through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature).
This may cause burns or frostbite on
unprotected skin in the immediate area of
the air vents. Always keep sufficient
distance between unprotected parts of the
body and the air vents. If necessary, use the
air distribution control to direct the air
to air vents in the vehicle interior that are
not in the immediate area of unprotected
skin.
To make sure the heating or air
conditioning with climate control* works
properly, please observe the following:
R Keep the air intake grill free from
deposits, e.g. ice or snow, to ensure that
fresh air can flow freely into the vehicle
interior.
R Do not obstruct air vents or ventilation
grilles in the vehicle interior.
i For draft-free ventilation, move the
sliders for the center air vents and side
air vents to the middle position.
Center air vents0046Left center air vent, adjustable0047Control panel008ARight center air vent, adjustableXAdjusting: Turn slider 0046 or 008A to the
left, right, up, or down.XOpening: Turn slider 0046 or 008A inwards
towards the center console.XClosing: Turn slider 0046 or 008A fully
outwards towards the side window.
Side air vents
Side air vents on driver’s side illustrated as
example
0046Left side defroster air vent, fixed0047Left side air vent, adjustableXAdjusting: Turn slider 0047 to the left,
right, up, or down.XOpening: Turn slider 0047 inwards towards
the center console.XClosing: Turn slider 0047 fully outwards
towards the side window.
Adjusting air distribution
SymbolFunction0087Directs air to the windshield
and side windows009DDirects air to the footwells
and air distribution is
reduced at the center and side
air vents009EDirects air through the center
and side air vents94HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 94
GWarning!
No racks or loads may be secured to the roof
of the vehicle, as
R the panorama roof* may be damaged, thus
injuring persons
R this can have a substantial adverse
effect on the driving dynamics of the
vehicle, thus causing accidents
R the rack and/or the load could detach and
through this cause an accident or other
people could be injured by the load and/
or rack that has fallen off
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving.
Among other dangers, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
GWarning!
Do not store any flammable substances
inside the vehicle that could ignite and
start a fire.
GWarning!
The manufacturer has not approved your
vehicle for towing a trailer. A trailer can
permanently impair driving safety.
The gross vehicle weight which is the
weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools,
installed accessories, passengers, and
luggage/cargo must never exceed the load
limit and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) for your vehicle as specified on the
placard located on the driver’s door
B‑pillar ( Y page 198). In addition, the
load must be distributed in such a way so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for
your vehicle are indicated on the
certification label which can be found on
the driver’s door B‑pillar.
For more information, see “Loading the
vehicle” ( Y page 120).
The handling characteristics of a fully
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended
to load the vehicle with the heaviest items
being placed towards the front of the
vehicle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
R Always place items being carried
against seat backrests, and fasten them
as securely as possible.
R The heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
seat backrests.
R Do not stack loads higher than the top
edge of the head restraints.
R Make sure no luggage/cargo items can get
above or next to the driver’s and/or
passenger seat into the passenger
compartment.
R Make sure luggage/cargo is properly
secured.
R Always use, if so equipped, cargo net*
when transporting cargo.
Useful features
Sun visors
The sun visors protect you from sun glare
while driving.
Useful features101>> Controls.* optional451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 101Z
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
In the Operation section you will find
detailed information on operating,
maintaining and caring for your vehicle.
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more
satisfied you will be with its performance
later on.
R Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
R During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds (no more than 2
/ 3 of
maximum rpm in each gear).
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Do not attempt to slow the vehicle down
by shifting to a lower gear.
R Avoid accelerating by kickdown.
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km), you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine
speeds to the permissible maximum.
All of the above instructions also apply
when driving the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
after the engine has been replaced.
i Always obey applicable speed limits.
At the gas station
Refueling
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and
poisonous. It burns violently and can cause
serious personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to
your health.
! Do not put diesel fuel in vehicles with
gasoline engines. Do not mix gasoline
with diesel fuel. Even small quantities
of diesel fuel will damage the injection
system. Damage caused by adding diesel
fuel will not be covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
If diesel fuel has mixed with gasoline,
do not start the engine. Otherwise the
catalytic converter will be irreparably
damaged.
Contact an authorized smart center or
Roadside Assistance immediately and
have the vehicle towed.
! Damage resulting from mixing gasoline
with diesel fuel is not covered by the
smart Limited Warranty.
The fuel filler flap is located on the
passenger side towards the rear. Locking/
unlocking the vehicle with the key
automatically locks/unlocks the fuel filler
flap.
i In case the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, or the
opening mechanisms is clamping,
contact Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.0046Opening the fuel filler flap0047Inserting the fuel filler cap106At the gas station>> Operation.
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Checking brake fluid levelXPerform a visual check of the brake fluid
reservoir 0046.
The brake fluid level is correct when it
is between the minimum mark and the
maximum mark.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
slightly below the minimum mark,
drive to an authorized smart center.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
significantly below the minimum
mark, call Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.XRemount the service flap and close it
( Y page 110).
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized smart center for
information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. For further
information contact an authorized smart
center. If incorrectly sized rims and tires
are mounted, the wheel brakes or
suspension components can be damaged.
Also, the operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth,
or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
smart wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by smart, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized smart center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire
affects the ability to steer or brake the
vehicle. You could lose control of the
vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire
or driving at high speed with a flat tire
will cause excessive heat build-up and
possibly a fire.
Modifications to the brake system and
wheels and the use of brake dust rings are
not permissible.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause
114Tires and wheels>> Operation.
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RNever run the fuel tank empty.
R If the engine starts to misfire, bring the
vehicle to an immediate standstill
without endangering traffic.
R If the engine fails to start the first time,
you should not try to start it any more
than three times in succession.
R Do not try to start for more than four
seconds at a time.
Tires
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest smart center or tire dealer for
repairs.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow
your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction
varies widely.
Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subject to high loads (e.g.
high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire will
affect your ability to steer or brake and may
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Continued driving with a flat tire or
driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
For more information, see “Tires and
wheels” ( Y page 114).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur
resulting in a loss of control, even at low
speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle
speed, avoid track grooves in the road and
apply brakes cautiously when it is raining.
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
GWarning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
Driving instructions137>> Operation.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 137Z
! To avoid damage to exterior surfaces never do the following: Use aggressive paint
cleaner, machine polish, abrasive cleanser, acidic, highly alkaline agents, abrasive
sponges, high-pressure or hot water cleaning equipment.ExteriorSpecial
considerationsLightly soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washesHeavily soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washestridion safety cell,
blackPowder coated
single-coat paint
finishCar shampoo
concentrate, insect
remover for insect
remains, polishCar shampoo
concentrate, hard
wax, insect remover
for insect remains,
polishtridion safety cell,
silverPowder coated
single-coat paint
finish and
clearcoatHighly polished
plastic parts (body
panels)Body panels with
base coat and
clearcoat or
clearcoat onlyWheels and wheel
coversTwo-layer metallic
paint (high-gloss)Car shampoo
concentrate, rim
careCar shampoo
concentrate, rim
careRetractable soft topPAC fabricCar shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation sprayCar shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation sprayRemoving insects
Remove insect remains before you start to
wash the vehicle.
XSpray insect remover on.XAllow insect remover to work in briefly.XRub in gently with a soft cloth or sponge.XRinse with plenty of water.XTreat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Removing tar
Remove any tar marks before washing the
vehicle.
XApply tar remover with a soft cloth.XAllow tar remover to work in briefly.XRub in gently.XRinse with plenty of water.XTreat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle by hand
XWash the vehicle using car shampoo
concentrate and a sponge.XRinse with clean water.XTowel dry the vehicle.Vehicle care143>> Operation.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 143Z
>> Practical hints.Where will I find ...? ........................148
Display messages ............................. 148
What to do if ... ............................... 149
Unlocking/locking manually ...............162
Replacing transmitter battery ............163
Replacing bulbs .............................. 164
Replacing wiper blades .....................170
Flat tire ........................................ 172
Wheel change ................................... 177
Battery .......................................... 180
Jump starting .................................. 183
Towing ........................................... 185
Fuses ............................................. 188451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 147
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a
front lamp, do the following first:XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
0027 (Y page 62).XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the service flap ( Y page 110).
Left headlamp, (right headlamp in reverse)
0046Bulb socket for parking, and side
marker lamp0047Bulb socket for turn signal lamp008ALow‑beam headlamp cover0088High‑beam headlamp cover
Parking and side marker lamp bulb
XRemoving:
Driver’s side: Turn bulb socket 0046 toward
the outside.
Passenger side: Turn bulb socket 0046
toward the outside.XPull bulb socket 0046 out of the headlamp
housing.XPull the bulb out of bulb socket 0046.XInstalling: Insert the new bulb into bulb
socket 0046.XInsert bulb socket 0046 into the headlamp
housing.XDriver side: Turn bulb socket 0046 toward
the inside.
Passenger side: Turn bulb socket 0046
toward the inside.Low‑beam headlamp bulbXRemoving: Take off low‑beam headlamp
cover 008A.XDetach the electrical connector.XBend the retainer spring end down and
forward until it unclips. Fold the
retainer spring back.XPull the bulb out of the headlamp
housing.XInstalling: Insert the new bulb into the
headlamp housing.XFold the retainer spring forward.XBend the retainer spring end forward
then up and back to clip in.XAttach the electrical connector.XReinstall low‑beam headlamp cover 008A.
High‑beam headlamp bulb
XRemoving: Take off high‑beam headlamp
cover 0088.XDetach the electrical connector.XTilt the bulb socket down and pull it out.XPull the bulb out of the bulb socket.XInstalling: Insert the new bulb into the
bulb socket.XFit the bulb so that the retaining lug of
the base plate is pointing up.XPress the bulb into the bulb socket until
it is fully engaged.XAttach the electrical connector.XReinstall high‑beam headlamp cover 0088.
Front turn signal lamp bulb
XRemoving: Turn bulb socket 0047
counterclockwise by a quarter of turn and
pull it out of the headlamp housing.XPress gently onto the bulb and turn it
counterclockwise.XPull the bulb out of bulb socket 0047.Replacing bulbs167>> Practical hints.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 167Z