Fig. 140
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 145 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selectedgear are indicated in the display » Fig. 139.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 139.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is at idling speed.
Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while
simultaneously pressing the lock button in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 140 .
N
- Neutral
Power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the en-
gine load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher
engine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D , the shift lock button must be press-
ed in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 140.
Releasing selector lever from P or N modes (selector lever lock)
The selector lever is locked in the P and N modes to prevent the forwards trav-
el mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion.
The
warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster » page 41.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while simultane-
ously pressing the lock button in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 140.
The selector lever is not locked when shifted quickly through N (e.g. from R to
D ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of
snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more
than approximately 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being selec-
ted accidentally.
Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)
Fig. 141
Selector lever/multi function steering wheel
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lev-
er or multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while hal-
ted and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the » Fig. 139 on page 145 display.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 43.
146Driving
Switching to manual shifting›Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears›
Press the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 141 .
›
Pull the right-hand paddle +
» Fig. 141 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 141 .
›
Pull the left-hand paddle -
» Fig. 141 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual gear shifting in mode D or S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 141 briefly towards the steering wheel .
Manual gear shifting is deactivated if more than 1 minute passes after either of
the -
/+ paddles was pulled. The temporary switch to manual gear shifting can
also be deactivated by pulling the right-hand + paddle towards the steering
wheel for more than 1 second.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk of the engine over revving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence brake wear » page 143.
Starting off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 140 on page 146 and
keep pressing.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 145 and then release
the lock button.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 140 on page 146 and
keep pressing.
›
Move the selector lever into the position P and then release the locking but-
ton.
Launch control 1)
The launch control function allows the vehicle in mode S or Tiptronic to reach
its maximum acceleration when starting off.
›
Disable the ASR » page 154, Brake assist systems .
›
START STOP deactivate » page 164.
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
›
Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
›
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle starts off with maximum acceleration.
Reactivate the ASR and START STOP when the desired speed has been
reached.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve maximum acceleration by your
vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
147Starting off and Driving
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – there is a risk of an accident.
Malfunction
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in
the automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated
starting or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning
light » page 33 ,
Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
.
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driv-
en. The selector lever must be emergency released » page 217.
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Running in
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
148
New tyres
149
New brake pads
149New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1,000 kilometres›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, which
means 3/4 of the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1,000 up to 1,500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, which means up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system be-
gins to limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than
later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you
adopt during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the suc-
cess of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running in pe-
riod.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the
next gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended
gear » page 43 , Gear recommendation . Very high engine speeds when acceler-
ating (accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 43, Gear recommendation .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and hence engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in
individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps
save fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.148Driving
Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
154
Antilock brake system (ABS)
155
Traction Control System (ASR)
155
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
155
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
155
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
155
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
156WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist
systems must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not
know the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 173, Services, modifications
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work.
An ABS fault is indicated with the warning light
» page 38 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 146
ESC system: ASR button
Read and observe and on page 154 first.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it
is being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direc-
tion of travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is
reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
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 car begin-
ning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) .
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 155.
› Traction control (ASR)
» page 155.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 155.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 155.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 155.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 156.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 172.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The
» Fig. 146 button can only be
used to deactivate the ASR.
The warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the ASR is de-
activated.
154Driving
Antilock brake system (ABS)Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thereby, it helps the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 147
ASR button
Read and observe and on page 154 first.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the con- ditions of the road surface. The ASR makes it much easier to start off, acceler-
ate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfav-
ourable.
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched
on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 154 .
During an intervention of the system, the ASR warning light flashes in the
instrument cluster.
The ASR should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactiva-
ted only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
The ASR can be deactivated via the
» Fig. 147 symbol button.
The
warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the ASR is de-
activated.
Ensure the ASR is activated again afterwards.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel
and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability
of the vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically in order to avoid excessive heat generation
in the disc brake of the wheel 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.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommenda-tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the
right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
155Assist systems
DescriptionFig. 155
Carrier for the towing device / tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 166 first.
The ball head can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel well or in a com-
partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
Support for the towing device and tow bar » Fig. 155
13-pin power socket
Safety eyelet
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball head
Operating lever
Lock cap
Release pin
Key
locking ball
Note
If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.1234567891011Adjusting the ready positionFig. 156
Setting the ready position/ready position
Read and observe
and on page 166 first.
The coupling ball bar must be set prior to installation in the standby position.
If this is not in the ready position, then this must be set to the standby posi-
tion as follows.
›
Grip the ball head below the protective cap
2
.
›
Remove the cap from the lock.
›
Insert the key into the lock, so that its green marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
1
in direction of the arrow, so that the red marking is facing up-
wards » Fig. 156 .
›
Press the release pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow and
at the same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the di-
rection of the arrow.
The operating lever remains locked in this position.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned to a different po-
sition.167Hitch and trailer
Fitting the ball headFig. 157
Insert the ball head/lock the lock, and put the lock cover on
Read and observe
and on page 166 first.
›
Pull cap
4
» Fig. 155 on page 167 downwards.
›
Adjust the ball head to the ready position » page 167.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 157 and insert into the mounting re-
cess until you hear it click into place » .
The operating lever
1
automatically turns upwards and the release pin
2
pops out (its red and green parts are visible) » .
If the operating lever
1
does not automatically emerge, or if the release pin
2
does not pop out, remove the ball head from the mounting recess by turn-
ing the lever downwards as far as it will go. Clean the tapered surfaces on the
ball head and the mounting recess.
›
Turn the key
3
180° to the right so that its green marker points upward.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow.
›
Insert and press the cap
4
onto the lock in the direction of the arrow » .
›
Check the ball head for secure mounting » page 168.
WARNING■
Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the
ball head – there is a risk of fingers being injured!■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever upwards forcibly to turn the
key. Doing so would mean the ball head is not attached correctly.
CAUTION■ After removing the key, always replace the cover on the lock – there is a risk
of the lock getting dirty.■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times. Such
dirt prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 158
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 166 first.
Check that the ball head is fitted properly each time before use.
Correctly secured ball head » Fig. 158
Lever
1
is up as far as it will go » Fig. 158.
The release pin
2
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
Cap
3
is on the lock.
The ball head does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
WARNINGThe towing device can only be used when the tow bar is correctly locked –
there is the risk of an accident occurring.168Driving
Removing the ball headFig. 159
Unlock the operating lever of the ball head/removing the ball
head
Read and observe
and on page 166 first.
›
Remove cover
1
» Fig. 159 from the lock in the direction of the arrow.
›
Insert the key into the lock, so that its green marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn the key
2
180° to the left so that its red marker points upward.
›
Grasp the ball head from underneath.
›
Press the release pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow and
at the same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the di-
rection of the arrow.
The ball head is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it
does not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball head latches into the ready position and is thus
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 155 on page 167 onto the mounting recess.
WARNINGNever allow the ball head to remain unsecured in the boot. This could
cause damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety
of the occupants at risk.CAUTION■ If the lever is held firmly and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will
go back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into the ready po-
sition. The ball head then needs to be brought into this position before the
next time it is fitted.■
Tuck the ball bar in the ready position, with the golden key up, in the box -
otherwise there is a risk of damage to the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
step on it).
Note
■ We recommend that you put the protective cap on the ball before removing
the ball head.■
Clean any dirt from the ball head before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Accessories
Fig. 160
Representation of the maximum
permissible level of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the per-
missible total weight of the ac-
cessories including the load de-
pending on the load center of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 166 first.
An accessory can mounted on the ball head of the towing hitch (e.g. bike carri-
ers).
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible overhang of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the permissible gross vehicle weight of the accesso-
ries including load are to be checked.
The maximum permissible overhang of the ball head of the towing hitch is 70
cm » Fig. 160 .
The total permitted weight of the accessory including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the centre of gravity of the load from the ball head of the
towing hitch.
169Hitch and trailer