
Operation
Cockpit
OverviewDoor opening lever
48
Electrical power windows
55
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
68
Air outlet vents
90
Parking ticket holder
83
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher
61
› Speed regulating system
121
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
18
›With pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone
97
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights
30
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
66
›Multifunction display
33
›MAXI DOT display
37
Button for rear window heater
64
TCS button
120
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
90
Button for hazard warning light system
63
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
21
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
91
›Operating controls for the air conditioning system
93
›Operating controls for Climatronic
95
Storage compartments on the front passenger side
84
Front passenger airbag
18
Air outlet vents
90
Key-operated switch for the front seat passenger airbag
2112345678910111213141516171819Door opening lever48
Switch depending on equipment fitted:
› Boot lid remote release
55
›Interior monitor
54
Light switch and headlamp beam adjustment
59, 60
Fuse box in the dashboard
176
Bonnet release lever
146
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
10
Ignition lock
107
Pedals
109
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
109
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
110
Rocker switch for front left seat heating
69
Central locking system
51
Handbrake
109
Rocker switch for front right seat heating
69
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Ashtrays
81
›Storage compartment
85
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
MDI
104
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.2021222324252627282930313233343529Cockpit

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

Unlocking and locking
Unlocking and locking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle key
47
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
47
Child safety lock
48
Opening/closing a door
48
Locking/unlocking the vehicle without central locking
49
Emergency locking of the doors
49
Vehicle key
Fig. 26
Key: without/with remote control
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your ve-
hicle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 26 -
or
with radio remote control » Fig. 26 -
.
WARNING■
Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who are not completely in-
dependent, such as children, unattended in the vehicle. The children might,
for example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The ve-
WARNING (Continued)hicle could then start to move – risk of injury and accidents! These individu-
als might also not be able to leave the vehicle on their own or to help
themselves. Can be fatal at very high or very low temperatures!
CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.■
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and ig-
nition lock.
■
The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same fre-
quency range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
■
The battery must be replaced if the central locking does react to the remote
control at less than around 3 metres away » page 47.
■
When leaving the vehicle, always check if it is locked.
■
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 27
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery located under the cover
A
» Fig. 27 . The battery needs replacing if red indicator light » Fig. 26 on
page 47 -
does not go on when you press a button on the remote control
key. We recommend having the key batteries replaced by a specialist garage.
However, if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed
as follows.
›
Flip out the key.
47Unlocking and locking

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
107
Ignition lock
107
Engine
107
Switching off the engine
107
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key.
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.
WARNING■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 107
on page 107 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This posi-
tion is indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, this
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident!■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise, the steer- ing could be blocked – risk of accident!
■
Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is
risk of accident, damage or theft!
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - there is the dan-
ger of poisoning and death!■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cleaning cloths or tools) in the engine com-
partment. This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a
cover) – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the
vehicle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is
activated when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 107 on page 107 .
■
If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 175, or
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-
start aid » page 172 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the
engine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do 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.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine rea-
ches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are
lower.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.106Driving

Electronic immobilizerRead and observe
and on page 106 first.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deac-
tivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is
withdrawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The MAXI DOT display shows the following: Immobilizer active.
Ignition lock
Fig. 107
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
Petrol engines » Fig. 107
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 107
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the
steering can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
123123If the steering is locked and the key cannot be turned or can only be turned
with difficulty to position 2 » Fig. 107 , move the steering wheel back and
forth and the steering lock will unlock.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Engine
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine once the warning light has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position
P or N.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 107 on page 107 .
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key to position
3
to the stop and release immediately the engine
has started – do not depress the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
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.
Switching off the engine
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position
1
» Fig. 107 on
page 107 .
107Starting-off and Driving

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

HandbrakeFig. 108
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 108 first.
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. 108 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
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 – there is a
risk of an accident.
CAUTION
After the vehicle has come to a standstill, always tighten the handbrake first
and then switch to first gear (vehicles with manual gearbox) or move the se-
lector lever to the P position (vehicles with automatic transmission).Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
109
Pedals
109
Manual gear changing
Fig. 109
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 32.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch
pedal and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engag-
ed to avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the
ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mech-
anism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
109Starting-off and Driving

Starting-off and drivingRead and observe
and on page 110 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 110 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever into the position P and then release the locking but-
ton.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve maximum acceleration by your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – there is a risk of an accident.Malfunction
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in
the automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated
starting or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning
light » page 38 ,
Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
.
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
Fig. 112
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
Read and observe and on page 110 first.
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driv-
en.
The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
112Driving