8Safe driving
you and your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the
safety equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you
and your passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!
Before setting off
The driver is always responsible for the safety of the passen-
gers and the safe operation of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals are working
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the
surroundings.
– Secure all baggage. ⇒ page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and rear vision mirrors properly
according to your size.
– Ensure that the passenger in the central rear seat always has
the head restraint in the correct position for use.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to
their height. –
Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly ap-
plied seat belts ⇒ page 42.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers al-
so to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒ page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to
fasten their seat belts properly. ⇒ page 18.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style
and the personal behaviour of all vehicle occupants.
As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any cir-
cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road
⇒
, for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by pas-
sengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medi-
cation, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate for road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– When travelling long distances, take breaks regularly - at least
every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
53
Cockpit
Operating Instructions Cockpit
Overview Overview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays. Door release lever
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Light dimmer for instrument panel lighting* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Headlight range control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Air vents
Turn signal and dipped beam lever and cruise control sys-
tem* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104, 159
Instrument panel and warning lamps:
– Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
– Control and warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Horn (only works when the ignition is on)/ and driver
front airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Steering and starter lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Windscreen wiper and windscreen wash lever* and opera-
tion of the multifunction display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107, 107, 59
Radio
Glove compartment/Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
1
23456
7
8
910
111213
Switches for:
–
Heating and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
– Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
– Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Cigarette lighter / Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Drink holder/Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Controls on the centre console:
- Start-Stop operation button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
- LPG gas system control button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
- Tyre pressure monitoring* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
- Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
- Heated seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
- Central locking* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Dash panel switches:
- ESC OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139, 165
- Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
- Airbag disconnection warning lamp* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30, 40
Handbrake lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Automatic*/manual gear lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148, 147
Storage space
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Steering column control lever* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Steering column controls for audio and telephone* . . . . . . . . .76
14
151617
18192021222324
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
64Cockpit
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning
lampsFurther infor-mation
1Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 67
1
Glow plug system for diesel engine
If lit: glow plug system active
If flashing: engine fault⇒ page 68
2Soot accumulation in the diesel en-
gine particulate filter⇒ page 68
3
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 68Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine
oil
4Bulb defective⇒ page 69
5Level of liquid for washing windows
too low.⇒ page 69
6Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 69
7Seat belt warning lamp*⇒ page 18
8Anti-lock brake system (ABS) *⇒ page 69
9
If flashing: the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is working or the ASR
is working
If it remains lit: ESC or ASR faulty⇒ page 70
⇒ page 70
10Brake fluid required or
serious fault in brake system⇒ page 71
11Handbrake on⇒ page 155
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning
lampsFurther infor-mation
12Cruise speed activated (Cruise con-
trol)⇒ page 71
13Tyre pressure*⇒ page 71
14Selector lever lock (automatic gear-
box)⇒ page 72
15Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 72
16Doors open⇒ page 72
17Rear lid open⇒ page 72
18Airbag or belt tensioner system fault
or airbag disabled⇒ page 30
19Main beam switched on⇒ page 73
20Start-Stop system switched off⇒ page 144
21Electro-hydraulic steering⇒ page 73
22Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 73
23Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 73
24Alternator fault⇒ page 74
25If it stays lit: ASR switched off⇒ page 70
⇒ page 70
69
Cockpit
Bulb defect*
The indicator lights up when a bulb is not functioning. The warning lamp lights up when there is a fault on the turn signals,
headlights, side lights and fog lights.
Washer fluid
This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low. This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 204.
Rear fog light*
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on . For
further information see ⇒ page 98.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*
A control lamp monitors the ABS.
The control lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automat-
ic test sequence. There is a fault in the ABS if:
●
The control lamp does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to ⇒ page 164.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the tyre pressure control lamp will
also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible
fault in the brake system ⇒
.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 195, Working in the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp , stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake
fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ page 208, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid lev-
el has dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of acci-
dent. Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the
rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to
break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assis-
tance.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
71
Cockpit
Brake system*
This warning lamp lights up if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the system.
This warning lamp lights up if
● the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 208.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driv-
ing, the brake fluid level ⇒ page 208, Brake fluid in the reservoir is too
low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain techni-
cal assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause
the rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek tech-
nical assistance.
Cruise speed (Cruise control)*
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.
The warning lamp lights up when the cruise control system is switched
on. For further information on the cruise control system, see ⇒ page 159.Tyre pressure*
Fig. 40 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre control lamp 1)
compares wheel revolutions and with it, the wheel
diameter of each wheel using the ESC. If the diameter of a wheel changes,
the tyre control lamp lights up. The wheel diameter changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed.
1)
Depending on the model version
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
72Cockpit
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels,
the button ⇒ Fig. 40 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on until an
audible warning is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre moni-
tor system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure control lamp lights up
If the tyre pressure of a wheel is much lower than the value set by the driver,
then the tyre pressure control lamp ⇒
will light up.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure control lamp lights up, reduce speed immedi-
ately and avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible,
and check the tyre pressure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. For
this reason, tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (for example, when driving in a sports-
like manner, in winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre control lamp
may light up or function incorrectly.
Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow warning lamp lights up after
turning the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey. Speed selector lever lock*
The brake pedal must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This
is necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions
P or N.
Fuel level/reserve
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.
It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Moreover, an audi-
ble warning* is heard. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as
possible ⇒ page 189.
Indicates that the doors are open*
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the rear
lid is open. The warning light should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
Rear lid open*
The warning lamp should switch off when the rear lid is fully closed.
164Intelligent technology
WARNING
● The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slip-
pery or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake
assist system.
● The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! There-
fore, it is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any
risks when driving.
Anti-lock brake system and traction control
ABS Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking dur-
ing braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one
or more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has
intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully de-
pressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”. If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is re-
tained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in
all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
● The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 211.
● If the running gear or brake system is modified, the effectiveness of
the ABS could be severely limited.
Traction control system (ASR)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. The system al-
ways includes ABS
Description and operation of the traction control system during
acceleration (ASR
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR system intervenes, reducing engine
power and preventing the driven wheels from slipping during acceleration.
The system works in the entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a
failure occurs in the ABS, the ASR will also stop working.
168Driving and the environment
Driving and the environment
Running-in Running in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km (1000
miles).
Up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles)
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres (600 to 900 miles)
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consump-
tion reduced. Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km
(300 miles). New brake pads should be run-in carefully for
the first 200 km (120 miles).
During the first 200 km (120 miles), you can compensate for the reduced
braking effect by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. In case of a
sharp braking, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than
with brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
● At first, new tyres do not give maximum grip, and require running-in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first
500 km (300 miles).
● New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km (120 miles). However, the reduced
braking capacity may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a
little harder.
Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The
rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions
under which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you
often drive in town, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we