Lights and visibility
● When the drivers of other oncoming vehi-
cles (such as a truck) can see over a guard
rail in the centre of the road.
● If the camera is damaged or the power sup-
ply is cut off.
● In fog, snow and heavy rain.
● With dust and sand turbulence.
● With loose gravel in the field of vision of
the camera.
● When the field of vision of the camera is
misted up, dirty or covered by stickers, snow,
ice, etc. WARNING
The convenience features of the main beam
assist should not encourage the taking of
risks. The system is not a replacement for
driver concentration.
● You are always in control of the main beam
and adapting it to the light, visibility and traf-
fic conditions.
● It is possible that the main beam headlight
control does not recognise all driving situa-
tions and is limited under certain circumstan-
ces.
● When the field of vision of the camera is
dirty, covered or damaged, operation of the
main beam control may be affected. This also
applies when changes are made to the vehi- cle lighting system, for example, if additional
headlights are installed.
CAUTION
To avoid affecting the operation of the sys-
tem, take the following points into considera-
tion:
● Clean the field of vision of the camera regu-
larly and make sure it is free of snow and ice.
● Do not cover the field of vision of the cam-
era.
● Check that the windscreen is not damaged
in the area of the field of vision of the camera. Note
Main beam and headlight flasher can be
turned on and off manually at any time with
the turn signal and main beam lever
››› page 95. Fog lights
The warning lamps
or also show, on the
light switch or instrument panel, when the
fog lights are on. ●
Switching on front fog lights* : pull the
light switch to the first point 1 , from posi-
tions ,
or .
● Switching on the rear fog light
: com-
pletely pull the light switch 2 from position
,
or .
● To switch off the fog lights, press the light
switch or turn it to position
.
Cornering lights* 1) When turning slowly or on very tight bends,
the cornering lights are activated automati-
cally. The cornering lights may be integrated
in the fog lights and are switched on only at
speeds of less than 40 km/h (25 mph).
When reverse gear is engaged, the cornering
lights on both sides of the vehicle switch on,
in order to better illuminate the area for park-
ing.
Coming home “function” This function may be connected/disconnec-
ted through the radio menu. The “Coming
Home” and/or “Leaving Home” delay time
may also be set (default: 30 sec).
»1)
This function is not available on vehicles equipped
with full-LED headlights. 97
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Lights and visibility
Hazard warning lights Fig. 99
Dash panel: switch for hazard warn-
ing lights. Read the additional information carefully
››› page 15
The hazard warning lights are used to draw
the attention of other road users to your vehi-
cle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ››› .
3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. For a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear; for an automatic gearbox, move the gear
lever to P
. 6. Use the warning triangle to draw the atten-
tion of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
The two turn signal turn signal lamps
and the t
urn signal lamp in the switch will
flash at the same time. The hazard warning
lights also work when the ignition is switch-
ed off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continu-
ously at a speed of more than 80 km/h (50
mph), the brake light flashes several times
per second to warn vehicles driving behind. If
you continue braking, the hazard warning
lights will come on automatically when the
vehicle comes to a standstill. They switch off
automatically when the vehicle starts to
move again. WARNING
● The risk of an accident increases if your ve-
hicle breaks down. Always use the hazard
warning lights and a warning triangle to draw
the attention of other road users to your sta-
tionary vehicle.
● Never park where the catalytic converter
could come into contact with inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry
grass or spilt petrol. This could start a fire!
Note
● The battery will run down if the hazard
warning lights are left on for a long time,
even if the ignition is switched off.
● The use of the hazard warning lights de-
scribed here is subject to the relevant statu-
tory requirements. Parking light
When the parking light is switched on, (right
or left turn signal), the front side light and
the rear light on the corresponding side of
the vehicle stay lit. The parking lights can on-
ly be activated with the ignition switched off
and the turn signal and main beam lever in
the central position, before being triggered.
Parking light on both sides With the ignition switched off and the light
switch in position
, when locking the vehi-
cle from the outside, the parking lights on
both sides of the vehicle light up. In doing
so, only the side lights of both headlights
light up, and additionally the tail lights will
do so partially.
99
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Lights and visibility
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control. The head-
light range is automatically adjusted accord-
ing to the vehicle load status when they are
switched on.
Instrument panel lighting
With the ignition on and without light activa-
tion, the instrument panel lighting remains
activated in daytime light conditions. The
lighting is reduced as the exterior light di-
minishes. In some cases, e.g. when driving
through a tunnel without the function
active, the instrument panel lighting may
even switch off. The objective of this function
is to provide the driver with a visual indica-
tion that he or she should activate the dip-
ped beam. WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that
the headlights dazzle and distract other driv-
ers. This could result in a serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load
status so that it does not blind other drivers. Interior and reading lights
1) Read the additional information carefully
››› page 16
Glove compartment and luggage
compartment lighting*
When opening and closing the glove com-
partment on the front passenger side and the
rear lid, the respective light will automatically
switch on and off.
Footwell lighting*
The lights in the footwell area below the dash
(driver and front passenger sides) will switch
on when the doors are opened and will de-
crease in intensity while driving. The intensity
of these lights can be adjusted using the ra-
dio menu (see Easy Connect > Adjusting Light-
ing > Interior lighting ›››
page 17).
Ambient light*
The ambient light in the door panel changes
colour (white or red) depending on the driv-
ing mode. The intensity of these lights can be
adjusted using the radio menu (see Easy Con-
nect > Adjusting Lights > Interior lighting
››› page 17
). Note
The reading lights switch off when the vehi-
cle is locked using a key or after several mi-
nutes if the key is removed from the ignition.
This prevents the battery from discharging. Visibility
Sun visors Fig. 101
Sun visor Options for adjusting driver and front
passenger sun visors:
● Lower the sun visor towards the wind-
screen. »1)
Depending on the level of equipment fitted in the
vehicle, LEDs can be used for the following interior
lights: front courtesy light, rear courtesy light, foot-
well light and sun visor light. 101Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Operation
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken read-
ings on the sensitive surface ››› Fig. 104 of
the r ain sen
sor include:
● Damaged blades: a film of water on the
damaged blades may lengthen the activation
time, reduce the washing intervals or result
in a fast and continuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger
the windscreen wiper.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the
roads may cause an extra long wipe when the
windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus
effect) or traces of detergent (car wash) may
reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or
make it react more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone
will trigger a single wipe cycle with the rain
sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the
reduction in the sensitive surface area and
adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sen-
sor will vary with the size of the damage
caused by the stone. WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain
to switch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the windscreen obstructs visi-
bility. Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sen-
sor regularly and check the blades for dam-
age ››› Fig. 104 (arrow).
● To r
emove wax and coatings, we recom-
mend a window cleaner containing alcohol. Rear vision mirror
Anti-dazzle rear vision mirrors Read the additional information carefully
››› page 13
Your vehicle is fitted with an interior rear vi-
sion mirror with a manual or automatic* con-
trol for anti-dazzle position.
Interior rear vision mirror with manual
setting for anti-dazzle position – Position the small lever of the lower edge
of the mirror to face towards the rear. WARNING
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
rear vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This could cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs. If you
come into contact with this liquid, it must be
rinsed with large quantities of water. If neces-
sary, get medial help. CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
rear vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces.
Clean it with a wet sponge as soon as possi-
ble. Note
● If the light incident in the interior rear vi-
sion mirror is obstructed (e.g. with the sun
blind*, the anti-dazzle rear vision mirror with
automatic setting will not operate perfectly.
● When the interior lights are on or reverse
gear engaged, the rear vision mirrors do not
darken with automatic adjustment for anti-
dazzle position. Adjusting the exterior mirrors
Fig. 105
Driver door: control for the exterior
mirror. 104
Lights and visibility
Read the additional information carefully
››› page 13
Synchronized regulation of the exterior
mirrors ● In the Settings - Convenience
menu, sel
ect
whether or not the exterior mirrors should
move in synchronisation.
● Turn the knob to position L 1)
.
● Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The
right exterior mirror will be adjusted at the
same time (synchronised).
● If necessary the right exterior mirror adjust-
ment may need correcting. turn the control to
position
R 1)
.
● In the Easy Connect system the exterior mir-
rors can be adjusted using the CAR button
and the function button SETUP .
Tilt function for front passenger exterior
mirror*
When parking backwards, and in order to be
able to see the kerb, the passenger side mir-
ror can be automatically tilted towards the
passenger to provide a better view of the
kerb. The control must be in the position R1)
for this feature to be operational.
The mirror returns to its original position as
soon as you drive forwards at over 15 km/h (10 mph) or switch off the ignition. It also re-
turns to its original position if the position of
the control is adjusted.
Storing the rear view mirror settings for the
tilt function
● Switch the ignition on.
● Access the Easy Connect system, Menu
CAR , function “Rear view mirrors and wind-
screen wipers” and select “lower when re-
versing” ››› page 81 .
● Sel ect
the R1)
position on the control.
● Select reverse gear.
● Adjust the front passenger exterior mirror
so that you can see, for example, the kerb
area well.
● Release the reverse gear.
● The adjusted position for the rear view mir-
ror is stored.
Fold in the exterior mirrors after parking
(convenience function)*
The Easy Connect system, Menu CAR , func-
tion “Rear view mirrors and windscreen wip-
ers” can be used to have the exterior mirrors
fold in when the vehicle is parked ››› page 81.
When the vehicle is locked with the remote
control, by pressing for more than approxi- mately 1 second the exterior mirrors are fol-
ded in automatically. When the vehicle is
opened with the remote control, the exterior
mirrors are deployed automatically. WARNING
Convex or wide-angle* exterior mirrors give a
larger field of vision. However, they make ob-
jects look smaller and further away than they
really are. If you use these mirrors to esti-
mate the distance to vehicles behind you
when changing lane, you could misjudge the
distance. Risk of accident! CAUTION
● If one of the mirror housings is knocked out
of position (e.g. when parking), the mirrors
must first be fully retracted with the electric
control. Do not readjust the mirror housing by
hand, as this will interfere with the mirror ad-
juster function.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand.
Always use the electrical power control. »1)
Regulation in right-hand drive vehicles is symmet-
rical. 105
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Operation
Air recirculation Basic pointsAir recirculation:
Manual recirculation
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient
air from entering the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high,
selecting manual air recirculation mode for a
short period refreshes the vehicle interior
more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is
switched off when the button
is press-
ed or the air distributor turned to .
Switching the manual air recirculation mode
on and off
To switch system on: press the button un-
til the warning lamp lights up.
To switch system off: press the button un-
til the warning lamp goes off.
Functioning mode of automatic air
recirculation (air conditioning menu)
With the automatic air recirculation mode ac-
tivated, the entry of fresh air into the cabin
interior is enabled. If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances
in the ambient air, air recirculation mode is
switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to within a normal range, re-
circulation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant
smells.
The air recirculation will
not connect auto-
m atic
ally in versions without humidity sensor
and in the following external conditions:
● The outside temperature is lower than +3°C
(+38°F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10°C (+50°F).
● The cooling system is switched off, the out-
side temperature is below +15°C (+59°F) and
the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Activation/deactivation of automatic air recir-
culation is done in the air conditioner menu,
under Configuration. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Intro-
duction on page 125.
● If the c
ooling system is switched off and air
recirculation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not required. CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
switched on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell. Note
Climatronic: air recirculation mode is activa-
ted to prevent exhaust gas or unpleasant
odours from entering the vehicle interior
when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wiper is working. 128
Driving
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the
vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge.
Braking and parking
Using the handbrake Fig. 142
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away.
Always apply the handbrake when you leave
your vehicle and when you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
››› Fig. 142 . R
el easing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 142 and guide the handbrake lever
down f
ully ››› .
Always pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The handbrake warning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with
the handbrake on, the following message*
will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You will also hear an audible
warning. WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this will cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Never leave a vehicle key in the vehicle.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll. ● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill
, turn
the fr ont
wheels so that they point away from
the kerb
. »
131
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of the
vehicle.
The tiptronic
system allows the driver to
c
hange gears manually if desired
››› page 135, Changing gears in tiptronic
mode*.
Select
or lever positions Read the additional information carefully
››› page 25
The selector lever position engaged is high-
lighted on the display in the instrument clus-
ter. With the selector lever in the manual
gearbox positions G, D, E and S, the engaged
gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when
the vehicle is stationary
› ›
› .
The interlock button (the button on the selec-
tor lever handle) must be pressed in and si-
mu lt
aneously the brake pedal must be de-
pressed before moving the selector lever ei-
ther in or out of position P. R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is
stationary
and the engine is idling
››› .
To move the selector lever to position R, the
interlock button must be pressed in and at
the s ame time the br
ake pedal must be de-
pressed. The reverse lights come on when
the selector lever is in the R position with the
ignition on.
N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the
gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables
the gears to be controlled in normal mode (D)
or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move
the selector lever backwards. Moving the lev-
er again will select normal mode (D). The se-
lected driving mode is shown on the instru-
ment panel display.
In
normal mode (D), the gearbox automatical-
ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable. The brake pedal must be pressed when mov-
ing the selector lever from D/S to N if the ve-
hicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h
(3 mph)
››› .
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode
››› page 135 , in order to
manually select g
ear
ratios to suit the driving conditions. WARNING
● Take care not to accidentally press the ac-
celerator pedal when the vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P
when driving. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● With selector lever in any position (except
P) the vehicle must always be held with the
foot brake when the engine is running. This is
because an automatic gearbox still transmits
power even at idling speed, and the vehicle
tends to “creep”). The accelerator pedal must
on no account be pressed inadvertently when
a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident. » 133
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials