124Driving and operating
% illuminates when diesel particle
filter is full. Start cleaning process as
soon as possible.
% flashes when diesel particle filter
has reached the maximum filling
level. Start cleaning process
immediately to avoid damage to the
engine.
Cleaning process
To activate cleaning process,
continue driving, keep engine speed
above 2000 revolutions per minute.
Shift down if necessary. Diesel
particle filter cleaning is then started.
If control indicator g also
illuminates, cleaning is not possible:
seek the assistance of a workshop.Caution
If the cleaning process is
interrupted, there is a risk of
provoking severe engine damage.
Cleaning takes place quickest at high engine speeds and loads.
The control indicator % extinguishes
as soon as the self-cleaning
operation is complete.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces the
amount of harmful substances in the
exhaust gases.Caution
Fuel grades other than those listed on pages 3 145, 3 202 could
damage the catalytic converter or
electronic components.
Unburnt petrol will overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Therefore avoid excessive use of the starter, running the fuel tank
dry and starting the engine by
pushing or towing.
In the event of misfiring, uneven
engine running, a reduction in engine performance or other unusual
problems, have the cause of the fault
rectified by a workshop as soon as
possible. In an emergency, driving
can be continued for a short period,
keeping vehicle speed and engine
speed low.
Driving and operating129
The deactivation of the AWD system
will be indicated by a message on the
Driver Information Centre.
If a service message or warning
code S73 is displayed on the Driver Information Centre, there is a
malfunction in the AWD system. Seek the assistance of a workshop.
Vehicle messages 3 94, Towing the
vehicle 3 189.Brakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when the brake pedal
is depressed firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 85.
Antilock brake system Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.ABS starts to regulate brake pressure
as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off the system performs a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 86.
Adaptive brake light
During full braking, all three brake
lights flash for the duration of ABS
control.
Driving and operating139
malfunction of the system due to
temporary conditions like snow
covered sensors is detected.
Vehicle messages 3 94.
Important hints for using the
parking assist systems9 Warning
Under certain circumstances,
various reflective surfaces on
objects or clothing as well as
external noise sources may cause the system to fail to detect
obstacles.
Special attention has to be paid to
low obstacles which can damage
the lower part of the bumper. If
such obstacles leave the detection area of the sensors during
approach of the vehicle, a
continuous warning tone will
sound.
Caution
Performance of the sensor can be reduced when sensors are
covered, e.g. by ice or snow.
Performance of the parking assist
systems can be reduced due to
heavy loading.
Special conditions apply if there
are taller vehicles involved (e.g.
off-road vehicles, mini vans,
vans). Object identification in the upper part of these vehicles
cannot be guaranteed.
Objects with a very small reflection
cross section, like objects of
narrow size or soft materials, may
not be detected by the system.
Parking assist will not avoid a
collision with objects which are out
of the detection range of the
sensors.
Notice
The parking assist system
automatically detects factory-fitted
towing equipment. It is deactivated
when the connector is plugged in.
The sensor may detect a non-
existent object (echo disturbance)
caused by external acoustic or
mechanical disturbances.
Notice
The parking assist is deactivated
when the rear carrier system is
extended.
Rear view camera
The rear view camera assists the
driver when reversing by displaying a view of the area behind the vehicle.
The view of the camera is displayed
in the Colour-Info-Display.9 Warning
The rear view camera does not
replace driver vision. Note that
objects that are outside the
camera's field of view and the
Driving and operating141
Deactivation
The camera is deactivated when a certain forward speed is exceeded or
if reverse gear is not engaged for
approx. 10 seconds.
Activation or deactivation of the rear
view camera can be changed in the menu Settings in the Info-Display.
Vehicle personalisation 3 99.
Fault Fault messages are displayed with a9 on the top line of the Info-Display.
The rear view camera may not
operate properly when:
■ the surrounding is dark,
■ the sun or the beam of headlights is
shining directly into the camera
lens,
■ ice, snow, mud, or anything else covers the camera lens. Clean the
lens, rinse it with water, and wipe it
with a soft cloth,
■ the tailgate is not closed correctly,
■ the vehicle had a rear end accident,
■ there are extreme temperature changes.Traffic sign assistant
Functionality
The traffic sign assistant system
detects designated traffic signs via a
front camera and displays them in the
Driver Information Centre.
Traffic signs, which will be detected,
are:
Limit and no passing signs ■ speed limit
■ no passing
■ end of speed limit
■ end of no passingRoad signs
Beginning and end of:
■ motorways
■ A-roads
■ play streetsAdd on signs ■ additional hints to traffic signs
■ restriction of trailer towing
■ wet warning
■ ice warning
■ direction arrows
Speed limit signs are displayed in the
Driver Information Centre until the
next speed limit sign or end of speed
limit is detected or up to a defined sign timeout.
152Driving and operatingTrailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
Fitting of towing equipment could
cover the opening of the towing eye.
If this is the case, use the coupling ball
bar for towing. Always keep the
coupling ball bar in the vehicle.
Driving characteristics and
towing tips Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the coupling ball, is being used to reduce
snaking movements.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than1000 kg a speed of 50 mph must not
be exceeded; the use of a stabiliser is recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 207.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.The permitted trailer loads apply up to
the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 197.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (75 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
154Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................154
Vehicle checks ........................... 155
Bulb replacement .......................162
Electrical system ........................168
Vehicle tools .............................. 173
Wheels and tyres .......................174
Jump starting ............................. 187
Towing ....................................... 189
Appearance care .......................191General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or
guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear or set selector lever to P . Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.
186Vehicle care
Stowing a damaged full sizewheel in the load compartment
The spare wheel well is not designed for other tyre sizes than the spare
wheel.
A damaged full size wheel must be
stowed in the load compartment and
secured with a strap. Vehicle tools
3 173. To secure the wheel:
1. Position the wheel in the middle of
the load compartment.
2. Place the loop end of the strap through the lashing eye on one
side.
3. Place the hook end of the strap through the loop and pull it until
the strap is fastened securely to
the lashing eye.
4. Insert the strap through the spokes of the wheel as shown in
the illustration.
5. Mount the hook to the opposite lashing eye.
6. Tighten the strap and secure it using the buckle.
9 Danger
Always drive with folded up and
engaged rear seat backrests when stowing a damaged full size wheel
in the load compartment.
Temporary spare wheel
Caution
The use of a spare wheel that is smaller than the other wheels or in combination with winter tyres
could affect driveability. Have the defective tyre replaced as soon as
possible.
Only mount one temporary spare
wheel. Do not drive faster than
50 mph. Take curves slowly. Do not
use for a long period of time.
If your vehicle gets a flat tyre on the
rear while towing another vehicle,
mount the temporary spare wheel in
the front and the full size tyre in the
rear.
Tyre chains 3 179.
Vehicle care189Towing
Towing the vehicle
Disengage cap by using a
screwdriver and remove.
The towing eye is stowed with the vehicle tools 3 173.
Screw in the towing eye as far as it will
go until it stops in a horizontal
position.
Attach a tow rope – or better still a tow
rod – to the towing eye.
The towing eye must only be used for towing and not for recovering the
vehicle.
Switch on ignition to release steering
wheel lock and to permit operation of
brake lights, horn and windscreen
wiper.
Transmission in neutral.
Caution
Never tow your vehicle equipped
with All Wheel Drive (AWD) with the front or rear tyres on the road.
If you tow the vehicle equipped with AWD while the front or rear
tyres are rolling on the road the
drive system in the vehicle could
be severely damaged. When
towing vehicles equipped with
AWD all 4 tyres may not be in
contact with the road.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can
damage the vehicle.
When the engine is not running,
considerably more force is needed to
brake and steer.
To prevent the entry of exhaust gases from the towing vehicle, switch on the
air recirculation system 3 113 and
close the windows.