Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 19At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening and closing ...........................71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....93Lights and windshield wipers ..........113Climate control ................................. 129Driving and parking ..........................145On-board computer and displays ....213Loading, stowing and features ........263Maintenance and care ......................293Roadside assistance .........................307Tires and wheels ............................... 333Technical data ................................... 361
Contents3BA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 3
1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 282
12 V socket ........................................ 281
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 67
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 202
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 235
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 256
Accident (notes) ................................ 309
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 240
Active service system see Service interval display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 194
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 163
Display message ............................ 243
Additional functions (on-board
computer) .......................................... 226
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 194
Air bags Display message ............................ 232
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety information ...........38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 137
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 140
Air filter (display message) .............. 243
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 140
Air nozzles
see Air vents .................................. 143
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................141
Air vents ............................................. 143
Important safety information .........142
Rear ............................................... 143
Setting the center air vents ...........143
Setting the side air vents ...............143
Alarm system
see ATA
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 223
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Approach/departure angle .............. 177
Ashtray ............................................... 279
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 219
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 300
Automatic transmission DIRECT SELECT lever .....................152
Display message ............................ 250
Driving tips .................................... 155
Emergency running mode ..............157
Kickdown ....................................... 155
Malfunction .................................... 157
Pulling away ................................... 149
Starting .......................................... 148
Trailer towing ................................. 1554IndexBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 4
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 222
Daytime driving lights Display message ............................ 240
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
Diesel particle filter .......................... 168
Differential locks ............................... 207
Differential locks (display
message) ............................................ 245
Digital speedometer Displaying ...................................... 218
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 222
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 303
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 235
Calling up (on-board computer) .....229
Clearing (on-board computer) ........229
Engine ............................................ 240
Lamps ............................................ 240
Safety systems .............................. 230
Service interval display ..................298
Tires ............................................... 248
Vehicle ........................................... 250
Distance recorder ............................. 218
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ................. 69
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 226
Distance warning lamp ..................... 260
DISTRONIC ......................................... 181
Display message ............................ 247
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 186
Driving tips .................................... 187Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 185
Warning lamp ................................. 260
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 79
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
Display message ............................ 251
Emergency locking ........................... 80
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Opening (from inside) ......................79
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 34
Doors
Important safety notes ....................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 167
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Driving abroad ................................... 178
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............177
Driving on flooded roads .................. 170
Driving safety system EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 68
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
Important safety information ...........65
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...67
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............66
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............69
Overview .......................................... 65
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 200
Cruise control ................................ 179
DISTRONIC .................................... 181
Level control .................................. 189
PARKTRONIC ................................. 195
Rear view camera .......................... 198
Driving tips ........................................ 155
DISTRONIC .................................... 187
Downhill gradients .........................168
Driving on flooded roads ................170
Driving on sand .............................. 176Index7BA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 7
Driving over obstacles ...................176
Off-road driving .............................. 174
Off-road fording ............................. 171
Tire ruts ......................................... 176
Towing a trailer .............................. 209
Wet road surface ........................... 169
Winter ............................................ 173
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) ......................................... 203
Display message ............................ 246
Setting (on-board computer) .......... 226
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 219
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 107
3rd row of seats ............................. 101
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 225
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 107
3rd row of seats ............................. 101
Crash-responsive ........................... 107
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 271
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 271
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 236
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 161
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................157
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 311
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 151
Starting problems ..........................151
Starting the engine with the key ....148
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............149
Switching off .................................. 165
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 259
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 151
Engine emergency stop .................... 331
Engine number .................................. 364
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 296
Checking the oil level ..................... 295
Display message ............................ 242
Lubricant additives ........................369
Notes about oil grades ................... 368
Viscosity ........................................ 369
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Display message ............................ 230
Important safety information ...........66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Exhaust check ................................... 168
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 303
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 108
Dipping (automatic) .......................109
Folding in/out (automatically) .......109
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........108
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 226
Out of position ............................... 109
Setting ........................................... 1088IndexBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 8
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 69
Indicator and warning lamps ABS ................................................ 256
Brakes ........................................... 254
DISTRONIC .................................... 260
Engine diagnostics .........................259
ESP ®
.............................................. 257
Fuel tank ........................................ 259
Reserve fuel ................................... 259
Seat belt ........................................ 255
SRS ................................................ 258
Tire pressure monitor ....................260
Insect protection on the radiator .... 295
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 28
Selecting the language (on-board
computer) ...................................... 222
Submenu (on-board computer) ......221
Warning and indicator lamps ...........29
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 28
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting
Automatic control ..........................119
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
Emergency lighting ........................119
Manual control ............................... 119
Reading lamp ................................. 118
Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
ISOFIX (LATCH-type child seat
securing system) ................................. 62
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 310
Using ............................................. 318
Jump-starting ..................................... 325
K
Key Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........86
Display message ............................ 252
Starting the engine ........................148
KEYLESS-GO
Button ............................................ 147
Convenience closing feature ............87
Locking ............................................ 73
Starting the engine ........................149
Unlocking ......................................... 73
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 147
SmartKey ....................................... 147
Kickdown ........................................... 155
Knee bag .............................................. 40
L
Lane-change assistant see Blind Spot Assist
Language (on-board computer) ........ 222
Level control ...................................... 189
Level control (display message) ...... 244
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 239
Light Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................224
Active light function .......................118
Automatic headlamp mode ............115
Daytime running lamps ..................115
Driving abroad ............................... 114
Fog lamps ...................................... 116
Hazard warning lamps ...................117
High-beam headlamps ...................117
Light switch ................................... 114
Low-beam headlamps ....................115
Rear fog lamp ................................ 116
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board computer) . 223
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 223
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........223
Light sensor (display message) ....... 240
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Exterior viewFunctionPage:Tailgate80Vehicle tool kit310;Rear window heating141=Lights120?Fuel filler flap159AExterior mirrors108BRoof carrier273Sliding sunroof88CDefrosting the windshield140Cleaning the windows302FunctionPageDWindshield wipers125EOpening the hood294Engine oil295Coolant297FTowing away327GTires and wheels334Flat tire31126Exterior viewAt a glance
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Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Brakes (USA only)254;ESP®257=Distance warning lamp 4260?Turn signal117ATurn signal117BDiesel engine: preglow148CSRS258DLow-beam headlamps115EEngine diagnostics (Canada
only)
259
FEngine diagnostics (USA
only)
259
FunctionPageGHigh-beam headlamps117HReserve fuel259ISeat belt255JBrakes (Canada only)254KTire pressure monitor (USA
only)
260
LABS256MThe lamp lights up briefly,
but has no function.4 On vehicles without DISTRONIC, the lamp lights up briefly but has no function.Instrument cluster29At a glanceBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 29
Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraint systems
R "LATCH" type child seat mountings
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints
R PRE-SAFE ®
R Air bag system components with:
- PASSENGER air bag OFF indicator lamp
- USA only: front-passenger seat with
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
- Canada only: front-passenger seat with
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
The protective functions of the systems work
in conjunction with each other. The systems
are, however, autonomous.
GWarning!
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices/
belt buckle tensioners, for example, could
deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy.
Therefore, never modify the restraint
systems. Do not tamper with electronic
components or their software.
i More information on the subject of
children in the vehicle and child restraint
systems can be found under the "Children
in the vehicle" chapter ( Y page 59).
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS consists of:
R + SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R ETDs/belt buckle tensioners
R belt force limiters
SRS warning lamps
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The + SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the + indicator lamp goes
out while the engine is running.
36Occupant safetySafety
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