
Starting-off and Driving
74
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible
theft of your vehicle .
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this positi on, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time any switched on low beam
or main beam or other electrical compon ents with major electrical consumers are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position after being
released.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must al ways be in the position (ignition
switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by the
warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected
locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come to
a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of accident!
•
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle, even
for a short time. This is particularly import ant if children are left in the vehicle.
Children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical equipment (e.g.
power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral an d put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•
Before starting, it is necessary to depress the clutch pedal and to keep it pressed
down until the engine starts. If you try and start the engine without pressing the
clutch pedal, the engine will not start. A message in the information display of the
instrument cluster will also appear indicate the need to press the clutch pedal.
•
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise you may
damage the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clear-
ance compensation. This is quite norm al and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid page 153.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres. Observe the following
guidelines page 154, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases
of the engine contain besides the odourless and colourless carbon monoxide a
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon mono xide can cause unconsciousness and
death.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
•
The starter may only be operated (ignitio n key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaus t gas catalytic converter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the
pollutant emissions are lower.
123
2
1
2
3
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Starting-off and Driving75
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air
mixture for every external air temperature.•
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•
Interrupt the attempt at star ting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repe ating the attempt.
•
It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 156.
•
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator
after the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•
You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light
has gone out.
•
The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is
at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5 °C. This
means that you can start the engine right away .
•
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repe ating the attempt.
•
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 156.
•
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank
has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first
of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by tur ning the ignition key into position
page 73, fig. 84 .
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine before the ve hicle is stationary - risk of accident!
•
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can caus e an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes . This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•
The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an
a c c um ul a tio n o f he a t i n the en g in e o r i f the engine is warm and the engine compart-
ment is additionally heat ed by strong sunlight.
•
This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment page 131, “Working in the engine compartment”.
1
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Starting-off and Driving
76
ShiftingShift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment be fore engaging reverse gear in order to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
•
One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
•
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 86.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake
applied.
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•
Please note that the hand brake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premat ure wear of the rear brake pads.
•
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Children might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicl e out of gear. The vehicle might then
move off - risk of accident!
Fig. 85 The shift pattern: 5-speed
manual gearbox
Fig. 86 Centre console: Handbrake
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Intelligent Technology105
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralThe ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on
the conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:•
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
•
Traction control system (TCS),
•
active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
•
Antilock brake system (ABS),
•
Brake Assist,
•
Uphill-Start off-Assist.
The ESP system cannot be switched off, only the TCS system can be switched off by
pressing the button fig. 111 , the warning light
lights up.
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also
processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rotational velocity of the ve
hicle about its vertical axis, the lateral
acceleration of the vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehicle beginning to skid,
the ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes pl ace primarily on the outer front wheel of
a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break
away) while occurs this is on the inner re ar wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-
steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied
by noises.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
flashes quickly in the
instrument cluster page 25.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS page 108, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the ESP
page 25.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to over come the physical limits of the vehicle.
Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you sh ould still always adapt your style of
driving to the condition of the road surfac e and the traffic situation. This partic-
ularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety
offered must not tempt you to take greate r risks than otherwise - risk of an acci-
dent!
Note
•
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to
an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
Fig. 111 ESP switch
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Intelligent Technology
106
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP page 146,
“Accessories, changing and replacing parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock prevents an individual wheel from
slipping.Models fitted with ESP are equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the
driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors.
Should only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an
appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes
the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other
driven wheel. This control process is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat genera tion in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a
vehicle not fitted with EDL.
The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•
Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin despite
the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
•
You should always adapt your style of dr iving to the condition of road surface
and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL. The
increased safety offered must not temp t you to take greater risks than other-
wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•
If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the
EDL. Please have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the EDL page 146,
“Accessories, changing and replacing parts”.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spin-
ning when accelerating.General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the
ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, th e force transmitted to the road surface is
automatically adapted by reducing the engi ne speed. The system operates at all
speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS page 108, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the TCS
page 25.
During an intervention of th e system, the TCS warning light
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster page 25.
Fig. 112 TCS switch
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Intelligent Technology107
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button
page 106, fig. 112 . The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when
the TCS is switched off
page 25.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
•
when driving with snow chains
•
when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•
when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The in creased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than ot herwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to
an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS page 146,
“Accessories, changing and replacing parts”.
Active driver-steerin g recommendation (DSR)*Vehicles with ESP are equipped with active driver-steering recommendation (DSR).
This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommendation
in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is acti-
vated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces.
WARNING
Even with this function the vehicle cannot steer itself! The driver is furthermore
responsible for the steering of the vehicle!BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions
of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns
and over short distances or if you adopt a sp orty style of driving, it may be necessary
to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage between
the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi-
tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the
vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and
brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You should
dry the brakes as soon as possible by applying and releasing the brakes several
times.
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when
driving on roads which have been treated wi th road salt if you have not used the
brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the brake discs
and brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been
parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly high
speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corrosion is
present .
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-
circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage
without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while
on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal
pressure required.
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Intelligent Technology
108
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically page 27, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
•
Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs
if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeop-
ardy.
•
When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced other-
wise the braking system could run too hot.
•
Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking effi-
ciency until after the first 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in”
before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate
for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake
pedal. This guideline also applies to an y new brake pads installed at a future
date.Caution
•
Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to
brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
•
Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce your speed, shift down into
the next lower gear. This enables you to ma ke full use of the braking power of the
vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done
intermittently, no t continuously.Note
The brake light flashes automatically in ca se of an emergency braking at speeds
greater than 60 km/h or with the interven tion of the ABS, which lasts longer than
1.5 seconds. After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on. The
hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating or
driving off again.Brake boosterThe brake booster boosts the pressure wh ich you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine be fore the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can caus e an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a vehicle not fitted with ABS, you are able to retain optimal steering
ability even during a full brake application on a slippe ry road surface because the
wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel
and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be
longer.
Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is
too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is notice-
able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by
noises. This is consciously intended to pr ovide the driver with the information that
the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake
pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this
braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
•
The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do
not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS
is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the
conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety
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
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Intelligent Technology109
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 26.
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS page 146,
“Accessories, changing and replacing 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 applica-
tion. This makes it possible, even with a relatively 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 the car. 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 achi eve 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 swit ched 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 availa ble. Further information on the ESP page 105.
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.
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
instrument cluster page 24.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.Tyre inflation pressure-control system*The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS
sensors the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the
rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
lights up in the
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 113 Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
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