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offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -
risk of an accident!
The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as poss ible and adjust your style of driving to
take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know the extent
of the fault and in how far the braking efficiency is affected.Note
A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system
page 34.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the ABS page 222, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the
braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in
the brake system.
The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but
do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not possible
for the vehicle to achieve its maximum deceleration and the vehicle covers a greater
distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In such
cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake application.
This makes it possible, even with a relative ly low resistance of the brake pedal, to
produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which
is required for maximum deceleration of th e vehicle. You must apply the brake pedal
firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest possible braking
distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the
Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way. The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist
function is also not available.
Further information on the ESP page 163.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.
Adapt your speed to the conditions of th e road surface and to the traffic situ-
ation.
The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take
a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Uphill Start Assist*The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system assists a start
off by holding the brake pressure produced by the brake pedal actuation for approx. 2
seconds after releasing the brake pedal. The driver can therefore move his foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope, without having to
actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the
accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 3% slope, if the driver door is closed. It is always
active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is
inactive.Electromechanical power steeringThe power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine is
not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical effort
is required.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light
or lights up in the instru-
ment cluster page 31.
WARNING (continued)
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does not replace the regular tyre inflatio n pressure control, because the system
cannot detect an even pressure loss;
cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of sudden
tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without sudden
steering movements and without sharp braking.
In order to ensure a proper functioning of the tyre inflation pressure-control
system, it is necessary to carry out the basic setting again every 10 000 km or 1x a
year.
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)In the diesel particle filter the resu lting soot particles are collected and
burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.Code 7GG, 7MB or 7MG on the vehicle data sticker, see fig. 149 , indicates that your
vehicle is equipped with a diesel particle filter. The ve hicle data sticker is located on
the floor of the luggage compartment and is also stated in the Service schedule.
The diesel particle filter filters the soot particles completely from the exhaust. The soot
is collected in the diesel particle filter and burnt regularly. To assist this procedure, we
recommend not to drive regu larly over short distances.
If the diesel particle filter is clogged or there is a fault, it is indicated by the warning light
.
WARNING
The diesel particle filter achieves very high temp eratures. Therefore do not
park at points where the hot filter comes into direct contact with dry grass or
other combustible materials - risk of fire!
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances might
ignite - risk of fire.Note
When using diesel fuel with high sulphur content the life of the diesel particle filter
is clearly reduced. A specialist garage will be able to tell you which countries use only
diesel fuel with high sulphur content.
Off-road*GeneralThe Off-road mode comprises functions which assist off-road driving.
The following functions are integrated in the Off-road mode:
Start-Off Assist page 171,
Downhill Drive Support page 171,
EDL Off-road page 164,
Fig. 149 Vehicle data sticker
Fig. 150 Off-road switch
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Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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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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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Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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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Catalytic converterProper operation of the emission cont rol system (catalytic converter) is
of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally
conscious way.Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol page 200.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine page 206, “Replenishing engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres page 230,
“Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced la ter when driving the vehicle into a country
in which use of a catalyti c converter is mandatory.
WARNING
In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the
vehicle - a risk of fire!
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances
might ignite when driving - risk of fire!Caution
On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converte r, never let the fuel tank run completely
empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel
may get into the exhaust system and damage the cata lytic converter.
Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
If you detect misfir ing, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest
specialist garage. The symptoms described ma y be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic
converter.For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating pr operly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may be
produced under certain oper ating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-grade
petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious mannerGeneral
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear to
the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
your personal style of driving,
the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an econom-
ical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number of tips on
how to protect the environment and at the same time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are beyond the
driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to increase in
winter and under worsened cond itions such as poor road conditions, towing a trailer,
etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the vehicle
have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has been given
to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to take note of the
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Driving and the Environment175
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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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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 new 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 fig. 153 . It
shows the fuel consumption af ter driving a certain distance, on the one hand at a
temperature of +20°C and on the other hand at a temperature of -10°C. Your vehicle
has a higher fuel consumptio n in winter than in summer.
Fig. 153 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km at different temperatures
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