
Taking care of your vehicle exterior136Taking care of the interior139
Inspecting and replenishing
142
Fuel
142
Engine compartment
145
Engine oil
148
Coolant
150
Brake fluid
152
Vehicle battery
153
Wheels
156
Tyres and wheel rims
156
Approved tyre / rim combinations
160
Winter operation
163
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
165
Emergency equipment
165
Changing a wheel
166
Puncture set
169
Jump-starting
172
Towing the vehicle
173
Fuses and light bulbs
175
Fuses
175
Replacing bulbs
178
Technical data
Technical data
183
Vehicle data
183
Index
3Table of Contents 

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe 
 on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wiper and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts  » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position  » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe 
 on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe 
 on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags. 
8Safety     

The display is updated regularly while you are driving.
Range
The estimated range is displayed in kilometres. It indicates the distance you can still drive with your vehicle based on the level of fuel in the tank and the
same style of driving.
The display is shown in steps of 10 km. The value is displayed in steps of 5 km
after the  
 has come on.
The fuel consumption over the preceding 50 km is used to calculate the infor-
mation. The range will increase if you drive in a more economical manner.
If the memory is set to zero (after the battery has been disconnected), a fuel
consumption of 10 l/100 km is used initially, then the value is adapted accord-
ing to the style of driving.
Distance travelled
The distance travelled since the memory was last erased is displayed. Reset
the memory to zero if you want to measure the distance travelled from a par-
ticular moment  » page 34, Operation .
The maximum distance indicated in both memories is 1999 km or 9999 km on
vehicles with a MAXI DOT display. The indicator is set back to zero when this
period is exceeded.
Average speed
The average speed since the memory was last erased is displayed in km/hour .
Set the memory to zero at the start of measurement to determine the average
speed over a certain period  » page 34, Operation .
No value will appear in the display until you have driven approximately 300 m
after this information has been deleted.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving.
Current speed
The current speed, identical to the display on the speedometer 3
  » Fig. 20  on
page 30 , is displayed.
Oil temperature 1)
The current engine oil temperature is displayed. If the oil temperature is lower
than 50 °C or if a fault in the system for checking the oil temperature is
present, only - -.- is displayed instead of the oil temperature.
Warning against speeding
The warning that the speed limit is being exceeded can be enabled/disabled in
the display » page 35.
Warning against speeding
Read and observe 
 on page 33 first.
Adjust the speed limit while the vehicle is stationary
›
Press button 
A
 » Fig. 23  on page 34  to select the  Warning at (MAXI DOT
display) or  
 (segment display) menu item.
›
Press button 
B
 to activate the ability to set the speed limit 2)
 (value flashes).
›
Use button 
A
 to set the required speed limit, e.g. 50 km/h.
›
Confirm the speed limit that was set with button 
B
, or wait approx. 5 sec-
onds until the setting is saved automatically (the value stops flashing).
This allows you to set the speed in 5 km/h intervals.
Adjusting the speed limit while the vehicle is moving
›
Press button 
A
  » Fig. 23  on page 34  to select the  Warning at (MAXI DOT
display) or   (segment display) menu item.
›
Drive at the desired speed, e.g. 50 km/h.
›
Press button 
B
 to accept the current speed as the speed limit (the value
flashes).
If you wish to adjust the set speed limit, you can do so in 5 km/h intervals (e.g. the accepted speed of 47 km/h increases to 50 km/h or decreases to 45 km/h).
›
Confirm the speed limit that was set by pressing button 
B
 again, or wait ap-
prox. 5 seconds until the setting is saved automatically (the value stops
flashing).
Change or delete speed limit
›
Press button 
A
  » Fig. 23  on page 34  to select the  Warning at (MAXI DOT
display) or   (segment display) menu item.
›
Pressing button 
B
 disables the speed limit.
›
Pressing the button 
B
 activates the ability to change the speed limit.
If the set speed limit is exceeded, an audible signal will sound as a warning.
The  Warning at  (MAXI DOT display) or 
 (segment display) menu item appears
in the display with the limit set. 
1)
Applies for vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
2)
An initial value of 30 km/h is displayed automatically if no value has been specified.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights  

SettingsRead and observe 
 on page 37 first.
You can change certain settings yourself through the MAXI DOT display. The
current menu item is shown in the top of the display under a line.
You can select the following menu options:
Language
You can set the language for the warning and information texts here.
MFD data
Activate or deactivate certain displays of the multifunction display here.
Time
The time, time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the changeover between
summer/winter time can be set here.
Winter tyres
Here, you can set the speed at which an audible signal should sound. This
function is, for example, used for winter tyres where the maximum permissible
speed is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
The following is shown on the information display if this speed is exceeded: Winter tyres: max. speed ... km/h.
Units of measurement
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set
here.
Alt. speed dis.
Display of the second speed in mph 1)
 can be activated here.
Service
The days and kilometres remaining until the next service can be displayed
here.
Factory setting
The display can be restored to its factory settings here.
Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
Read and observe 
 on page 37 first.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the MAXI DOT dis-
play shows the vehicle with the corresponding door or boot/bonnet  open.
An audible signal also sounds if the vehicle is travelling at more than 6 km/h.
Auto Check Control
Read and observe 
 on page 37 first.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT
display. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI
DOT display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster  » page 39.
The  Vehicle status  menu item is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT
display whenever at least one fault message is present. The first of the fault
messages is displayed after this menu item is selected. Several error messages
are shown on the display under the message e.g.  1/3. This indicates that the
first of a total of three error messages is being displayed.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to
be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning symbols
Engine oil pressure too low» page 40Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox
are too hot» page 38Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 40
  Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
If the   symbol appears in the MAXI DOT display, this indicates that the tem-
perature of the automatic DSG gearbox clutches is too high. 
1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
38Operation    

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop. Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the  
icon goes out –
there is a risk of gearbox damage. You can continue your journey as soon as
the icon disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights system  » page 63.
Note
■
Warning messages shown in the MAXI DOT display must be confirmed with
button B  » Fig. 25  on page 37  to call up the main menu.■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
  Handbrake
39
  Brake system
40
 Seat belt warning light
40
  Generator
40
 Open door
40
  
 Engine oil
40
 
 Coolant
41
  Power steering
42
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
42
 Traction Control System (ASR)
42
  Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
42
 The rear fog light
43
  Bulb failure
43
  Exhaust inspection system
43
  Glow plug system (diesel engine)
43  EPC fault light (petrol engine)43  Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)43
 Fuel reserve
44
  Airbag system
44
 Tyre pressure
45
  Windscreen washer fluid level
45
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
45
  
 Turning signal system
46
  Low beam
46
 Fog lights
46
  Cruise control system
46
  Selector lever lock
46
  Main beam
46
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by
audible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and
warning notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major
vehicle damage.■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to
observe safety notes  » page 145, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe 
 on page 39 first.
The warning light   comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning
is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more
than 6 km/h.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
39Instruments and Indicator Lights     

 Brake systemRead and observe 
 on page 39 first.
The  
 indicator light comes on 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: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id  » page 152 .
Further information  » page 108, Brakes .
WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system  » page 63.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet
and checking the brake fluid level  » page 145, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light 
 is displayed simultaneously with warning light
  » page 42 , 
 Anti-lock brake system (ABS) , 
 do not continue your
journey!  Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – there is a risk of accident.
 Seat belt warning light
Read and observe 
 on page 39 first.
The   indicator light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder
for the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belt. The indicator light
only goes out once the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat
belt.
A steady warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and
the   flashes if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat
belts.
The warning signal is switched of and the   indicator light is permanently lit if
the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the
next 90 seconds.
Further information  » page 12.
 Generator
Read and observe 
 on page 39 first.
If the warning light lights up  
 when the engine is running, the vehicle battery
is not being charged.
Seek help from a specialist garage. The electrical system requires checking.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights system  » page 63.
CAUTION
 Do not continue driving  if the  warning light (coolant system fault) lights
up in addition to the   warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine -
there is a risk of engine damage.
 Open door
Read and observe 
 on page 39 first.
The warning light  
 comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot
lid is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warn-
ing light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights system  » page 63.
  Engine oil
Read and observe 
 on page 39 first.
The warning light   lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil pressure: Engine off. Owner's manual! 
40Operation          

The  warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on 1)
.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev- el  » page 149 .
Even if the oil level is correct,  
 do not drive any further  if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light  
 lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el  » page 149 .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on
again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light   flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil sensor workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes   several
times and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights system  » page 63.
CAUTION
The red oil pressure light   is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop.  Coolant
Read and observe 
 on page 39 first.
The  
 indicator light remains lit until the engine reaches operating tempera-
ture 2)
. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  
 lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is
too high or the coolant level is too low.
An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the cool-
ant  » page 151 , and refill the coolant if necessary  » page 151.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the ra-
diator fan, replace if necessary  » page 177, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   
  
does not go off even though
the coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNING■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system  » page 63.■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off - a danger of injury is present!
CAUTION
■ Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
1)
The   warning light does not light up in vehicles fitted with the MAXI DOT display when the ignition is
switched on, but only if there is a fault or the engine oil level is too low.
2)
Not on vehicles with the MAXI DOT display.
41Instruments and Indicator Lights      

Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
108
Handbrake
109WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an 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!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads  » page 113.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe 
 and  on page 108 first.
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.
Before travelling a long distance down 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
completed intermittently, not continuously.
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 services.
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 and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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.
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 40, 
  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.108Driving