1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket ........................................ 258
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 220
Function/notes ................................ 64
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Accident (notes) ................................ 287
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 225
Active service system see Service interval display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 68
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 226
Switching on/off ........................... 123
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Air bags
Display message ............................ 218
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Knee bag .......................................... 38
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........47
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 40
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Side impact air bag ..........................39
Window curtain air bag ....................41
AIRCAP ................................................. 97
AIRCAP (cleaning instructions) ........ 280
Air-conditioning system see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 139
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 141
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 142
Air nozzles
see Air vents .................................. 145
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................144
AIRSCARF ........................................... 112
Setting the vents ........................... 147
Air vents ............................................. 145
Glove box ....................................... 146
Important safety information .........145
Rear ............................................... 146
Setting the AIRSCARF vents ..........147
Setting the center air vents ...........145
Setting the side air vents ...............146
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ..........112
Alarm system
see ATA
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........71
Ashtray ............................................... 257
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................71
Function ........................................... 71
Switching off the alarm ....................71
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 193
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 204
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 277
Automatic transmission Display message ............................ 236
Driving tips .................................... 158
Emergency running mode ..............162
Kickdown ....................................... 158
Malfunction .................................... 162
Program selector button ................1584IndexBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 4
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 225
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
Digital speedometer ......................... 202
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 282
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 220
Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Clearing (on-board computer) ........213
Driving systems ............................. 229
Engine ............................................ 226
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 239
Lamps ............................................ 222
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................276
SmartKey ....................................... 238
Tires ............................................... 233
Vehicle ........................................... 236
Distance recorder ............................. 202
Distance warning lamp ..................... 247
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 181
Display message ............................ 232
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 180
Driving tips .................................... 182
Function/notes ............................. 174
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 179
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 81
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
Display message ............................ 237
Emergency locking ........................... 82
Emergency unlocking .......................82
Opening (from inside) ......................81Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 32
Doors
Important safety notes ....................80
Drinking and driving ......................... 167
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 159
Manual ........................................... 160
Drive program display ...................... 157
Driving abroad ................................... 171
Driving on flooded roads .................. 170
Driving safety system BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 65
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 68
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
Important safety information ...........64
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......64
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 68
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............65
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....67
Overview .......................................... 64
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 68
Driving systems
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................193
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 194
Cruise control ................................ 172
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 174
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 183
HOLD function ............................... 184
Parking Guidance ........................... 189
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Rear view camera .......................... 192
Driving tips ........................................ 158
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 182
Downhill gradients .........................168
Driving on flooded roads ................170
Wet road surface ........................... 168
Winter ............................................ 171
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 205Index7BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 7
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 183
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 113
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 211
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 113
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 211
Crash-responsive ........................... 114
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 221
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Electronic Traction System
see ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency closing
Soft top ............................................ 91
Emergency release
Trunk ............................................... 85
Vehicle ............................................. 82
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................162
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 288
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....18
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 155
Starting problems ..........................155
Starting the engine with the key ....153
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............153
Switching off .................................. 165
Warning lamp Check Engine ..........245
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 155
Engine number .................................. 334
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 274
Checking the oil level ..................... 273
Display message ............................ 228
Lubricant additives ........................337
Notes about oil grades ................... 337
Viscosity ........................................ 337
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
see ESP ®
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety information ...........66
Warning lamp ................................. 243
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 67
Exhaust check ................................... 168
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 282
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 114
Dipping (automatic) .......................115
Out of position ............................... 115
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 116
Storing the parking position ..........115
Exterior view ........................................ 24
F
First-aid kit ......................................... 287
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 289
Preparing the vehicle .....................288
Raising the vehicle .........................290
Floormat ............................................. 269
Front fog lamp (display message) ... 224
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 336
Notes ............................................. 335
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CockpitiIllustration: CoupeFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
159
;Cruise control lever172=Instrument cluster26?HornAPARKTRONIC warning
display
186
BOverhead control panel31COperates the automatic
climate control system
134
FunctionPageDIgnition lock151Start/Stop button151EAdjusts the steering wheel
electrically
113
FCombination switch122GParking brake166HOn-board diagnostic socketIOpens the hood272JReleases the parking brake166KLight switch120Cockpit25At a glanceBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 25
workshop immediately and have the roll bar
checked.
PRE-SAFE ®
system
GWarning
The PRE-SAFE ®
system reduces the impact of
an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as
their seat belts have been fastened correctly.
Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE-
SAFE ®
system, the possibility of injury in the
event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You
should therefore always drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions.
PRE-SAFE ®
takes pre-emptive measures to
protect the occupants in certain hazardous
situations.
PRE-SAFE ®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. if BAS
is activated or, on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS, if BAS PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
intervenes powerfully
R if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent danger of collision in certain
situations (on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS)
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded and the
vehicle understeers or oversteers severely
or when having to swerve to avoid an
obstacle at a speed above 85 mph
(140 km/h).
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R under accident conditions, the front-
passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an
unfavorable position.
R increases the air pressure in the side
bolsters of the seat cushion and seat
backrest of the multicontour seats in the
front.
R Coupe: if the vehicle skids, the panorama
sliding sunroof and the front side windows
are closed so that only a small gap remains.
R Cabriolet: if the vehicle skids, the front side
windows are closed so that only a small gap
remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pretensioning. The air pressure in the
side bolsters on the multicontour seat is
reduced again. All settings made by PRE-
SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:XWhen the vehicle is stationary, move the
backrest or seat back slightly.
The belt pretensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.GWarning
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you adjust the seat.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
More information about belt adjustment, a
convenience function integrated into PRE-
SAFE ®
, can be found in the "Belt adjustment"
section ( Y page 56).
NECK-PRO head restraints
The NECK-PRO head restraints increase
protection for the driver's and front-
passenger's head and neck. In the event of a
rear collision of a certain severity, the NECK-
PRO head restraints on the driver's and front-
passenger seats are moved forwards and
upwards. This provides better head support.
GWarning
Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers)
on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise,
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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.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
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the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ä warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When 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.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS (Electronic Traction Support)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®GWarning!
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP when a spare wheel
is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: (Y page 207).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.Driving safety systems67SafetyBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 67Z
GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP ®
switched off.
This could cause serious damage to the
drive train.
XTo activate: (Y page 207).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
EBD
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning!
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Adaptive Brake
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 184) and hill start assist
( Y page 154). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 168).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS)
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision.
This function warns you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) when you
are rapidly approaching a vehicle in front. An
intermittent warning tone sounds and the
· distance warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause the
system to display an unnecessary warning.
At speeds of above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), if the driver and
passengers have fastened their seat belts,
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can:
R brake the vehicle automatically at speeds
ranging up to approximately 124 mph
(200 km/h)
R trigger preventative occupant protection
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y page 51)
GWarning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle's current speed
indicate that the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
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