
OperationFig. 82 
The air conditioning system: Control elements
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings 
 on page 80.
Functions of the individual controls  » Fig. 82 .
Set the temperature (turn to the left to reduce the temperature: turn to the right to increase temperature)
Set the blower level (level 0: blower off, level 4: the highest blower speed)
Set the direction of the air outlet  » page 77
Recirculating air operation on/off  » page 82
Switch cooling system on/off
Note
The warning light in the   button lights after activation, even if not all of the con-
ditions for the function of the cooling system are met  » page 80. The operational
readiness of the cooling system is indicated by the indicator light in the button
lighting up.
ABC81Heating and air-conditioning   

Setting the air conditioning systemFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 
 on page 80.
Recommended basic settings of the air conditioning controls.
Set-upControl dial position  » Fig. 82 on page 81Button » Fig. 82  on page 81Air outlet vents 4  » Fig. 80
on page 77ABC
Defrost/defog windscreen and
side windows a)Desired tempera-
ture3 or 4Do not switch onAutomatically switched onOpen and align with the sidewindowThe fastest heatingTo the stop to theright3Briefly switch onSwitched offOpeningComfortable heatingDesired tempera-
ture2 or 3 
  
Do not switch onSwitched offOpeningThe fastest coolingTo the left up to
the stopbriefly 4, then 2 or 3Briefly switch on b)ActivatedOpeningOptimal coolingDesired tempera-
ture1, 2 or 3Do not switch onActivatedOpen and align to the roofFresh air mode - ventilationTo the stop to the leftDesired positionDo not switch onSwitched offOpeninga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b)
Under certain conditions, recirculated air mode  » page 82 may come on automatically; the warning light will then light up in the 
 button.
We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 
3 » Fig. 80  on page 77 in the
open position in all operating modes.
Recirculated air mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings 
 on page 80.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air from outside the vehicle getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the  
 button.
The indicator light in the button lights up.›
Press the   button again.
The indicator light in the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control
C
  » Fig. 82  on page 81 is turned to the   position.
Recirculated air mode can be switched on again from this setting by pressing the
  button again. 
82Operation   

WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale air”
can cause fatigue of the driver and the passengers, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increa-
ses. Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
83
automatic mode
84
Setting the temperature
84
Recirculated air mode
84
Controlling blower
85
Defrosting windscreen
85
The Climatronic in  automatic mode ensures the best-possible setting of the tem-
perature of the outflowing air, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to alterthe settings manually.
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on  » page 83.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approximately +2 °C.
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to en- sure that the engine cools down.
Note
We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage once ev-
ery year.Control elementsFig. 83 
Climatronic: Control elements
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 83.
The buttons/control dial Setting the interior temperature  » page 84
Display
Display of selected interior temperature
Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, change the displayed temperature units  » page 84
Automatic operation of the air conditioning system Ventilation or defrosting of the windscreen activated
Direction of air flow
Recirculated air mode activated
Cooling system activated
Blower speed set
The buttons/control dial Adjust the blower speed  » page 85
Interior temperature sensor Automatic mode  » page 84
De-mist or de-ice the windscreen  » page 85 
123456789101183Heating and air-conditioning   

Air flow to the windows
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculating air operation on/off  » page 84
Switch cooling system on/off
Note
Do not stick anything on or cover the interior temperature sensor 11  » Fig. 83 ; it
could have an unfavourable effect on the Climatronic system.
automatic mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 83.
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and to
demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching on
›
Set a temperature between +18 °C and +29  ℃.
›
Move the air outlet vents  3 » Fig. 80  on page 77 and  4 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
›
Press the  
 button  » Fig. 83  on page 83;  
 will appear in the display.
Automatic mode can be  switched off by pressing any of the air distribution but-
tons or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is neverthe-
less regulated.
Setting the temperature
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 83.
Setting temperature
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Turn the control dial 
1
 » Fig. 83  on page 83 to the left or to the right to in-
crease or decrease the temperature.
Switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit
›
Press and hold the  
 and  
 buttons simultaneously.
The information appears in the display in the desired temperature unit (no.3 
» Fig. 83  on page 83).
The interior temperature can be set between +18 °C and +29  ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range.
If you set the temperature below +18  ℃, “LO” appears in the display.
If you set a temperature higher than +29  ℃, “HI” appears in the display.
Climatronic operates at maximum cooling or heating capacity respectively at ei- ther end position. There will be no automatic temperature control.
CAUTION
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Recirculated air mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 83.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air from outside the vehicle getting intothe vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
›
Press the  
 button  » Fig. 83  on page 83.
The display shows the  
 icon.
Switching off
›
Press the  
 button  » Fig. 83  on page 83 again.
The  
 icon in the display goes out.
WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale air”
can cause fatigue of the driver and the passengers, reduce attention levels
and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increa-
ses. Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. 84Operation    

It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.
CAUTION
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is running - there is a risk of
damaging the power steering.
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
97
Ignition lock
97
Engine
97
Switching off the engine
98
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When the vehicle is travelling with the engine off, the ignition key must al-
ways be in position 2  » Fig. 89  on page 97 (ignition switched on). This posi-
tion is indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, this
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident!■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise, the steering could
be blocked – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Children could otherwise
start the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!
WARNING (Continued)■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.■Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is activa-
ted when the engine is running 3
  » Fig. 89  on page 97.
■
If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace if necessary  » page 191, or
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid  » page 186 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. 96Driving        

NoteAfter switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings 
 on page 96.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The MAXI DOT display shows the following: Immobilizer active.
Ignition lock
Fig. 89 
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings  on page 96.
Petrol engines  » Fig. 89
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on Starting engine
123Diesel engines  » Fig. 89
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To  lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the  steering is locked  and the key cannot be turned or can only be turned with
difficulty to position 2
  » Fig. 89 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock.
Note
We recommend  locking the steering wheel  whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings 
 on page 96.
Vehicles with a  diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light  
 lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Start the
engine once the  
 warning light has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever to position  P or
N  and firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the ignition 
2
 » Fig. 89  on page 97.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key to position 
3
 to the stop and release immediately the engine has
started – do not depress the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position 
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
12397Starting-off and Driving      

Switching off the engineFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings 
 on page 96.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position 
1
  » Fig. 89  on
page 97.
Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
98
Handbrake
99WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. The front
brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the functioning of
the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
could then start to move – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads  » page 104.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings 
 on page 98.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be comple-
ted intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these  severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage. 
98Driving     

Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically  » page 20,   Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 90 
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings  on page 98.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly  and at the same time push in the locking
button  » Fig. 90 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  
 lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is
only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have
a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a risk of an
accident.
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
99
Pedals
100
Manual gear changing
Fig. 91 
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 99.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear  » page 13.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 99Starting-off and Driving