XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
XSwitch on the low-beam headlamps.XTo brighten or dim ambient lighting:
Press button \000F repeatedly until the
desired setting is reached.
The current setting is stored.
iWhen adjusting the ambient lighting,
the illumination level for instrument
cluster is also changed (Y page 93).
Windshield wipers
Switching windshield wipers on and off
Example illustration coupé
XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
XSwitching on: Turn the wiper switch to
position \000K or \000L, depending on the
intensity of the rain.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry. Dust that
accumulates on a windshield might
scratch the glass and/or damage the
wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry
windshield. If it is necessary to operate
the windshield wipers in dry weather
conditions, always operate the
windshield wipers with windshield
washer fluid.
! If anything blocks the windshield
wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them
off immediately.
For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a
safe location and
R-remove the key from the starter
switch
-engage the parking brake
before attempting to remove any
blockage.
RRemove blockage.
RTurn the windshield wipers on again.
XSwitching off: Turn the wiper switch to
position \000].
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under
wet weather conditions or in the presence
of precipitation.
Vehicles with rain-light sensor*: When you
select intermittent wiping, the sensor is
activated. The sensor automatically sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface.
! Vehicles with rain-light sensor*:
Do not leave windshield wipers in
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers
will operate in the presence of water
sprayed on the windshield, and
windshield wipers may be damaged as a
result.
! Vehicles with rain-light sensor*:
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RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn
the front wheels towards the curb.
R Turn the key to starter switch position 0
and remove the key from the starter
switch.
R Take the key with you and lock the vehicle
when leaving.GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.
XProperly stop and park the vehicle.XDepress the brake pedal.XEngage the parking brake ( Y page 80).
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster comes on.XRelease the brake pedal.
Parking brake
The parking brake serves to secure the
vehicle against rolling away when it is
stationary or parked.
GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the
vehicle is in motion can cause the rear
wheels to lock up. You could lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident. In
addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
XReleasing: Depress the brake pedal.XPull up slightly on parking brake
lever 0047 and press release button 0046.XPush parking brake lever 0047 down as far
as it will go.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster goes out.XEngaging: Pull up parking brake
lever 0047 firmly.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster comes on.GWarning!
Getting out of your vehicle with the
transmission not fully engaged in park
position P is dangerous. When the engine is
shut off and the brakes are released, the
vehicle can be moved freely with the gear
selector lever in all positions except park
position P. Also, when parked on an incline,
park position P alone may not prevent your
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting
people or objects.
Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.
When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the curb.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch, take it with
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The current gear selector lever position
appears in the transmission position
indicator ( Y page 88).
Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position
Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttleearlier upshiftingMore throttlelater upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
XPress the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
transmission shifts into a lower gear.XEase up on the accelerator pedal when you
have reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
Stopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic
lights:
XLeave the transmission in gear.XHold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop for a longer period with the
engine idling and/or on a hill:
XEngage the parking brake.XMove the gear selector lever to park
position P.
Working on the vehicle
GWarning!
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and move the gear selector
lever to park position P. Otherwise the
vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Driving on uphill grades
Your vehicle has a hill‑start assist system.
GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not
designed to function as a parking brake and
does not prevent the vehicle from moving
when parked on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.
On uphill grades the hill‑start assist
system maintains the pressure in the brake
system for approximately one second after
you have released the brake pedal.
Therefore, you can start off smoothly
without the vehicle moving immediately
after releasing the brake pedal.
XRelease the brake pedal.XApply sufficient pressure to the
accelerator pedal.
! After approximately one second, the
hill‑start assist system stops braking
the vehicle, which then can roll
backwards. If you open the driver’s door
within this time, the hill‑start assist
system is deactivated and a warning
signal sounds.
i The hill‑start assist system is inactive
if you start off with the parking brake
engaged.
Manual gearshifting
With manual gearshifting M selected,
system-controlled automatic gearshifting
is switched off and you need to change the
gears by upshifting or downshifting
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0088 Fuel type label0086 HolderXTurn off the engine.XRemove the key from the starter switch.XOpen the fuel filler flap by pulling at the
point indicated by arrow 0046.XTurn fuel filler cap 008A counterclockwise
and hold on to it until possible pressure
is released.XTake off fuel filler cap 008A.
!
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the
fuel filler flap. Do not drop the fuel
filler cap. It could damage the vehicle
paint finish.
XInsert fuel filler cap 008A in direction of
arrow 0047 into holder 0086 on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.XFully insert filler nozzle unit and
refuel.XOnly fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out — do not top off or overfill .GWarning!
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel pump
nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
XReplace fuel filler cap 008A.XTurn fuel filler cap 008A clockwise until
the handle grip overturns.
i Make sure to close the fuel filler flap
before locking the vehicle as the fuel
filler flap locking pin prevents closing
after you have locked the vehicle.
XClose the fuel filler flap.
You should hear the latch close shut.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating of
91 (average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
Please contact gas station personnel in
case labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
( Y page 221) and “Fuel requirements”
( Y page 222), or contact an authorized
smart center.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see
“Service fluids and capacities”
( Y page 218).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 120)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 128)
R Coolant level ( Y page 124)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 180)
R Windshield washer system ( Y page 124)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 125)
Engine compartment
Engine compartment cover
Open the engine compartment cover to
check the engine oil level and if necessary,
to add engine oil.
GWarning!
High outside temperature, stop-and-go
traffic, driving on long uphill grades or
driving at high engine speed may increase
the temperature in the engine
compartment. Therefore, the engine
compartment cover and parts in the area
around the engine compartment cover may
be hot. Parts of the engine can become very
hot. To prevent burns, let the engine cool
off completely before touching the engine
compartment cover, parts in the area
around the engine compartment cover, and
parts of the engine.
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The brake fluid level is correct when it
is between the minimum mark and the
maximum mark.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
slightly below the minimum mark,
drive to an authorized smart center.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
significantly below the minimum
mark, call Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.XRemount the service flap and close it
( Y page 122).
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized smart center for
information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. For further
information contact an authorized smart
center. If incorrectly sized rims and tires
are mounted, the wheel brakes or
suspension components can be damaged.
Also, the operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth,
or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
smart wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by smart, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized smart center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire
affects the ability to steer or brake the
vehicle. You could lose control of the
vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire
or driving at high speed with a flat tire
will cause excessive heat build-up and
possibly a fire.
Modifications to the brake system and
wheels and the use of brake dust rings are
not permissible.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause
tire pressure loss and damage to the tire
beads.
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size designation, load and speed rating”
( Y page 139).
If you are uncertain about the correct
reading of the information given on a
tire’s sidewall, any authorized smart
center will be glad to assist you.
i For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “All-season and winter
tires” ( Y page 140).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow
chains*, see “Snow chains*” ( Y page 145).
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This
could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS
will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired
braking efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature display is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that
purpose. Indicated temperatures just
above the freezing point do not guarantee
that the road surface is free of ice.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
( Y page 145).
Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive slowly to prevent water from entering
the passenger compartment, the front
compartment, or the engine compartment.
Water in these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result in
water being ingested by the engine through
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To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Insects
R Bird droppings
R Tree sap, etc.
R Grease and oil
R Brake fluid
R Coolant
R Fuel
R Tar spots
! Failure to remove such dirt
immediately can cause damage to the
paint or the soft top fabric*.
Environmental influences are not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and potency
of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a
thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough
inspection. Damaged areas need to be re-
undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
smart because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in
the production process and others applied
later.We have selected vehicle-care products
and compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain smart approved vehicle-
care products at an authorized smart
center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion
or damage due to negligent or incorrect
care cannot always be removed or repaired
with the vehicle-care products
recommended here. In such cases it is best
to seek aid at an authorized smart center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references
to smart approved vehicle-care products.
Vehicle care
Contact an authorized smart center for
recommended and approved care products.
i Advice on caring for the soft top
system, see ( Y page 157).
GWarning!
After washing the vehicle, the brakes may
still be wet and thus their functionality
impaired. Therefore, when you start off,
brake lightly several times without
endangering traffic.
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No.Accessory/ComponentAmperageColor0071Engine15 ABlue0072ESP®
control unit25 ANeutral0073Switches strip, on-board diagnostics socket, turn
signal lamps, transmission control unit, exterior
lamp switch, anti-theft warning system, rain-light
sensor, auxiliary instruments, central locking
system, instrument cluster, exterior rear view
mirror heating10 ARed0074———0075Charge air cooler, air conditioning compressor15 ABlue0076Audio, subwoofer, soft top (cabriolet only)15 ABlue0077Fuel pump15 ABlue0078Rear window wiper (coupé only)15 ABlue0079ESP ®
control unit, EPS control unit, restraint
system, instrument cluster10 ARed007AEngine control unit, on-board diagnostics socket,
transmission control unit7.5 ABrown007BAir conditioning system, exterior rear view mirror
adjustment, washer pump, audio, seat heating, gear
selector lever control unit, wiper switch, backup
lamps, soft top switch (cabriolet only), cruise
control switch10 ARed007CAuxiliary power outlet, cigarette lighter15 ABlue007DLeft low‑beam headlamp7.5 ABrown007ERight low‑beam headlamp7.5 ABrown007FBrake lamps15 ABlue0080Right high‑beam headlamp7.5 ABrown0081Left high‑beam headlamp7.5 ABrown0082Engine7.5 ABrown0083Rear window defroster, radiator fan40 AOrange0084Soft top (cabriolet only)30 AGreen0085Transmission control unit40 AOrange006DHorn, central locking system20 AYellow208Fuses>> Practical hints.
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