Shifting gears and saving energy
Shifting up early saves on fuel.Manual gearbox– Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
– Shift up into the next higher gear at approx. 2 000 to 2 500 revs.Automatic gearbox– Depress the accelerator pedal slowly. Do not depress it beyond the kickdown
position, however. An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up
early. You will consume
more fuel if you drive at unnecessaril y high revolutions in any given gear.
The fig. 151 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle in the
relevant gear. Fuel consumption in 1st gear is the highest. The consumption is the
lowest in the highest gear.
You will achieve good fuel economy by shif ting up early and shifting down late.
Note
Also use the information supplied by the multi-functional indicator* page 20.Avoiding full throttle
Driving more slowly means saving fuel.Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consumption but
also positively influence environmenta l pollution and wear of your vehicle.
You should avoid exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicl e noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The fig. 152 shows the ratio between the fuel consumption and the speed of your
vehicle. You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quar ters
of the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Fig. 151 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km. and speed in km/h.
Fig. 152 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km. and speed in km/h.
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