2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS change time

prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For
certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles
with automatic transmission, you need to
have selected manual drive program
M(Y page 156).
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
i Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal
on downhill gradients while the manual
drive program M is temporarily activated
(vehicles with automatic transmission): the
automatic transmission may switch back to
the last active automatic drive program E
or S. The automatic transmission may shift
to a higher gear. This can reduce the
engine's braking effect. Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently

at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage
correctly when folding in, it will swing
out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that
the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot. Towing a trailer
203
Driving and parking Z

X
Press the : or 9 button to select the
Permanent display: function.
You will see the selected setting: outside
temperature or Dig. speedo [mph].
X Press the a button to save the setting.
i The speed is displayed in mph.
Lights Switching the daytime driving lights on/
off
The
Daytime driving lights function can
only be switched on with the engine turned
off.
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Daytime driving lights function.
If the Daytime driving lights function
has been switched on, the cone of light and
the W symbol in the multifunction dis-
play are shown in orange.
X Press the a button to save the setting.
Further information on daytime driving lights
(Y page 105).
Switching the Intelligent Light System
on/off
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Intell. Light System function.
If the Intell. Light Sys. function has
been switched on, the cone of light and the
L symbol in the multifunction display
are shown in orange.
X Press the a button to save the setting. If you activate the Intell. Light System
function,

you activate the following functions:
R motorway mode
R active light function
R cornering light function
R extended range foglamps
If you set the dipped-beam headlamps for
driving on the right/left, the multifunction
display shows the Intell. Light System:
system inoperative Inactive for
left-side traffic or Intell. Light
System: System inoperative Inactive
for right-side traffic display message
instead of the Intell. Light Sys. function
in the Lights submenu ( Y page 221).
Further information on the Intelligent Light
System (Y page 108).
Setting the dipped-beam headlamps for
driving on the left/right
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
X Press : or 9 to select the Dipped
beams Setting for: function.
You will see the selected setting: Right-
side traffic or Left-side traffic.
X Press the a button to save the setting.
If you change the setting, conversion does
not take place until the next time the vehi-
cle is stationary.
This function is only available on vehicles with
the Intelligent Light System.
You can use this function to switch between
symmetrical and asymmetrical dipped beam
(Y page 104).
If you set the dipped-beam headlamps for
driving on the right/left, then motorway
mode and the extended range foglamps are
unavailable.
You can also have the dipped-beam head-
lamps set for driving on the right/left at a Menus and submenus
221
On-board computer and displays Z

X
Press the 9 or : button to select
Radar sensor (See Owner's Man.).
You will see the selected setting: Activa‐
ted or Deactivated.
X Press the a button to save the setting.
i In some countries you must deactivate
the radar sensor system. For further infor-
mation, see ( Y page 350).
If the radar sensor system is switched off,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated
(Y page 197).
Heating Changing the departure time
X
Press the = or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the : or 9 button to select
theHeating submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
You will see the selected setting.
X Press a to confirm.
X Press the : or 9
button to select A,
B or Change C.
X Press a to confirm.
You can now change the departure time.
X Press the =
or ; button to select the
display to be changed: hours, minutes.
X Press the : or 9 button to set the
selected display.
X Press the a button to store the entry.
The yellow indicator lamp on the auxiliary
heating button lights up.
Selecting the departure time or deactivat-
ing a selected departure time
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :
or 9 button to select the
Heating submenu.
X Press a to confirm.
You will see the selected setting.
X Press a to confirm. X
Press : or 9 to select one of the
three departure times or Timer off (no
timer active).
X Press a to confirm.
If a departure time is selected, the yellow
indicator lamp lights up on the auxiliary
heating button.
Changing the departure time
Only vehicles with auxiliary heating
(Y page 134) have this function.
In the Heating submenu, you can select a
stored

departure time or change a departure
time.
The auxiliary heating timer function calcu-
lates the switch-on time according to the out-
side temperature so that the vehicle is pre-
heated by the departure time. When the
departure time is reached, the auxiliary heat-
ing continues to heat for a further five
minutes and then switches off. The auxiliary
heating adopts the THERMATIC or
THERMOTRONIC temperature setting.
You can switch off the auxiliary heating by
using the remote control or the auxiliary heat-
ing button on the centre console. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or sufficient
ventilation is not possible, toxic exhaust
fumes can enter the vehicle, especially car-
bon monoxide. This is the case, e.g. in
enclosed spaces, or if the vehicle is stuck in
snow. There is a risk of fatal injuries.
You should switch off the auxiliary heating in
enclosed

spaces which do not have an extrac-
tion system, e.g. a garage. If the vehicle is
stuck in snow and you must leave the auxiliary
heating running, keep the exhaust pipe and
the area around the vehicle clear of snow. To
guarantee a sufficient supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle away from
the wind. G
WARNING
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
parts of the vehicle can become very hot. 224
Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

i
The tyre pressure values given for low
loads are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort characteristics.
However,
you can also use the values given
for higher loads. These are permissible and
will not adversely affect the running of the
vehicle. Tyre pressure loss warning system
Important safety notes While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the

wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed
of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of
a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appear in the multifunction dis-
play.
The tyre pressure warning system does not
warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pressure.
Observe the notes on the recommended tyre
pressure ( Y page 321).
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not replace the need to regularly check your
vehicle's tyre pressures, since an even loss of
pressure on several tyres at the same time
cannot be detected by the tyre pressure loss
warning system.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Avoid
abrupt steering manoeuvres.
The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration). R
you
are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, make sure that the tyre
pressures

are set properly on all four tyres
for the respective operating conditions.
The recommended tyre pressures can be
found in the table on the fuel filler flap.
The tyre pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set
the correct tyre pressure. If an incorrect
tyre pressure is set, these incorrect values
will be monitored.
X Observe the notes on tyre pressure
(Y page 321).
X Make sure that the key is in posi-
tion 2(Y page 143) in the ignition lock.
X Press the =
or ; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Service menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Tyre pressure.
X Press the a button.
The Run Flat Indicator active
Restart

with OK message appears in the
multifunction display.
If you wish to confirm the restart:
X Press the a button.
The Tyre press. now OK? message
appears in the multifunction display.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Yes.
X Press the a button.
The Run Flat Indicator restarted
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play. Tyre pressure
323
Wheels and tyres Z

After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tyre pressures of all four tyres.
or
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the % button.
or
X If the Tyre press. now OK? message
appears, use the 9 or : button to
select Cancel.
X Press the a button.
The tyre pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored. Changing a wheel
Flat tyre
You can find information on what to do in the
event of flat tyre in the "Flat tyre" section
(Y page 300). You will also find information
on driving with MOExtended tyres in the event
of a flat tyre.
Vehicles with an emergency spare
wheel: in the event of a flat tyre, the emer-
gency spare wheel is fitted according to the
description under "Fitting a wheel"
(Y page 325). Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the

wheels or tyres have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of
differing dimensions can render the general
operating permit invalid. Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(Y page 324).
The

wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Maintain the direc-
tion of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have

additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store
wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tyres against oil, grease, petrol and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind-
ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside

to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident. 324
Changing a wheel
Wheels and tyres

Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients
X
On light downhill gradients: place
chocks or other suitable items in front of
the wheels of the front and rear axle.
Raising the vehicle G
WARNING
If you do not position the jack correctly at the
appropriate jacking point of the vehicle, the
jack could tip over with the vehicle raised.
There is a risk of injury.
Only
position the jack at the appropriate jack-
ing point of the vehicle. The base of the jack
must be positioned vertically, directly under
the jacking point of the vehicle.
Observe the following when raising the
vehicle:
R to raise the vehicle, only use the vehicle-
specific jack that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the jack is
used incorrectly, it could tip over while the
vehicle is raised.
R the jack is designed only to raise and hold
the vehicle for a short time while a wheel
is being changed. It is not suitable for per-
forming maintenance work under the vehi-
cle.
R avoid changing the wheel on uphill and
downhill slopes.
R before raising the vehicle, secure it from
rolling away by applying the parking brake
and positioning wheel chocks. Never
release the parking brake while the vehicle
is raised. R
the jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a
large,

load-bearing underlay must be used.
On a slippery surface, a non-slip underlay
must be used, e.g. rubber mats.
R do not use wooden blocks or similar
objects as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the
jack will not be able to achieve its load-
bearing capacity due to the restricted
height.
R make sure that the distance between the
underside of the tyres and the ground does
not exceed 3 cm.
R never place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
R never lie under the raised vehicle.
R never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R never open or close a door or the tailgate
when the vehicle is raised.
R make sure that no persons are present in
the vehicle when the vehicle is raised. Steel wheel with wheel trim
X
Vehicles with steel wheels: carefully
reach into two of the wheel trim openings
and remove the wheel trim.
Vehicles with hub caps:
the hub cap covers
the wheel bolts. Before you can unscrew the
wheel bolts, you must remove the hub cap. 326
Changing a wheel
Wheels and tyres

Engine oil
General notes When handling engine oil, observe the impor-
tant safety notes on service products
(Y page 338).
The
quality of the engine oil is decisive for the
function and service life of an engine. After
extensive tests, Mercedes-Benz approves
engine oils that correspond to the current
technical standard.
Therefore, only Mercedes-Benz approved
engine oils may be used in Mercedes-Benz
engines.
Further information on tested and approved
engine oils can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you have the oil
change carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Mercedes-Benz approval is indicated on the
oil container by the inscription "MB Approval"
and the corresponding designation, e.g. MB
Approval 229.51.
You can call up an overview of approved
engine oils on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com by enter-
ing the designation, e.g. 229.5.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.
Missing values were not available at the time
of going to print. Petrol engines MB Approval
All models
229.5 Diesel engines with a
diesel particle filter MB Approval
A 180 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY, manual trans-
mission
A 180 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY, automatic
transmission
A 200 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY
A 220 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY
228.51,
229.31, 229.51 Diesel engines without
a diesel particle filter MB Approval
A 180 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY, manual trans-
mission
A 180 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY, automatic
transmission
A 200 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY
A 220 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY
228.3, 228.5,
228.51, 229.3,
229.31, 229.5, 229.51 i
If
the engine oils listed in the table are not
available, you may add the following engine
oils until the next oil change:
Rvehicles with a petrol engine: MB
Approval 229.1 or ACEA A3
R vehicles with a diesel engine: MB
Approval 229.1, 229.3, 229.5 or
ACEA C3
This may only be added once and the
amount must not be greater than 1.0 l.
Capacities The following values refer to an oil change,
including the oil filter.Service products and capacities
343Technical data Z