
Winter tyres
Here, you can set the speed at which an audible signal should sound. This func-
tion is, for example, used for winter tyres where the maximum permissible speed
is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
The following is shown on the information display if this speed is exceeded: Winter tyres: maximum ... km/h.
Units of measurement
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set here.
Alt. speed dis.
Display of the second speed in mph 1)
can be activated here.
Service
The days and kilometres remaining until the next service can be displayed here.
Factory setting
The display can be restored to its factory settings here.
Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 18.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the MAXI DOT display
shows the vehicle with the corresponding door or boot/bonnet open.
An audible signal also sounds if the vehicle is travelling at more than 6 km/h.
Auto Check Control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 18.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT dis-
play. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI DOT
display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 20.
The Vehicle status menu item is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message is present. The first of the fault mes-
sages is displayed after this menu item is selected. Several error messages are
shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a
total of three error messages is being displayed.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indica- ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning symbolsEngine oil pressure too low» page 21Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too
hot» page 19Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 21
Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too hot
The
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the au-
tomatic gearbox clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Gearbox overheating. Stop. Read manual.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the
icon goes out – there
is a risk of gearbox damage. You can continue your journey as soon as the icon
disappears.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 . 1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
19Instruments and Indicator Lights

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

MalfunctionFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 100.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in the
automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated starting
or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light » page 19,
Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too hot .
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
Fig. 94
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 100.
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Use a finger to press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 94 .
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move the
selector lever to N.
The selector lever will be locked once more if it is moved again to P.
Running in
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
103
New tyres
104
New brake pads
104
New engine
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
103Starting-off and Driving

The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 173,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan- ces » page 199 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb. There-
fore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum permissible
towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicleand the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing equip-
ment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.
Towing a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 120.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the head- lights can dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 42, Headlight
beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Engine overheating
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera-
ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light
in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 166,
Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 22,
Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist garages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources.
121Towing a trailer

■A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 131 on page 166.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 165.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesCapacity1.2 litres/51 kW5.51.2 litres/63 kW TSI7.71.2 litres/77 kW TSI7.71.4 litres/63 kW5.51.6 litres/77 kW5.5Diesel enginesCapacity1.2 ltr./55 kW TDI CR DPF6.61.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPF8.41.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPF8.4
Checking the coolant levelFig. 131
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet » page 161.
›
Check the level of coolant at the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 131. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the
B
(MIN) and
A
(MAX)
markings. The level may also rise slightly above the
A
(MAX) marking when the
engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light
lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22,
Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
1)
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 Litre greater on vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heat-
er (auxiliary heating and ventilation).
166General Maintenance

›Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.›Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover 1.
Inflating›
Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose
5
» Fig. 148 on page 185 firmly on-
to the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
7
is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
9
into 12 Volt socket » page 67, 12-volt power outlet .
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
8
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved. Max-
imum run time of 8 minutes » !
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
5
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
5
back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.
›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is reached, the journey may be continued at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 186.
WARNING■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is being
inflated – there is a risk of injury.■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – there is a risk of fire.
■
If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre.
Do not drive the vehicle. Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTIONSwitch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – there is a
risk of overheating. Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switch- ing it on again.
Check after 10 minutes' driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 184.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Adjust the tyre pressure to the correct value again (see inside of fuel filler cap).
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed
of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Jump-starting
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
187
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
188WARNING■ A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below
0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not jump start with the battery of another ve- hicle – there is a risk of explosion.■
Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the engine
compartment » page 159, Engine compartment .
186Do-it-yourself