Continue to drive moderately.
Have the vehicle checked by the serv‐ ice center immediately.
Front-end collision warning Illuminated: advance warning is issued,
e.g., when there is the impending dan‐
ger of a collision or the distance to the
vehicle ahead is too small.
Increase distance.
Flashing: acute warning of the imminent dan‐
ger of a collision when the vehicle approaches
another vehicle at a relatively high differential
speed.
Intervention by braking or make an evasive ma‐
neuver.
Pedestrian warning Symbol in the instrument cluster.
If a collision with a person detected in this way
is imminent, the symbol lights up and a signal
sounds.
Orange lights Active Cruise Control The number bars shows the selected
distance from the vehicle driving
ahead.
For additional information, refer to Active
Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, ACC,
refer to page 139.
Vehicle detection, Active Cruise Control Illuminated: vehicle driving ahead de‐
tected.
Flashing: the conditions are not ade‐
quate for operating the system.The system was deactivated but applies the
brakes until you actively resume control by
pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator
pedal.
Yellow lights
Antilock Brake System ABS It reduces the braking distance to a
minimum during emergency stops.
Illuminated: avoid abrupt braking if pos‐
sible. Braking force boost in some
cases defective. Stop carefully. Take
into account longer brake travel. Have this
checked by the service center immediately.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control Flashing: DSC controls the drive and
braking forces. The vehicle is stabi‐
lized. Reduce speed and adapt driving
profile to the driving circumstances.
Illuminated: DSC failed. Have the system
checked by the service center.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC, refer to page 134.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is
deactivated or DTC Dynamic Traction
Control is activated
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is
switched off or Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol DTC is switched on.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control, refer to page 134, and Dy‐
namic Traction Control, refer to page 135.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor The Flat Tire Monitor signals a loss of
tire inflation pressure in a tire.Seite 89DisplaysControls89
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14
Driving stability control systemsVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.
Adaptive brake assistant
In combination with the Active Cruise Control,
this system ensures that the brakes respond
even more rapidly when braking in critical sit‐
uations.Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving off on inclines.
The parking brake is not required.1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive off with‐
out delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load, the vehicle may
roll back slightly.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin to
roll back.◀
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept DSC prevents traction loss in the power
wheels when driving off and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within
the physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehi‐
cle on a steady course by reducing engine
speed and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
Note Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
Seite 134ControlsDriving stability control systems134
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating DTC Press button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
Deactivating DTC Press button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indica‐
tor lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
If DTC is activated, TRACTION is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control is activated.
Dynamic Damping Control The conceptThis system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐
tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort fitting road surface and driving style.
Programs The system offers several different programs.
Select the programs via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 136.
SPORT/SPORT+
Consistently sporty control of the shock ab‐
sorbers for greater driving agility.
COMFORT/ECO PRO Balanced tuning.COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorb‐
ers for optimal traveling comfort.
Driving Dynamics Control The conceptThe Driving Dynamics Control can be used to
adjust the driving dynamics of the vehicle. For
this purpose various programs are available for
selection that are activated via the two buttons
of the Driving Dynamics Control and the DSC
OFF-button.
At a glance
Button in the vehicle
Operating the programs
Press buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
COMFORT
COMFORT+
ECO PRO
Automatic program change
The system may automatically reel to COM‐
FORT in the following situations:
Seite 136ControlsDriving stability control systems136
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorb‐
ers and adapted engine control for optimal
traveling comfort with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
COMFORT+ activation Press button repeatedly until COM‐
FORT+ is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
ECO PRO ECO PRO, refer to page 189, provides consis‐
tent tuning to minimize fuel consumption for
maximum range with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
Comfort functions and the engine controller
are adjusted.
Hybrid operation makes it possible to drive
with more electrical power.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
Activating ECO PRO Press button repeatedly until ECO
PRO is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Configuring ECO PRO1.Activate ECO PRO.2."Configure ECO PRO"
Make the desired settings.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Selected program The instrument cluster displays
the selected program.
Program selection
Pressing the button displays a
list of the selectable programs.
Depending on your vehicle's op‐
tional features, the list in the in‐
strument cluster can differ from
the illustration shown.
Display on the Control DisplayProgram changes can be displayed briefly on
the Control Display.
To do so, make the following settings:1."Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Driving mode info"Seite 138ControlsDriving stability control systems138
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14
HydroplaningHydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Driving through water Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans‐
mission may be damaged.◀
Drive though calm water only and only if it is
not deeper than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this
height, no faster than walking speed, up to
3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.Objects within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐Seite 183Things to remember when drivingDriving tips183
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14
In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
rims and tires checked right away; otherwise,
there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the nearest service center.
Have the vehicle towed or transported there.
Otherwise, tire damage can become life threat‐
ening for vehicle occupants and also other traf‐
fic.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center.
If work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
You can ask the service center about the right
wheel/tire combination and wheel rim versions
for the vehicle.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.Approved wheels and tires
You should only use wheels and tires
that have been approved by the vehicle manu‐
facturer for your vehicle type; otherwise, e.g.,
despite having the same official size ratings,
variations can lead to chassis contact and with
it, the risk of severe accidents
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot eval‐
uate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot guarantee the operating safety of the
vehicle.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Seite 203Wheels and tiresMobility203
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14
Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 134
ACC, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go 139
Activated-charcoal filter 163
Activate drive readiness 72
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 129
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ACC 139
ActiveHybrid, system 31
Active Protection 131
Active seat, front 58
Active seat ventilation, front 59
Adapting to the course of the road, hybrid system 88
Adaptive brake assistant 134
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 131
Adaptive Light Control 103
Additives, oil 209
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 55
After washing vehicle 229
Airbags 107
Airbags, indicator/warning light 108
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 162
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 162
Air distribution, manual 161
Air flow, automatic climate control 161
Air outlets, see ventila‐ tion 163
Air pressure, tires 198
Alarm system 49 Alarm, unintentional 50
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 204
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 169
Alternative oil types 210
Ambient light 105
Animal detection, see Night Vision 124
Antifreeze, washer fluid 81
Antilock Brake System, ABS 134
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 134
Approved axle load 235
Approved engine oils 210
Armrest, refer to Center arm‐ rest 175
Arrival time 97
Ashtray 170
Ashtray, front 170
Ashtray, rear 171
Assistance for the combus‐ tion engine, ASSIST 75
Assistance for the combus‐ tion engine, eBOOST 75
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 223
Assistance when driving off 134
ASSIST, assistance for the combustion engine 75
Attentiveness assistant 131
AUTO H button 76
AUTO H button, refer to Au‐ tomatic Hold 76 AUTO intensity 161
Automatic car wash 228
Automatic climate con‐ trol 160
Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go 139
Automatic Curb Monitor 64
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 109
Automatic deactivation of the hybrid system 227
Automatic engine start-stop function 73
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 103
Automatic Hold 76
Automatic locking 48
Automatic recirculated-air control 162
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 42
Automatic transmission, see Steptronic transmission 81
Automatic trunk lid 43
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 161
AUTO program, intensity 161
Auxiliary air conditioning 167
Average fuel consumption 97
Average speed 97
Axle loads, weights 235
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 57
Backrest, width 57
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 223
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 225 Seite 236ReferenceEverything from A to Z236
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 956 272 - X/14