
After emergency stop of the ignition, the steering is unlocked.
Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
124
Handbrake
125WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission, when
the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. Otherwise, the
function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of 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!
WARNINGIn the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 184, Service work,
adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air supply
to the front brakes is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat which can
have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking system – risk of acci- dent!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 130.■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 124.
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 driving a long distance at a steep incline, reduce speed and shift into the
next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reduc- ing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermit-tently, 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.
If operated under severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage between service appointments as well.
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 appropriate-ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
124Driving

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 15, 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. 108
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 124.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock but-
ton » Fig. 108 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake indicator light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provi-
ded the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
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 – risk of accident!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
125
Pedals
126
Manual gear changing
Fig. 109
The shift pattern: 5-gear or 6-
gear manual transmission
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 125.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gear recommendation must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
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.
125Starting-off and Driving

Modes and use of selector leverFig. 110
Selection lever / lock button / display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 126.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 110.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 110.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
The parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button in arrow direction
1
» Fig. 110 .
N
- Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher
engine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button in arrow direction1 » Fig. 110 .
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driving is
selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion. The indicator light
» page 22 illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while simultaneously
pressing the lock button in arrow direction 1
» Fig. 110 .
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving via position N (e.g. from R to
D ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of
snow. The selector lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the position N
for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up
to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa, move
the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select mode R or N.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 111
Selector lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 110 on page 127 .
127Starting-off and Driving

The gear recommendation must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
Switching to manual shifting›
Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Press the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 111 .
Shifting down gears
›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 111 .
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 riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual shifting
of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence the
wear of the brakes » page 124.
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 126.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 110 on page 127 and hold.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 127
and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking›Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 110 on page 127 and hold.
›
Move the selector lever into the position P and then release the lock button.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of your
vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed and engine speed, 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.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control of
the vehicle – risk of accident!
Malfunction
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 126.
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.
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may become too hot due to frequent repeated starting or stop-and-
go traffic, for example. Overheating is indicated by the warning light » page 14,
Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot .
128Driving

Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, blown fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be moved.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 233.
Note
If the gearbox has switched to the emergency programme, visit a specialist ga-
rage.
Running in
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
129
New tyres
129
New brake pads
130
New engine
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 129.
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 of the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds, even after the running-in period is complete.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the next
gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 24,
Gear recommendation . Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator)
are automatically restricted »
.
With vehicles with a manual gearbox, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 24, Gear recommendation .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in the sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and thus cause engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
on fuel, reduces engine noises and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 129.
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first. There-fore, drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
129Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
136
Antilock brake system (ABS)
137
Traction Control System (TCS)
137
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
137
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
137
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
137
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
138WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not know
the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the
braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 184, Service work, adjustments
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work. An
ABS fault is indicated by the warning light » page 19 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 116
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is be-
ing operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving sta-
bility depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as the car beginning to
skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 137.
› Traction control (TCS)
» page 137.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 137.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 137.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 137.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 138.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 158.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The
» Fig. 116 symbol button can only
be used to deactivate the ASR.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
136Driving

Antilock brake system (ABS)First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 136.
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.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Fig. 117
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 136.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions ofthe 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.
The TCS function is activated automatically each time the ignition is switched on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 136 .
During an intervention of the system, the TCS indicator light flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
The ASR can be deactivated via the
» Fig. 117 symbol button.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 136.
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 itself off automatically, in order to avoid excessive heat genera-
tion in the disc brake of the wheel 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.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 136.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommendationin order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the right
and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 136.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking distance.
137Assist systems

The intervention of the wizard is cancelled when you press the pedal and re-
sumed after the pedal is released again.
The hill descent assistant is automatically engaged under the following condi-tions.
The OFF ROAD mode is switched on and the warning light lights up in the
instrument cluster.
The vehicle engine is running and either the 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear, reverse gear
or no gear is engaged and the selector lever is in position R, N, D, S or Tip- tronic.
The downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the limit can briefly drop to 8 %).
Neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
It is however a requirement that the vehicle has sufficient grip on the soil. The Downhill Drive Support cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy soil due to
physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud).
For vehicles with manual transmission, the speed is maintained as follows.
› 1st gear - approx. 8 1)
- 30 km/h
› 2nd gear - approx. 13 1)
- 30 km/h
› 3rd gear - approx. 22 1)
- 30 km/h
› Reverse gear - approx. 9 1)
- 30 km/h
› Neutral for driving forwards - as well as driving backwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the speed is maintained as follows.
› Position D, S, R or Tiptronic (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
› Neutral for driving forwards - as well as reversing - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
Start-Off Assist
The assistant supports the driver when starting eg on a steep slope. When the
driver presses the accelerator, the maximum engine speed is electronically limited so that a gentle approach is possible.
The overspeed trip unit is automatically deactivated after terminating the start-
up procedure.
As part of the Assist System, the accelerator pedal is adapted in its characteristics for an easier start-off on slippery and loose soil.ABS OFF ROAD
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface such
as gravel, snow, etc.
The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel before a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
TCS OFF ROAD
The ASR OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier as it partially allows wheel-spin.
EDL OFF ROAD
The EDS supports OFF ROAD vehicle traction when driving on a surface with dif- ferent grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with the
intervention of the standard EDS system.
Note
■ During an active intervention of the Downhill Drive Support, the brake lights do
not light up.■
When disabled, ASR » Fig. 116 on page 136 the OFF ROAD mode works without
the support of the ASR OFF ROAD.
1)
The indicated values represent the average of the lower speed limits if a gear is engaged (depending
on the type of gearbox or engine).
139Assist systems