
CockpitFunctionPage0046Exterior lamp switch:Low beam63Turn signals65High beam650047Steering wheel2008AInstrument cluster:Miles22Kilometers240088Wiper switch:Windshield wipers67Rear window wiper 3690086Tachometer*890087Cockpit clock*89006EOverhead control panel28006FUpper center console26FunctionPage0070Glove box1000071smart MP3 interface*
(AUX-socket*)
91
0072Gear selector lever790073Starter switch550074Coin holder99Retractable soft top
switch 4
71
0075Cup holder960076Horn0077On-board Diagnostics
Socket (OBD)
197
0078Door control panel74, 590079Inside door handle522 Model pure only: The steering wheel in this vehicle varies from steering wheel illustrated.
3 coupé only.
4 cabriolet only.Cockpit21>> At a glance.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 21

FunctionPage0046Selecting display for
status indicator
87
Setting digital clock860047Left indicator lamp
display with:0065Low‑beam
headlamp indicator
lamp
63,
155
0063High‑beam
headlamp indicator
lamp
65,
155
0077Combination low
tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale*
158
0082Seat belt telltale1510081SRS indicator lamp151008A0026Left turn signal
indicator lamp65,
15500880067ESP ®
warning lamp15300860024Right turn signal
indicator lamp65,
1550087Speedometer006ERight indicator lamp
display with:0052EPS* warning lamp15300BBEngine malfunction
indicator lamp
157
00EBABS indicator lamp1490027Brake warning lamp150FunctionPage006FAdjusting instrument
cluster illumination
89
Setting digital clock860070Right center indicator
lamp display with:00B5Engine oil pressure
indicator lamp
157
00AECoolant
temperature
warning lamp
156
0071Multifunction display840072Left center indicator
lamp display with:003FBattery indicator
lamp
154
00ACFuel cap indicator
lamp
156
Instrument cluster (miles)23>> At a glance.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 23

FunctionPage0046Selecting display for
status indicator
87
Setting digital clock860047Left indicator lamp
display with:0065Low‑beam
headlamp indicator
lamp
63,
155
0063High‑beam
headlamp indicator
lamp
65,
155
0077Combination low
tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale*
158
0082Seat belt telltale1510081SRS indicator lamp151008A0026Left turn signal
indicator lamp65,
15500880067ESP ®
warning lamp15300860024Right turn signal
indicator lamp65,
1550087Speedometer006ERight indicator lamp
display with:0052EPS* warning lamp15300BBEngine malfunction
indicator lamp
157
0031ABS indicator lamp149004DBrake warning lamp150006FAdjusting instrument
cluster illumination
89
Setting digital clock86FunctionPage0070Right center indicator
lamp display with:00B5Engine oil pressure
indicator lamp
157
00AECoolant
temperature
warning lamp
156
0071Multifunction display840072Left center indicator
lamp display with:003FBattery indicator
lamp
154
00ACFuel cap indicator
lamp
156
Instrument cluster (kilometers)25>> At a glance.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 25

Steering wheel gearshift controlFunctionPage0046Left shift paddle5
:
Downshift
82
0047Multifunction display84008ARight shift paddle 5
:
Upshift
82
i Model pure only:
The steering wheel in this vehicle varies
from steering wheel illustrated.
Upper center consoleFunctionPage0046Tachometer*890047Cockpit clock*89008AHVAC910088Audio system*900086Hazard warning flasher
switch
66
0087Switching tow-away
protection*/interior
motion sensor* on/off
48
006ESwitching seat heating*
on/off, passenger side
58
006FRestarting TPMS button1170070Central unlocking switch510071Central locking switch515 Model passion and BRABUS only.26Upper center console>> At a glance.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 26

Children in the vehicle
If an infant or child is traveling with you
in the vehicle:XSecure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and size
of the child.XMake sure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is
in motion.GWarning!
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system. The children could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or
cold
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint
system’s metal parts, for example, could
become very hot, and the child could be
burned on these parts.
If children open a door, they could
R injure other persons
R get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following
traffic
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment unless they are
firmly secured in place.
For more information, please refer to the
“Loading and storing section”.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the
event of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
Infant and child restraint system
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in operation.
The passenger lap-shoulder belt has a
special seat belt retractor for secure
fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow all
mounting instructions provided by the
child restraint manufacturer. Then pull the
shoulder seat belt out completely and let it
retract. During seat belt retraction, a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is
activated. The seat belt is now locked. Push
down on child restraint to take up any
slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and
let seat belt retract completely. To
deactivate the special seat belt retractor
for the passenger seat, the passenger seat
must be in the most backward position. The
seat belt can again be used in the usual
manner.
GWarning!
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat
belt retractor will be deactivated.
The use of infant or child restraints is
required by law in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia, the U.S. territories,
and all Canadian provinces and
territories.
Infants and small children should be seated
in an appropriate infant or child restraint
system properly secured in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions for
the child restraint, that complies with U.S.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213, 213.1 and 213.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint and in the
Occupant safety41>> Safety.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 41Z

restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle and/or the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint
must ride in a seat using regular seat belt.
Position shoulder belt across chest and
shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat
may be necessary to achieve proper seat
belt positioning for children over 41 lbs
until they reach a height where a lap-
shoulder belt fits properly without a
booster.
When the child restraint is not in use,
remove it from the vehicle or secure it with
the seat belt to prevent the child restraint
from becoming a projectile in the event of
an accident.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if the children are secured in
a child restraint system. Unsupervised
children in a child restraint system may
use vehicle equipment and may cause an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
If you are using a rear-facing child
restraint system on the passenger seat, you
must verify that the passenger front air bag
is deactivated. When the passenger front
air bag is deactivated, the
007F 007B indicator lamp is
illuminated ( Y page 40).
Top tether
Top tether permits an additional
connection between a child restraint
system and the passenger seat. Proper
usage of the top tether, in accordance with
instructions provided by the child
restraint manufacturer, can further reduce
the risk of injuries.
The top tether anchorage is located on the
floor of the cargo compartment. The top
tether guide for the top tether strap is
located above, on the head restraint.XThread top tether strap 0086 through top
tether guide 0046 down the back of
passenger seat 0047 to top tether
anchorage 008A.XAttach top tether hook 0088 to top tether
anchorage 008A on the floor of the cargo
compartment.
i If you are using divider plus*, the
hooks of the top tether and the divider
plus* are attached to the same anchorage.
XInstall the child restraint system and
tighten top tether strap 0086 according to
the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions.GWarning!
After installing top tether straps, make
sure the seat backrests are in an upright
position and are properly locked. Push and
pull on the seat backrests to ensure they are
properly secured in the locked position. If
a seat backrest is not properly locked, the
seat backrest could fold. The child seat
Occupant safety43>> Safety.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 43Z

Antilock Brake System (ABS)GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The
Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster ( Y page 22) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.GWarning!
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP ®
are
also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance.GWarning!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
). The
ESP ®
is operational as soon as the engine
is running and it monitors the vehicle’s
traction (force of adhesive friction
between the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid.
By applying brakes to the appropriate
wheel and by limiting the engine output,
the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking and steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 0067 in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 0067 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you
Driving safety systems45>> Safety.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 45Z

switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP ®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roadsGWarning!
If the ESP ®
warning lamp 0067 in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as
follows:
R While driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
GWarning!
The ESP ®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine must be turned
off (ignition switched off) when the
parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer. Active braking action
through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously
damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size ( Y page 202).
Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the hydraulic brake
assistant automatically provides full
brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The
hydraulic brake assistant is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
When the hydraulic brake assistant is
malfunctioning, the brake system is still
functioning normally, but without the
additional brake boost that would normally
be provided during an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
GWarning!
The hydraulic brake assistant cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded. The
hydraulic brake assistant cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
46Driving safety systems>> Safety.
451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 46