Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Operating Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Digital instrument panel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Instrument panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Rear vision mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Seats and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . . 131
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher . 149
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox* . 175
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Parking aid acoustic system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 183
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Anti-lock brake and traction control systems M-
ABS (ABS and ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 197
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
3
Table of Contents
6Content
Content
This manual is structured to provide the information you need in an organ-
ised way. The content of this Manual is divided into sections which belong
to chapters (e.g. “Air conditioning”). The entire manual is divided into five
large parts which are:
1. Safety First Information about the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as
seat belts, airbags, seats, etc.
2. Operating instructions
Information about the distribution of controls in the driver position of your
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, about how to create a suit-
able climate in the vehicle interior, etc.
3. Practical Tips Advice relating to the driving, caring and maintenance of your vehicle and
certain problems you can solve yourself.
4. Technical specifications
Figures, values and the dimensions of your vehicle.
5. Alphabetic index
At the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will
help you to quickly find the information you require.
9
Safe driving
– 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.
WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip, the risk of injury and acci-
dents increases.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
24Seat belts
WARNING
● If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe
injuries increases. The optimal protection from seat belts can be ach-
ieved only if you use them properly.
● Fasten your seat belt before every trip - even when driving in town.
The other vehicle occupants must also wear the seat belts at all times,
otherwise they run the risk of being injured.
● The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the seat belt is not
positioned correctly.
● Never allow two passengers (even children) to share the same seat
belt.
● Always keep both feet in the footwell in front of your seat as long as
the vehicle is in motion.
● Never unbuckle a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Risk of fatal
injury.
● The seat belt must never be twisted while it is being worn.
● The seat belt should never lie on hard or fragile objects (such as
glasses or pens, etc.) because this can cause injuries.
● Do not allow the seat belt to be damaged or jammed, or to rub on any
sharp edges.
● Never wear the seat belt under the arm or in any other incorrect posi-
tion.
● Loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket) impairs the
proper fit and function of the seat belts, reducing their capacity to pro-
tect.
● The slot in the seat belt buckle must not be blocked with paper or
other objects, as this can prevent the latch plate from engaging securely.
● Never use seat belt clips, fastening rings or similar instruments to al-
ter the position of the belt webbing.WARNING (Continued)
● Frayed or torn seat belts or damage to the connections, belt retrac-
tors or parts of the buckle could cause severe injuries in the event of an
accident. Therefore, you must check the condition of all seat belts at reg-
ular intervals.
● Seat belts which have been worn in an accident and stretched must
be replaced by a specialised workshop. Renewal may be necessary even
if there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be
checked.
● Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.
● The belts must be kept clean, otherwise the retractors may not work
properly ⇒ page 216.
47
Child safety
WARNING
● Never install a child seat facing backwards on the front passenger
seat unless the front passenger front airbag has been disabled. Risk of
potentially fatal injuries to the child! However, if it is necessary, in excep-
tional cases, to transport a child in the front passenger seat, the front
passenger front airbag must always be disabled ⇒ page 44, Deactivating
airbags*. If the passenger seat has a height adjustment option, move it
to the highest position.
● For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to turn the
airbag off, a Technical Service must be consulted.
● All vehicle occupants, especially children, must assume the proper
sitting position and be properly belted in while travelling.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap, this can result in potential-
ly fatal injuries to the child!
● Never allow a child to be transported in a vehicle without being prop-
erly secured, or to stand up or kneel on a seat while travelling. In an acci-
dent, the child could be flung through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal
injuries to themselves and to the other vehicle occupants.
● If children assume an improper sitting position when the vehicle is
moving, they expose themselves to greater risk of injury in the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly impor-
tant if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat and the airbag
system is triggered in an accident; as this could cause serious injury or
even death.
● A suitable child seat can protect your child!
● Never leave an unsupervised child alone on a child seat or in the vehi-
cle.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.WARNING (Continued)
● Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall must not wear a normal
seat belt without a child seat, as this could cause injuries to the abdomi-
nal and neck areas during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident.
● Do not allow the seat belt to become twisted or jammed, or to rub on
any sharp edges.
● Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause injuries even in a minor colli-
sion or in sudden braking manoeuvres.
● The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the seat belt is
properly positioned ⇒ page 25, Seat belts.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat ⇒ page 48, Child seats.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
79
Cockpit
Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to a Technical Serv-
ice.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: Clean the air filter.
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start-Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in ve-
hicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START-STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met.
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model.
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. You will also hear
an audible warning. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as possi-
ble ⇒ page 219.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: PLEASE REFUEL! .
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
81
Cockpit
For further information on the turn signals, please see ⇒ page 119.
Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Glow plug system/engine fault
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the diesel engine. It flashes if there is an engine
fault.
Control lamp is lit
The control lamp lights up while the glow plug system is preheating.
When the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight
away.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and have the engine checked. Main beam headlights
This control lamp lights up when the main beams are on.
The warning lamp is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
For further information see ⇒ page 119.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter *
If the lamp lights up you should help the filter clean itself by driving in
the appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gear-
box: S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h (40 mph), with the engine running
at approximately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is
burned. When cleaning is successful, the lamp turns off.
If the lamp does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate filter
, emission control system fault and glow plugs ), take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
WARNING
● Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain
and traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal ma-
noeuvres in surrounding traffic.
● The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high temper-
atures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
154Air conditioning
Air conditioning
Heating
Operating instructions
Fig. 125 Heating controls on the dash panel
– Use the knobs ⇒ Fig. 125 1
and 4 and control 5 to set the
temperature, air distribution and blower speed.
– To switch a function on or off, press the appropriate button 2
or 3. When the function is activated, the display window in the
lower left of the button is lit.
Temperature
With the regulator 1
the heating level is determined. The required temper-
ature inside the vehicle cannot be lower than the ambient temperature.
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature. Heated rear window
This function
2
will be switched off automatically approximately
20 mi-
nutes after being switched on. It can also be switched off beforehand by
pushing the button
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode 3
prevents strong odours in the outside air from en-
tering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic ⇒
.
With low outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the vehicle rather than
the air from outside.