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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Reserve fuel indicator
Example illustration (U.S. vehicles)
The reserve fuel indicator is only
displayed when driving on reserve fuel.
XSelecting reserve fuel indicator: Press
button \000F on the instrument cluster
repeatedly until the reserve fuel
indicator appears in the status
indicator.
Auxiliary instruments*
\000FTachometer\000GCockpit clock
Tachometer*
The tachometer displays the engine speed
in units of 1 000 rpm.
The tachometer can be turned by
approximately 90°.
The tachometer illumination comes on when
you switch on the ignition and the exterior
lighting.
! Do not hang any objects on the
tachometer.
This could cause the tachometer to be
torn from its mountings and damage it.
Cockpit clock*
The cockpit clock can be turned by
approximately 90°.
The cockpit clock illumination comes on
when you switch on the ignition and the
exterior lighting.
The buttons for setting the time are on the
top of the cockpit clock.
XSetting the time back in 1 minute
increments: Press button \000F repeatedly
until the desired time is set.
XSetting the time back quickly: Press
button \000F for longer than two seconds.
The setting speed accelerates.
XSetting the time forward in 1 minute
increments: Press button \000G repeatedly
until the desired time is set.
XSetting the time forward quickly: Press
button \000G for longer than two seconds.
The setting speed accelerates.
! Do not hang any objects on the cockpit
clock.
This could cause the cockpit clock to be
torn from its mounting and damage it.
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event of an accident. For this reason, heavy
objects must be tied down.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
Rhard braking
Ra change of direction
Ran accident
GWarning!
Do not place any objects on the mounted
cargo compartment cover blind.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
Rhard braking
Ra change of direction
Ran accident
GWarning!
Only place light loads in the parcel net
bag. Do not transport heavy, sharp-edged or
fragile objects in the parcel net bag. The
parcel net bag cannot sufficiently secure
loads in an accident.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
Rhard braking
Ra change of direction
Ran accident
Observe the loading guidelines.
The cargo compartment cover blind
Rserves to protect objects that are stored
in the vehicle’s cargo compartment from
prying eyes
Rprevents smaller objects from
penetrating into the passenger
compartment from the cargo
compartment; however, it is not intended
to act as a load restraining device
The parcel net bag
Ris for storing small, lightweight objects
Rprevents small objects from sliding
around inside the passenger
compartment
! If objects are placed on the cargo
compartment cover blind when mounted,
the cover may be damaged.
Fitting
If you wish to use cargo compartment cover
blind \000F as normal, assemble it in top
mountings \000G. If you do not need the cargo
compartment cover blind, insert in bottom
mountings \000
Auxiliary power outlet
The auxiliary power outlet supplies power
to the following electrical accessories
when the key is turned to starter switch
position 1:
R the cigarette lighter*, available in
conjunction with the ashtray*
R the electric air pump, available in
conjunction with the tire repair kit*
R other consumers which operate up to a
maximum of 60 W
! The auxiliary power outlet can
accommodate 12V DC electrical
accessories designed for use with the
standard “cigarette lighter” plug type.
Keep in mind, however, that connecting
accessories to the auxiliary power outlet
(for example extensive connecting and
disconnecting, or using plugs that do not
fit properly) can damage the auxiliary
power outlet. With the auxiliary power
outlet damaged, the cigarette lighter*
may no longer be able to be placed in the
heating (pushed-in) position, or may pop
out before it is hot enough.
The auxiliary power outlet is located in the
lower center console.
Auxiliary power outlet
XTurn the key to starter switch position 1.
!
Please observe the safety instructions
given in the respective operating
instructions.
Please note that
R if using the auxiliary power outlet the
maximum current drawn may not exceed
5 A or 60 W
R the electric air pump can be connected
to the auxiliary power outlet for the time
it takes to inflate the tire without any
problem
R the vehicle battery will discharge when
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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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Check the tire inflation pressure at least
once a month. For more information on
checking tire inflation pressure, see
“Recommended tire inflation pressure”
( Y page 127).
Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your
tires for the following
R excessive treadwear ( Y page 136)
R cord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
R bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires should be replaced after 6 years,
regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited
to
R driving style
R tire inflation pressure
R distance driven
Tread depth
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow
your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction
varies widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
Summer tires 1
/ 8 in (3 mm)
Winter tires 1
/ 6 in (4 mm)
Treadwear indicator
0046 appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Storing tires
! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease and fuels.
Cleaning tires
! Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result
in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
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Tire size designation, load and speed
rating0046 Tire width0047 Aspect ratio in %008A Radial tire code0088 Rim diameter0086 Tire load rating0087 Tire speed rating
i
For information purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size
designation: Light Truck tire based on U.S.
design standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only.
Tire width
Tire width 0046 indicates the nominal tire
width in mm.
Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio 0047 is the dimensional
relationship between tire section height
and section width and is expressed as a
percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at
by dividing section height by section
width.
Tire code
Tire code 008A indicates the tire
construction type. The “R” stands for radial
tire type. Letter “D” means diagonal or
bias ply construction; letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire
speed rating” ( Y page 140).
Rim diameter
Rim diameter 0088 is the diameter of the
bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge.
Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).
Tire load ratingGWarning!
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may result and cause an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.
GWarning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B‑pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing
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