The uphill start assist is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is
always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive.
ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the
pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! ÐTraction control system (TCS)
Fig. 118
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
The TCS is automatically activated after starting the engine. If the wheels are
slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of the road surface.
The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb steep hills even if
the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable. ä
ä The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to
“rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is switched on again afterwards.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS indicator light flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS indicator light » page 23 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
If necessary, the TCS can be switched off and on again by pressing the button » Fig. 118
, or on vehicles with ESP, by pressing the button » Fig. 117 on
page 110
. The TCS indicator light lights up in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is switched off. Ð Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down. Ð
ä
111
Starting-off and Driving
WARNING
■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) - risk of accident!
■ The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions. ■ Always switch off the cruise control system after use to prevent uninten-
tional use of the system. CAUTION
■ Always depress the clutch pedal if switching to the neutral position (vehicle
with a manual gearbox) when the cruise control system is switched on! Otherwise
the engine can rev up unintentionally.
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at
which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake. Note
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R. ÐStoring a speed
Fig. 124
Turn signal and main beam lever:
Rocker switch and switch of the
cruise control system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
ä Storing a speed
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 124 into the
ON position.
› After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button B
into the
SET position.
After you have released the rocker button B
out of the position SET
, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator. Ð Changing a stored speed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
Increasing the speed with the accelerator
›
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.
› Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.
However, if the saved speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h for a period of
more than 5 minutes by depressing the accelerator, the stored speed is deleted
from the memory. The speed then has to be saved again.
Increasing the speed with the rocker button B
›
Press the rocker button B
» Fig. 124 on page 117
into the RES position.
› The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held in
the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is reached.
The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Decreasing the speed
› The stored speed can be
reduced by pressing the rocker button B
» Fig. 124 on
page 117 into the position SET.
› The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held
in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
› If the rocker button is released at a speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is
not stored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored again by
pressing the rocker button B
in the position SET after increasing the speed of
the vehicle to more than 30
km/h.
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which temporarily
deactivates the system. Ð
ä
117
Starting-off and Driving
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
The cruise control system is
temporarily switched off by pressing the switchA
» Fig. 124 on page 117
into the spring-tensioned position CANCEL or by de-
pressing the brake or clutch pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Briefly press the rocker button B
into the position RES
to resume the stored
speed after the clutch or brake pedal is released. ÐSwitching off the cruise control system completely
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 124 on page 117
into the OFF position. ÐSTART/STOP
Fig. 125
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
ä
ä Information regarding the current state of the START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button » Fig. 125.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the indicator light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The START-STOP
system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview.
Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase):
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1 200 rpm.
› The temperature inside the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› 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 24.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
£
118 Using the system
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase):
›
The clutch pedal is depressed.
› 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.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed.
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 temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð Fatigue detection system (break recommendation)
The fatigue detection system advises the driver on the basis of information about
the steering behaviour, to take a break from driving. The system recommends a
break at speeds of 65 km/h to 200
km/h.
After the ignition has been switched on, the system evaluates the steering be-
haviour for 15 minutes. This baseline analysis is constantly compared with the
current steering behaviour. If the system detects deviations from normal steering
behaviour due to possible fatigue of the driver, it recommends to take a break
from driving.
The symbol will appear in the information display for a few seconds and the fol-
lowing message will be displayed:
Break recommended.
An audible signal is also emitted.
The system deletes the stored baseline analysis if one of the following condi-
tions is met:
› the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is turned off,
› the seat belt taken off and the driver's door is opened,
› the vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of the conditions for deleting the stored baseline analysis is met, the sys-
tem will recommend a driving break again.
Switching on/off
The system can be switched on/off in the main menu of the information dis-
play » page 16 in the menu item Assistants. £
119
Starting-off and Driving
Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 121
Starting-off and driving 122
Selector lever positions 122
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) 123
Selector lever lock 124
Kickdown function 124
Dynamic shift programme 124
Emergency programme 125
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 125
WARNING
■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle 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!
■ When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
■ The selector lever must be placed into position P and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed - risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 176, Engine compartment . WARNING (Continued)
■ If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the
“accelerator pedal”, i.e. by let-
ting 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 automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.
■ On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin - risk of skidding! CAUTION
■ The double clutch on the automatic gearbox DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If the uphill function is used when the vehicle is stationary or driving
slowly uphill, the thermal stress on the clutches is increased. ■ If the clutch system overheats, the symbol is shown in the information dis-
play along with the message Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! appears.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. Stop the vehicle, switch off the en-
gine, and wait until the symbol disappears - risk of gearbox damage! You can
continue your journey as soon as the symbol disappears. Ð Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to
Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 123.
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, switch-
ing 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 1)
. £
ä
1)
Applies to DSG.
121
Automatic gearbox
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed
of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the drive
position. ÐStarting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
› Press the Shiftlock button (button in the selector lever handle), move the selec-
tor lever into the desired position » page 122 and then release the Shiftlock
button.
› Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can
be felt) 1)
.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
› The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
› Depress the brake pedal.
› Firmly apply the handbrake.
› Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to
P
and then release the Shiftlock button. Ð
ä Selector lever positions
Fig. 126
Selector lever/information display: Selector lever positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The current selector lever position is indicated in the information display of the
instrument cluster
1
» Fig. 126.
P
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
If you wish to move the selector lever into/out of this position, the Shiftlock but-
ton in the selector lever handle and the brake pedal must be actuated at the
same time.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P. R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is idling.
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. £
ä
1)
Applies to AG.
122 Using the system
N
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2
seconds) into the position D or R
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched on. D
- Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5
km/h or is stationary.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift pro-
gramme » page 123 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manual-
ly to the driving situations. S
- Position for driving forward (sports programme)
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. ÐManual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 127
Selector lever and multifunction steering wheel First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the selector lever to the right out of position
D. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged is indicated in the information display of the instrument
cluster together with the engaged gear 1
» Fig. 126 on page 122
on the right.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever forwards +
» Fig. 127.
› Pull the right rocker switch
+ towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Shifting down gears › Press the selector lever backwards -
» Fig. 127.
› Pull the left rocker switch
- towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting
› If the selector lever is in position
D or S, pull the left rocker switch - or the
right rocker switch + towards the multifunction steering wheel.
› Manual shifting switches off if the rocker switches
- or
+ are not actuated for
some time. You can also switch off the temporary switch-over to manual shift-
ing by pressing the right rocker switch + for more than 1 second.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed. Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. Ð
ä
123
Automatic gearbox
Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of this posi-
tion. The indicator light » page 26, Selector lever lock/starting (KESSY system)
illuminates in the instrument cluster as a reminder for the driver when the se-
lector lever is in the positions P and N.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position
N (e.g.
from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The selec-
tor lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2
seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N
when the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
the Shiftlock button is pressed.
Ignition key withdrawal lock
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever
is blocked in position P . ÐKickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving pro-
gramme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one or sev-
ä
ä
eral gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox
does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum
revolutions for this gear range. Ð Dynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving
will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption.
When adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator
pedal combined with sharp acceleration, frequent changes in speed and exploit-
ing the top speed of the car, the gearbox will adjust to this style of driving once
the accelerator pedal (kickdown function) is depressed and will shift down earlier,
frequently by several gears in comparison to a moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driv-
ing is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch
or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rap-
idly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear in accordance with the speed,
therefore enabling rapid acceleration (e.g. when overtaking) without the accelera-
tor pedal having to be depressed into the kickdown range. The original pro-
gramme will be reactivated to match your particular style of driving once the
gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negoti-
ating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque. Ð
ä
124 Using the system