Table of Contents
Board literature4
Notes
5
Structure and more information about the
Operating Instructions
6
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety
8
General information
8
Correct and safe seated position
9
Seat belts
12
Using seat belts
12
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
15
Airbag system
16
Description of the airbag system
16
Airbag overview
17
Deactivating airbags
20
Transporting children safely
22
Child seat
22
Fastening systems
25
Using the system
Cockpit
29
Overview
28
Instruments and Indicator Lights
30
Instrument cluster
30
Indicator lights
34
Information system
41
Driver information system
41
Multifunction display (MFD)
43MAXI DOT display46Service interval display47
Unlocking and opening
49
Unlocking and locking
49
Anti-theft alarm system
53
Luggage compartment lid
54
Power windows
55
Mechanical windows
57
Lights and visibility
58
Lights
58
Interior lighting
63
Visibility
64
Windscreen wipers and washers
65
Rear mirror
67
Seats and head restraints
69
Seats and head restraints
69
Seat features
71
Transporting and practical equipment
73
Useful equipment
73
Luggage compartment
80
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
85
Roof rack
88
Heating and air conditioning
89
Heating, ventilation, cooling
89
Communication and multimedia
94
Universal telephone installation GSM II
94
Voice control
98
Multimedia
99
SmartGate
101
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
104
Starting and turning off the engine
104
Brakes and parking
106Manual gear changing and pedals107Automatic gearbox108
Retraction and economical driving
111
Driving through water and driving off made-
up roads
111
Assist systems
113
Braking and stabilisation systems
113
Parking aid
114
Cruise Control System
115
START-STOP
116
Tyre pressure monitoring
119
Hitch and trailer
120
Hitch
120
Trailer
125
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
128
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
128
Washing vehicle
131
Cleaning vehicle exterior
132
Interior care
136
Inspecting and replenishing
138
Fuel
138
Engine compartment
141
Engine oil
144
Coolant
146
Brake fluid
147
Vehicle battery
148
Wheels
152
Tyres and wheel rims
152
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
155
Winter operation
1562Table of Contents
Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectrical power windows
56
Door opening lever
51
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
68
Air outlet vents
90
Parking ticket holder
74
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher
60
› Speed regulating system
115
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
17
›with push-buttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone
94
› With buttons for the operation of the information system
41
Instrument cluster
30
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
66
›Information system
41
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Button for hazard warning light system
62
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
20
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
90
Interior rear-view mirror
67
Key switch for switching off the passenger airbag (in front pas-
senger storage compartment)
20
Front passenger airbag
17
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
78
Air outlet vents
90
Power window in the front passenger door
5512345678910111213141516171819Door opening lever51
Light switch
58
Headlight range control (in the dashboard)
59
Bonnet release lever
142
Fuse box in the dashboard
173
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
10
Ignition lock
105
Pedals
108
Storage compartment
74
Handbrake lever
107
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gear shift lever (manual gearbox)
108
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
109
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Cup holder
74
›Multimedia holder
77
›Ashtrays
76
Multi-Device Interface (MDI) input
101
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
›
Seat heater on the front left seat
71
›
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
113
›
Central locking system
52
›
Rear window heater
64
›
START - STOP
116
›
Seat heater on the front right seat
71
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
91
›
Operating controls for the air conditioning system
91
›Operating controls for Climatronic
92
Note
The arrangement of the controls right-hand drive models may differ from the
layout shown in » Fig. 19. The symbols on the controls and switches are the
same as for left-hand drive models.20212223242526272829303132333429Cockpit
Tyre inflation pressure40 Windscreen washer fluid40
Turn signal system
40
Fog lights
40
Cruise control system
41
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
41
Main beam
41
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 62. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 141, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
Brake system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Log book!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 148 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light illuminates simultaneously with warning light
» page 37 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your
journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the braking system or the ABS system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates as a reminder for the driver and front passen-
ger to fasten seat belts.
The warning light
goes out , after the respective seat belt has been fas-
tened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light flashes
and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
The warning signal is switched off and the indicator light
remains perma-
nently illuminated if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their
seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Generator
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the engine is running, the vehicle bat-
tery is not being charged.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
In the event of an ABS fault, the other braking and stabilization systems are
turned off » page 113, Braking and stabilisation systems .WARNING■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!■
If the warning light
illuminates simultaneously with warning light
» page 35 ,
Brake system ,
do not continue your journey! Seek help
from a specialist garage.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the rear fog light is switched on.
Bulb failure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if a lamp is faulty or if an external vehicle lamp
is faulty .
The warning light
illuminates within a few seconds after switching on the
ignition or when a light with a faulty lamp is switched on.
The following message, for example, may be shown in the MAXI DOT display. INFORMATION Check front right low beam!
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The
warning light only illuminates if all bulbs in the parking light (in one rear
light) or the licence plate lighting are faulty 1)
. For this reason, regular check
that these light bulbs are working correctly.
Exhaust inspection system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the exhaust inspection
system. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates after the ignition has been turned on. Once
the light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
If the warning light
does not illuminate or does not illuminate continuous-
ly , there is a fault in the glow plug system.
If the warning light begins
to flash while driving, while driving, a fault exists
in the engine control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency
mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Engine performance check (petrol engine)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , there is a fault in the engine control. The
system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a
regular basis.
If the warning light
illuminates , rust has accumulated in the filter.
1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
38Using the system
Locking›Withdraw the ignition key.›
Turn the steering wheel to the left or right until the steering lock clicks into
place.
Unlocking
›
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
›
Switch on the ignition » page 105.
The steering lock is unlocked.
If the ignition switch cannot be turned on, then turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly and thereby unlock the steering lock.
Ignition on / off and start the engine
Fig. 99
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock
Read and observe and on page 104 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 99
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching ignition on/off
›
Turn key to position
2
.
The ignition is switched on.
›
Turn key to position
1
.
The ignition is switched off.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
123› On vehicles with
automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the
engine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
For vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light
goes on during
starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Vehicles with the START-STOP system and manual gearbox
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Depress clutch to start.
CLUTCH
Vehicles with the START-STOP system and automatic gearbox
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Depress brake to start.
BRAKE
Note
■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Switching off the engine
Read and observe
and on page 104 first.
›
Stop the vehicle » page 107, Parking .
›
Turn key to position
1
» Fig. 99 on page 105 .
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if the selector lever is in position P .
105Starting-off and Driving
CAUTIONDo not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
106
Handbrake
107
Parking
107WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 111, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing 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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
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 by applying the brakes several times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders 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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
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 appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
106Driving
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 35,
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 100
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 100 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light
illuminates when the handbrake is applied,
provided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following instruction 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 6 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 acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission ,place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual gearboxes select the first gear or reverse gear.
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
108
Pedals
108107Starting-off and Driving
CAUTION■If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its
idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever, when
starting, must always be in P mode.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to keep the vehicle in position by using
the accelerator pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the
selector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 102
Selection lever / lock button / display
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 102.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 102.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
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 en-
gine is at idling speed.
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 en-
gine 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 the direction
of arrow
1
» Fig. 102 .
Fault in the automatic gearbox
A fault in the automatic gearbox is noticeable e.g. with the following.
› Only certain gears are selected.
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
CAUTION
If a fault occurs on the automatic gearbox, help from a professional service
provider should be sought immediately - there is a risk of damaging the vehi-
cle.
Selector lever lock
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
The selector lever is locked in modes P and N to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is only locked when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the 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 engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 102 on page 109 .
109Starting-off and Driving