
Remove carrier rails
Fig. 64 Luggage compartment: Slacken check points/remove carrier rails
Remove carrier rails
– Slacken the check points B
⇒ fig. 64 on the carrier rails using the vehicle key
or a flat screwdriver.
– Grasp the carrier rail A at the position
1 and slacken it by pulling in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
– Grasp the carrier rail A at the position
2 , slacken it by pulling in the direction
of the arrow and take it out.
– The carrier rail on the other side of the luggage compartment can be removed
in the same way.
Install carrier rails
– Position the carrier rails on the sides of the luggage compartment.
– Press both check points on each carrier rail up to the stop.
– Check the attachment of the carrier rails by pulling it. WARNING
Pay attention when installing that the carrier rails and the variable loading
floor are correctly fixed, otherwise the occupants are at risk. Variable loading floor with spare wheel
Use variable loading floor
Fig. 65 Luggage compartment: Fold the side parts of the loading floor/example for using the
variable loading floor
The variable loading floor makes it easier to handle bulky goods and creates an
even luggage compartment floor when the rear seat backrests are folded forward.
The maximum permissible surface load of the variable loading floor is 75
kg.
You can fold down the side parts of the variable loading floor in direction of arrow
in order to enlarge the space foreseen for stowing items of luggage ⇒ fig. 65 . Note
● If the variable loading floor with spare wheel is installed, no flexible storage
compartment can be installed.
● The variable loading floor with spare wheel can be secured in the raised posi-
tion in the same way as the variable loading floor without spare wheel ⇒
page 74,
Secure the variable loading floor in the raised position. 75
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Air outlet vents
Fig. 88 Air vents at the front
Fig. 89 Air vents at the rear
Open the air outlet vents 3 and 4
–
Turn the horizontal wheel (to the right) ⇒ fig. 88 .
Open the air outlet vents 6
– Turn the vertical wheel (between the end positions) ⇒ fig. 89 .
Close air outlet vents 3 and 4
– Turn the horizontal wheel into the end position (to the left). Close air outlet vents 6
–
Turn the vertical wheel into the end position.
Change air flow of air outlet vents 3 and 4
– In order to change the strength of the air flow, swivel the horizontal lamellas
with the aid of the moveable adjuster.
– In order to change the lateral direction of the air flow, turn the vertical lamel-
las with the aid of the moveable adjuster.
Change air flow of air outlet vents 6
– In order to change the strength of the air flow, swivel the horizontal lamellas
with the aid of the vertical wheel upwards or downwards.
– In order to change the lateral direction of the air flow, turn the vertical lamel-
las with the aid of the horizontal wheel to the left or to the right.
The air outlet vents 3, 4 ⇒
fig. 88 and 6 ⇒ fig. 89 can be closed and opened indi-
vidually.
The air outlet vents 6 are only fitted on vehicles with higher centre console.
Warmed, unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the air outlet vents according to
the setting of the regulator of the heating or the air conditioning system and the
atmospheric conditions. 87
Heating and air conditioning system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Starting-off and Driving
Setting steering wheel position Fig. 95 Adjustable steering wheel: Lever next to the steering column/safe distance to the
steering wheel
You can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering wheel to the
desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒ page 61.
– Pull the lever below the steering wheel down ⇒ fig. 95 - left ⇒ .
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/
back position).
– Push the lever upwards as far as the stop. WARNING
● You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
● The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel
⇒ fig. 95 - right. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the air-
bag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
● For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up to avoid the
steering wheel altering its position unintentionally when driving - risk of acci-
dent! WARNING (Continued)
● If you adjust the steering wheel further towards the head, you will reduce
the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event of an accident. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
● When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the
steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to
the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver airbag is de-
ployed.
Ignition lock Fig. 96 Ignition lock positions
Petrol engines 1 - ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
2 - ignition switched on
3 - start engine
Diesel engines 1 - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
2 - heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
● You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily. £ 99
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

3
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position 1 To
lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel un-
til 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 2 Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
3 The engine is started in this position. At the same time, major electrical compo-
nents are switched off for short periods. The ignition key moves back into position
2 when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position 1 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.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selec-
tor lever is in position P.WARNING
● When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 (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!
● Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever
into the position
P). The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of acci-
dent!
● Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury! Starting the engine
General You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Manual gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
– Engage the clutch pedal and keep it depressed until the engine starts.
If you start the engine without depressing the clutch pedal, the engine does not
start and the following message appears in the Information display Depress
clutch! (Depress clutch!)
or CLUTCH in the display of the instrument cluster.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
Automatic gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into P or N before starting the engine, and apply the
handbrake firmly.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to 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
clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒
page 216. WARNING
● Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon mon-
oxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness
and death.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. £100
Starting-off and Driving

WARNING
● The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the ve-
hicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
● You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind
your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the
sensors.
● Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the park-
ing aid. Note
● Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device).
● If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol flashes in the button
⇒ fig. 100 - left.
Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
● The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
● If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
is in the position P , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer
move).
Park Assist Description and important information The park assist assists you when parking in a suitable parallel parking space be-
tween two vehicles or behind a vehicle.
The park assist automatically searches for suitable parking spaces after switching
on the ignition and when driving up to 30 km/h.
During the parking procedure the park assist only takes over the steering move-
ments, the pedals continue to be operated by the driver. Function of the system is based on:
●
Length and depth measurement of the parking spaces when driving
● Evaluation of the size of the parking space
● Definition of the correct position of the vehicle for parking
● Calculating the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the parking
space
● Actuation of the steering force assistance, automatic spinning of the wheels
of the front axle when parking. WARNING
The park assist does not take away the responsibility from the driver when
parking.
● Pay particular attention to small children and animals as they would not be
recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.
● Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the park assist or the parking aid. Thus,
these objects or people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the
sensors of the parking aid.
● The external sound source of the park assist and the parking aid can be
disruptively influenced and under unfavourable conditions, objects or people
cannot be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid. CAUTION
● If other vehicles are parked behind or on the kerb, the park assist guides your
vehicle beyond the kerb or onto it. Make sure that the wheels or the wheel rims of
your vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.
● You should satisfy yourself before parking that there is no small obstacle, such
as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your vehicle. Such an
obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
● Under certain circumstances, surfaces or structures of certain objects such as
wire mesh fences, powder snow etc..., cannot be recognised by the system.
● The evaluation of the parking space and the parking procedure depends on
the circumference of the wheels. Under certain circumstances, the system may
not function correctly if your vehicle is mounted with wheels of non-permissible
size, snow chains or a temporary spare wheel (in order to reach the nearest work-
shop). If the tyres other than those excepted by the manufacturer are mounted,
the resulting position of the vehicle in the parking space can differ slightly. The
parking assistant system automatically performs the correction of the wheel cir-
cumference when driving. £ 105
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Parking with the help of the park assist and concluding the
parking procedure Fig. 102 Information display: the determined parking space with the information to drive on
A and for engaging the reverse gear
BFig. 103 Information display: Information for engaging the forward gear
C or the reverse
gear D The time limit for the parking procedure with the help of the park assist lasts
180
seconds.
– If the park assist has recognised a suitable parking space, it is shown in the
information display ⇒
fig. 102 A .
– Drive on further until the display ⇒
fig. 102 B appears.
– Bring the vehicle to a stop for at least 1 second.
– Engage the reverse gear or move the selector lever into the position R.
– As soon as the following message is shown in the information display: Steer-
ing interv. active. Monitor area around veh.! (Steering intervention active. ,
let go of the steering wheel, the steering will be taken over by the system. –
Observe the surroundings and reverse carefully at a maximum speed of 7
km/h
with the help of the pedal.
– In the event that the parking procedure cannot be carried out in one go, pro-
ceed to parking in further stages. If the forward arrow flashes in the informa-
tion display ⇒ fig. 103 C , engage the forward gear.
– Observe the surroundings and drive forward carefully at a maximum speed of
7 km/h with the help of the pedal.
– If the backward arrow in the information display ⇒ fig. 103 D flashes, once
again engage the reverse gear or move the selector lever into the position R
and reverse carefully. You can repeat these steps several times.
– End the parking procedure from a distance on the basis of the information of
the system.
As soon as the parking procedure is completed, an audible signal sounds and in
the information display the following message appears: Steering interv. finished.
Please take over steering! .
Switch off park assist
The park assist switches off during one of the following occurrences:
● a speed of 30 km/h is exceeded,
● a speed of 7 km/h is exceeded during the parking procedure,
● a time limit of 180 seconds is exceeded for the parking procedure,
● the button for the park assist is pressed,
● parking aid is activated,
● switch off TCS system,
● intervention of the driver in the automatic steering procedure (stop the steer-
ing wheel),
● Disengage reverse gear or take selector lever out of the position R when re-
versing into the parking space.
Further warning and information texts of the park assist in the information
display:
Park Assist finished.
The parking procedure has ended or after switching on the ignition, the vehicle
has not been driven above 10 km/h.
Park Assist: Speed too high!
Reduce the speed below 30 km/h. £ 107
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The pressure in the brake system is sufficient.
The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
⇒ page 24The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution). Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase)
The clutch is pressed.
The max./min. temperature is set.
The Defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
A high blower stage has been selected.
The “START STOP” button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
The pressure in the brake system is not sufficient.
Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display) ERROR: START STOP
Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION
Switch off the ignition
START MANUALLY
Start the engine manually WARNING
● The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
● Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
If the “START-STOP” system is used at very high outside temperatures over a very
long period of time, the vehicle battery can be damaged. Note
● Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal tem-
perature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains
outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take
several hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suita-
ble temperature for proper operation of the
“START STOP” system.
● In some instances it may be necessary to start the engine manually with the
ignition key (e.g. when the seat belt is not inserted or the driver's door is opened
for more than 30 seconds). Follow the messages in the instrument cluster display.
● If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. 111
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Automatic gearbox DSG
Automatic gearbox DSG
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG The abbreviation DSG means Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gear-
box).
Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the
engine and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional
automatic gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks
when shifting the gear and the power transmission of the engine to the front
wheels is not interrupted. You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the
Tiptronic mode . This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually
⇒
page 115.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒
page 113, and then release
the Shiftlock button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒
.
Stop
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just
for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle sta-
tionary using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If the
selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switching
the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message will appear in the Information display
Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in the
instrument cluster display: P/N. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can
only be started in the selector lever position P.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P. If the selector lever is not in the P positin
when the driver's door is open and the ignition is switched off, or if it is not in the
P position when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened, the
following message will appear in the Information display: Move selector lever to
position P! or, in the instrument cluster display: P. The message disappears af-
ter a few seconds by switching on the ignition or by moving the selector lever into
the position P .
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of
the engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever. WARNING
● Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
● Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
● If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the
“accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is a
risk of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened auto-
matically and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
● If you must stop at a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal, so that you
can prevent the vehicle from rolling back. £112
Automatic gearbox DSG