16In brief
Automatic transmissionP=park positionR=reverse gearN=neutral positionD=drive
The selector lever can only be movedout of P or N when the ignition is on
and the foot brake is depressed
(selector lever lock). To engage P or
R , press the release button on
selector lever.
The automatic transmission is
available in two versions 3 129.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 175,
3 206.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 154.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of seats, seat belts and mirrors 3 45, 3 54, 3 37.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting engine with ignition
switch
■ Turn key to position 1
■ Move the steering wheel slightly to release the steering wheel lock
■ Operate clutch and brake, automatic transmission in P or N
■ Do not operate the accelerator pedal
■ Diesel engines, turn the key to position 2 for preheating and wait
until control indicator ! goes out
■ Turn key to 3 and release key when
engine is running.
Driving and operating125Driving and operatingDriving hints............................... 125
Starting and operating ...............125
Engine exhaust .......................... 128
Automatic transmission .............. 129
Manual transmission ..................134
Manual transmission automa‐
ted .............................................. 135
Brakes ........................................ 139
Ride control systems .................140
Cruise control ............................. 142
Object detection systems ........... 143
Fuel ............................................ 145
Trailer hitch ................................ 147Driving hints
Control of the vehicleNever coast with engine not
running
Many systems will not function in this
situation (e.g. brake servo unit, power
steering). Driving in this manner is a
danger to yourself and others.
Pedals To ensure the pedal travel is
uninhibited, there must be no mats in
the area of the pedals.Starting and operating
New vehicle running-in Do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
During the first drive, smoke may
occur because of wax and oil
evaporating off the exhaust system.
Park the vehicle in the open for a
while after the first drive and avoid
inhaling the fumes.
During the running-in period fuel and
engine oil consumption may be
higher and the cleaning process of the diesel particle filter may take
place more often. Diesel particle filter 3 128.
Driving and operating139Brakes
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 you depress the
brake pedal firmly. You need to use
considerably more force 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 89.
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 though 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 89.
Adaptive brake lamp During full braking, all three brake
lamps flash for the duration of ABS
control.Fault9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can no longer be steered and may
swerve.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
140Driving and operatingParking brake
Always apply parking brake firmly
without operating the release button,
and apply as firmly as possible on a
downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release
button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the
parking brake, depress the foot brake
at the same time.
Control indicator R 3 89.
Brake assist
If the brake pedal is depressed
quickly and forcefully, maximum
brake force is automatically applied
(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the
brake pedal for as long as full braking
is required. Maximum brake force is
automatically reduced when the
brake pedal is released.
Hill start assist
The system helps prevent unintended movement when driving away on
inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after
stopping on an incline, the brakes
remain on for a further 2 seconds. The brakes release automatically as soon
as the vehicle begins to accelerate.Ride control systems
Electronic stability
program
Electronic stability program
(ESP® Plus
) improves driving stability
when necessary, regardless of the
type of road surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the
wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESP® Plus
is operational as soon as
control indicator v extinguishes.
When ESP® Plus
comes into action v
flashes.
156Vehicle care
Coolant levelCaution
Too low a coolant level can causeengine damage.
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
KALT/COLD mark. Top up if the level
is low.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
Top up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap
tightly. Have the antifreeze
concentration checked and have the
cause of the coolant loss remedied by a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze.Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Brakes
A squealing noise indicates that the
brake lining is at its minimum
thickness. Continued driving is
possible but have the brake lining
replaced as soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
212IndexAAccessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 152
Active head restraints ...................44
Active head restraints on front seats ......................................... 22
Adaptive Forward Lighting ........ .................................... 24, 93, 111
Adjustable air vents ...................123
Airbag and belt tensioners ...........88
Airbag label................................... 57 Airbag system .............................. 57
Air conditioning regular operation ................................ 124
Air conditioning system .............. 118
Air intake .................................... 124
Air vents...................................... 123
Antilock brake system ................ 139
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......89
Anti-theft alarm system ........34, 102
Anti-theft locking system .............. 34
Appearance care ........................189
Apply footbrake ............................ 92
Armrest ........................................ 48
Ashtrays ....................................... 83
Automatic anti-dazzle ..................38
Automatic climate control system .................................... 119
Automatic level control ..............142Automatic light control ...............109
Automatic transmission .............129
Auxiliary heater ........................... 123
B Battery discharge protection ......116
Battery voltage ........................... 101
Board-Info-Display .......................94
Bonnet ....................................... 154
Brake and clutch fluid .................194
Brake and clutch system .............89
Brake assist ............................... 140
Brake fluid .................................. 157
Brake light switch ....................... 101
Brakes ............................... 139, 156
Breakdown.................................. 187
Bulb replacement ....................... 159
C
Capacities .................................. 206
Cargo management system ........72
Car Pass ...................................... 25
Catalytic converter .....................129
Central locking system ................30
Centre console lighting ..............115
Changing tyre and wheel size ...178
Charging system .......................... 88
Check control ............................... 22
Child locks ................................... 33