General Maintenance
Car care173
Services, modifications and technical
alterations
173
Washing vehicle
176
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
177
Taking care of the interior
181
Inspecting and replenishing
183
Fuel
183
Engine compartment
186
Engine oil
189
Coolant
191
Brake fluid
192
Vehicle battery
193
Wheels
197
Tyres and wheel rims
197
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
201
Winter operation
203
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
204
Emergency equipment
204
Changing a wheel
205
Puncture set
209
Jump-starting
211
Towing the vehicle
213
Radio remote control
215
Emergency unlocking/locking
216
Emergency operation of the sliding/tilting
roof
217
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
218
Fuses and light bulbs
220
Fuses
220
Replacing bulbs
223Technical data
Technical data228
Vehicle data
228
Index
3Table of Contents
Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wiper and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is affected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiter for front and outer rear seats.
› Belt tensioner for front and outer rear seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
8Safety
Display of the second speedRead and observe
on page 30 first.
The display can show the current speed in mph 1)
.
This feature is provided for driving in countries with different units for speed.
MAXI DOT display
The display of the second speed can be set in the Alt. speed dis. menu
item » page 47 , Settings .
Segment display
›
Press the
3
» Fig. 21 on page 30 key repeatedly, until the odometer display
flashes » page 32 .
›
Press the
7
key while the display is flashing.
The second speed is displayed instead of the odometer.
Display of the second speed can be disabled in the same way.
Display in rear centre console
Fig. 26
Centre console at rear: Display
Read and observe on page 30 first.
The time and the outside temperature are displayed on the display in the rear
centre console when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 26.
The values are taken over by the instrument cluster.
Auto Check Control
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT
display. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI
DOT display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 34,
Warning lights .
The Vehicle status menu item is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT
display whenever at least one fault message is present. The first of the fault
messages is displayed after this menu item is selected. Several error messages
are shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the
first of a total of three error messages is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT display
Engine oil pressure too low» page 36Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are
too hot» page 33Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 37Thickness of brake pads» page 41Problem with engine oil pressure» page 33
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maxi-
mum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
If the symbol appears in the MAXI DOT display, this indicates that the tem-
perature of the automatic DSG gearbox clutches is too high.
1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
33Instruments and Indicator Lights
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait
until the
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your
journey as soon as the icon disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 72. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing
so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 42 .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
35
Brake system
35
Seat belt warning light
35
Generator
35
Door open
36
Engine oil pressure
36
Coolant
36
Bonnet
36
Boot lid
36
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
36
Engine oil level
37
Traction Control System (ASR)
37
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
37 Anti lock brake system (ABS)38 Rear fog light38
Lamp failure
38
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
38
Exhaust inspection system
38
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
38
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
39
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
39
Fuel reserve
39
Airbag system
40
Tyre inflation pressure
40
Windscreen washer fluid level
40
Brake linings
41
Turn signal system
41
Low beam
41
Fog lights
41
Cruise control system
41
Selector lever lock / starter (system KESSY)
41
Main beam
41
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
34Operation
Door openRead and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if one or several doors are opened.
Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
When the warning light is flashing
, the engine oil pressure is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off. Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 190 .
If the warning light
flashes do not drive any further , even if the oil level is
correct! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates or flashes , either the coolant temperature is
too high or the coolant level is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check coolant! Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant lev-
el » page 192 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, top up coolant » page 192.
If the warning light
does not illuminate , after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light is still
illuminated , then there may be a malfunction of the cooling fan.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 222, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the warning light is never-
theless still illuminated, do not continue your journey!
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNING■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off - a danger of injury is present!
CAUTION
■ Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Bonnet
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the bonnet is unlocked.
Boot lid
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the boot lid is opened.
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Power steering
If the warning light
is illuminated , this indicates a partial failure of the Pow-
er Steering and the steering forces can be greater.
If the warning light
is illuminated , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
›
Stop the car, turn the ignition off and on again.
The powered steering is fully functional again if the
or
warning light does
not illuminate after you switch the engine back on.
36Operation
If the warning light or illuminates again, then immediately obtain help
from an authorised dealer.
Steering lock (KESSY system)
A long as the warning light
flashes , the steering lock cannot be released.
If the warning light
flashes , a signal tone sounds, and the following mes-
sage appears in the MAXI DOT- display Steering column lock. Workshop! ap-
pears the electrical steering lock is faulty. Seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage immediately.
If the warning light
flashes , a beep will sound and a message Steering lock:
defective appears in theMAXI DOT display, this indicates that the electric
steering lock is broken. Park the vehicle, do not continue your journey!
. Af-
ter switching off the ignition, it is then no longer possible to lock the steering,
to activate the electrical components (e.g. radio, navigation system), to switch
on the ignition again and to start the engine. Seek help from a specialist ga-
rage.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light illuminates (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check oil level!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 190 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on
again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light flashes (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes several
times and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
flashes , the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light
illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ASR might be switched off due to technical reasons.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does
not illuminate any more after the engine is switch-
ed on again, then the ASR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 155.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
flashes , to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
37Instruments and Indicator Lights
Average speed
The average speed since the memory was last erased is displayed in km/hour .
Set the memory to zero at the start of measurement to determine the average
speed over a certain period » page 44, Memory .
After erasing the memory, no data will appear for the first 300 m driven.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving.
Current driving speed
The current speed displayed is identical to the display on the speedometer2
» Fig. 21 on page 30 .
Oil temperature 1)
If the engine oil temperature is in the range of 80-110 °C, the engine operating
temperature has been reached.
If the oil temperature is lower than 80 °C or above 110 °C, avoid high engine
revs, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the oil temperature is lower than 50 °C or if a fault in the system for check-
ing the oil temperature is present,
.
symbols are displayed instead of the oil
temperature.
Warning against speeding
Set the speed limit, e.g. for the maximum permissible speed in
towns » page 46 , Warning at excessive speeds .
Warning at excessive speeds
Read and observe
on page 44 first.
Adjust the speed limit while the vehicle is stationary
›
Select the menu item Speed warning (
) or
(
).
›
Activate the speed limit option by confirming this menu item 2)
.
›
Set the desired speed limit, e.g. 50 km/h.
›
Store the speed limit by confirming the set value, or wait several seconds.
Your settings will be saved automatically.
The speed limit can be adjusted from 30 km/h to 250 km/h in 5 km/h incre-
ments.
Adjusting the speed limit while the vehicle is moving›Select the menu item Speed warning ( ) or ( ).›
Drive at the desired speed, e.g. 50 km/h.
›
Confirm the current speed as the speed limit.
If you wish to adjust the set speed limit, you can do so in 5 km/h intervals (e.g.
the accepted speed of 47 km/h increases to 50 km/h or decreases to 45 km/h).
›
+Store the speed limit, or wait several seconds; your settings will be saved
automatically.
Change or disable speed limit
›
Select the menu item Speed warning (
) or
(
).
›
By confirming the stored value, the speed limit is disabled.
›
By reconfirming, the option to change the speed limit is activated.
If the set speed limit is exceeded, an audible signal will sound as a warning.
The Speed warning (MAXI DOT display) or
(segment display) menu item ap-
pears in the display with the limit set.
The speed limit set mode is stored even after the ignition is switched off and
on.
MAXI DOT display
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Main menu
47
Settings
47
Compass point display
48
The MAXI DOT display provides you with information about the current operat-
ing state of your vehicle. Depending on the vehicle equipment, it also provides
you with data relating to the radio, multifunction display (MFD), mobile phone,
navigation system, automatic gearbox and devices connected via the MDI in-
put. Furthermore, it allows the adjustment of some other features of your ve-
hicle.
1)
Applies for vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
2)
An initial value of 30 km/h is displayed automatically if no value has been specified.
46Operation
Emergency ignition shutoff systemRead and observe
and on page 140 first.
The ignition can be turned off in an emergency even when travelling at a
speed of more than 2 km / hr.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 135 on page 141 for longer than 1 second or
twice within 1 second.
After emergency stop of the ignition, the steering is unlocked.
Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
143
Handbrake
144WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
WARNINGIn the case of damage to the standard fitted front spoiler or if retrofitting
another front spoiler, hub caps etc. » page 173, Services, modifications and
technical alterations , make sure that the air supply to the front brakes is
not affected. The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative im-
pact on the functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an acci-
dent!CAUTION■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 149.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 143 first.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and
shift into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will
be used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be
completed intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv- ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times.
143Starting off and Driving