Taking care of your vehicle exterior189Taking care of the interior192
Inspecting and replenishing
196
Fuel
196
Engine compartment
199
Engine oil
202
Coolant
204
Brake fluid
206
Vehicle battery
207
Wheels
212
Tyres and wheel rims
212
Winter operation
217
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
219
Emergency equipment
219
Changing a wheel
221
Tyre repair
224
Jump-starting
226
Towing the vehicle
228
Remote control and removable light
230
Emergency unlocking/locking
232
Emergency operation of the sliding/tilting roof
234
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
234
Fuses and light bulbs
236
Fuses
236
Bulbs
238
Technical data
Technical data
244
Vehicle data
244
Index
4Table of Contents
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
10
Revolutions counter
11
Speedometer
11
Coolant temperature gauge
11
Display
12
Fuel gauge
12
Counter for distance driven
13
13
Display of the second speed
13
Auto Check Control
13
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the Error message will appear in the
display. Have the fault rectified as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety.■
Never operate the controls in the instrument cluster while driving, only
when the vehicle is stationary!
OverviewFig. 2
Instrument cluster
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 10.
Revolutions counter with warning lights » page 11
Speedometer with warning lights » page 11
Button for display mode:
› Time settings
» page 13
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 1)
» page 13
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remaining
until the next service 1)
» page 30
Coolant temperature gauge » page 11
Display » page 12 :
› With counter for distance driven
» page 13
› With service interval display
» page 30
› With digital clock
» page 13
› With information system
» page 23
123451)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
10Using the system
Fuel gauge » page 12
Button for:
› Reset daily trip counter
» page 13
› Setting the time
› Enable / disable the mode selected by means of the 3
key
Revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 10.
The red scale of the revolution counter
1
» Fig. 2 on page 10 indicates the range
in which the system begins to limit the engine speed. The system automatically
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next highest gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
Follow the recommended gear to prevent engine speeds that are too high or too
low » page 24 .
Speedometer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 10.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h 1)
.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
120 km/h.
67Coolant temperature gaugeFig. 3
Coolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 10.
The coolant temperature gauge » Fig. 3 only operates when the ignitions is
switched on.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this indicates that the engine has
not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and
high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves into the mid-range of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or heavy en-
gine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too high. Further information » page 16.
CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet im-
pair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
1)
This function only applies to certain countries.
11Instruments and Indicator Lights
The menu item Vehicle status is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu, the
first of the error messages is displayed. 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.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 17Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty» page 203Problem with engine oil pressure» page 14Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are too hot» page 14
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the
symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maximum
permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot
A
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the auto-
matic gearbox DSG clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
Do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until
the
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as
soon as the symbol disappears.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis- tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 52 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.Note■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 23, Using the information
system .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
15
Brake system
15
Seat belt warning light
15
Generator
16
Door open
16
Coolant
16
Boot lid
17
Power steering
17
Engine oil
17
Traction Control System (ASR)
18
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
18
Traction control (ASR) switched off
19
Antilock brake system (ABS)
19
Rear fog light
19
Bulb failure
19
Exhaust inspection system
19
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
19
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
20
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
20
Fuel reserve
20
Airbag system
21
Tyre inflation pressure
21
Windscreen washer fluid level
21
14Using the system
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light flashes and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the indicator light lights up
permanently.
Further information » page 164, Seat belts .
Generator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the indicator light lights up
when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re-
quires checking.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 52 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
CAUTION
If the indicator light (cooling system fault) lights up in addition to the indica-
tor light while driving, do not continue driving! Stop the engine - there is a risk
of engine damage! Seek help from a specialist garage.
Door open
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
comes on, if one or several doors are opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
On vehicles with MAXI DOT display, this indicator is replaced by a vehicle icon on
the display » page 25 .WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 52 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the warning light
lights up or flashes , either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check coolant! Owner's manual!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the coolant level
» page 205.
› If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir
» page 206.
› If the indicator light
disappears after adding coolant and switching on the ig-
nition, you may continue your journey.
› If the coolant level is within the specified range, but the indicator light
is still
illuminated , check the fuse for the radiator fan and replace it if necessa-
ry » page 237 , Fuses in the engine compartment .
› If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the indicator light
is still illu-
minated ,
do not continue your journey!
› Seek help from a specialist garage.
16Using the system
WARNING■If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights » page 52 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine to cool down before removing the cap.
■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off.
Boot lid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
comes on if the boot lid is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
On vehicles with MAXI DOT display, this indicator is replaced by a vehicle icon onthe display » page 25 .
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 52 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
If the indicator light
lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage immediately.
If the indicator light lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 118, Power steering .WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 52 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does not go
out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in the system. Seek
assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 14.
The warning light
lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 203 .
If the warning light flashes,
do not drive any further , even if the oil level is
correct! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light
lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 203 .
17Instruments and Indicator Lights
Heating and air-conditioning
Heating, ventilation, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Air outlets
92
Recirculation
93
Heating
94
Air conditioning (manual air conditioning)
94
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)
95
Using the air conditioning system economically
96
Operational problems
97
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met: The cooling system is switched on.The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approx. +2 °C.
The blower is switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The cooling system prevents the windows from misting up during the
cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef- fect » page 93 .
WARNING■
For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting.■
Sensitive individuals may experience colds for the following reasons.
■ Long-term and non-uniform distribution of the air flow from the air outlet
nozzles (especially in the foot area).
■ Large temperature differences, such as when exiting the vehicle.
■
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out
of the vents when the cooling system is switched on.
■
The blower should always be on to prevent the windows from misting up.
CAUTION
■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves
to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.■
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air con-
ditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a leak!
■
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to en-
sure that the engine cools down.
Note
■ The exhaust air streams out through vents at the rear of the luggage compart-
ment.■
We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage once
every year.
91Heating and air-conditioning
Operational problemsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 91.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 236 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 11.
If you are not able to resolve the operational problem yourself, or if the cooler output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching on and off directly
98
System settings
98
Radio remote control
99
Conditions for the functioning of auxiliary heating (Aux. heating and ventilation),
hereinafter referred to only as auxiliary heating (Aux. heating).
The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The fuel supply is adequate (the warning icon
is not lit in the display of the
instrument cluster).
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the vehicle and also while driving (e.g. during
the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heater (parking heater) functions in connection with the air-condi-
tioning system or Climatronic.
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) also warms up the engine.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant by combusting fuel
from the vehicle tank.
The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.WARNING■ The auxiliary heater (independent vehicle heater) must never be operated in
closed rooms (e.g. garages) – risk of poisoning!■
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) must not be allowed to run during re-
fuelling – risk of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located underneath the vehicle.
Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating), do
not park the vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases can come into con-
tact with highly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable sub-
stances (e.g. spilt fuel) – risk of fire.
CAUTION
■ The running auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) consumes fuel from the vehicle
tank and automatically controls the filling level. If only a low quantity of fuel is
present in the fuel tank, the auxiliary heater switches itself off.■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■
If the auxiliary heating is running, the vehicle battery discharges. If the auxiliary
heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a longer period, the
vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge the vehicle battery.
Note
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.■
At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
97Heating and air-conditioning