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
Operation
Cockpit
29
Overview
28
Instruments and Indicator Lights
30
Instrument cluster
30
Multifunction display (MFD)
33
Service Interval Display
36
MAXI DOT display
37
Warning lights
39Unlocking and locking47Unlocking and locking47
Central locking system
49
Remote control
52
Anti-theft alarm system
53
Luggage compartment lid
54
Electrical power windows
55
Mechanical windows
58
Lights and visibility
59
Lights
59
Interior lights
63
Visibility
64
Windscreen wipers and washers
65
Rear window
67
Seats and stowing
69
Front seats
69
Rear seats
70
Head restraints
72
Boot
73
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
76
Bicycle carrier in the luggage compartment
78
Roof rack system
80
Useful equipment
80
Storage compartments
83
Praktik
87
Heating and air-conditioning
90
Heating, ventilation, cooling
90
Heating
91Air conditioning system (manual air
conditioning system)93
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system)
95
Communication and multimedia
97
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II
97
Voice control
102
Multimedia
103
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
106
Starting and stopping the engine
106
Brakes
108
Manual gear changing and pedals
109
Automatic transmission
110
Running in
113
Economical driving and environmental
sustainability
113
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
117
Driving abroad
118
Assist systems
119
Brake assist systems
119
Parking aid
120
Cruise Control System
121
START-STOP
123
Tyre pressure monitoring
125
Hitch and trailer
126
Hitch
126
Trailer
129
General Maintenance
Car care
132
Services, modifications and technical
alterations
132
Washing vehicle
1352Table of Contents
System descriptionRead and observe
on page 16 first.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light
in the instrument cluster » page 44.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated.
This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 18.
› Side airbags
» page 19.
› Head airbags
» page 19.
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 44.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 21.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag deactivation/activation in the
middle of the dash panel » page 21.
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.
Airbag deployment
Read and observe
on page 16 first.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to beable to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultane-
ously.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions,
rear-end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors
such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle,
vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which
occurs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system.
If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision
remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit,
the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe dam-
age to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
› Driver’s front airbag.
› Front passenger airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision. › Front side airbag on the side of the accident.
› Head airbags on the side of the accident.
When an airbag is deployed, the following events occur.
› The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position).
› The hazard warning lights are switched on.
› All the doors are unlocked.
› The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Airbag overview
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags
18
Side airbags
19
Head airbags
1917Airbag system
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
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
30
Engine revolutions counter
31
Speedometer
31
Coolant temperature gauge display
31
Fuel gauge
31
Counter for distance driven
32
Digital clock
32
Display of the second speed
32
Recommended gear
32
Fault display
The Error message will appear in the display if there is a fault in the instru-
ment cluster. Ensure that the fault is rectified as soon as possible by a special-
ist workshop.
WARNING■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully
responsible for road safety.■
Never operate the controls in the instrument cluster while driving, only
when the vehicle is stationary!
OverviewFig. 20
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Revolutions counter with warning lights » page 31
Display:
› With counter for distance driven
» page 32
› With service interval display
» page 36
› With digital clock
» page 32
› With multifunction display (MFA)
» page 33
› With the MAXI DOT display
» page 37
Speedometer with warning lights » page 31
Coolant temperature gauge 1)
» page 31
Button for display mode:
› Setting the hours/minutes
» page 32
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 2)
» page 32
› Service interval 2)
- Display of the number of days, kilometres or miles re-
maining until the next Service 3)
» page 36
123451)
Applies for vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
2)
Applies for vehicles with a segment display.
3)
Applies for models in which where the values are indicated in British measuring units.
30Operation
CAUTIONNever drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.
Counter for distance driven
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The distance which you have driven with your vehicle is shown in km. In somecountries the measuring unit “mile” is used.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The trip counter indicates the distance you have driven since it was last reset -
in steps of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile.
Reset trip meter
The meter can be reset by pressing and holding button
6
» Fig. 20 on
page 30 .
Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance in kilometres or miles which the ve-
hicle has been driven.
Note
If the second speed display is enabled on vehicles with a segment display, this
speed will be shown instead of the odometer.
Digital clock
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The clock is set with buttons
5
and
6
» Fig. 20 on page 30 .
Select the display that you wish to change with the button
5
and carry out
the change with the button
6
.
In vehicles equipped with the MAXI DOT display, it is also possible to set the
clock in the Time menu » page 38.
Display of the second speed
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The display can show the current speed in mph 1)
.
This feature is provided for driving in countries with different units for speed.
MAXI DOT display
The display of the second speed can be set in the Settings menu
item » page 38 , Settings .
Segment display
›
Press the
5
» Fig. 20 on page 30 key repeatedly, until the odometer display
flashes » page 32 .
›
Press the
6
key while the display is flashing.
The second speed is displayed instead of the odometer.
Display of the second speed can be disabled in the same way.
Recommended gear
Fig. 21
Recommended gear
Read and observe on page 30 first.
The gear currently engaged is shown in the instrument cluster display
A
» Fig. 21 .
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into
another gear is indicated in the display.
1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
32Operation
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
Power steeringRead and observe
on page 39 first.
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up
continuously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering. The power
steering operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at all.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note
■ If the yellow warning light goes out after starting the engine again and
driving a short distance, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.■
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow
warning light
comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light
should go out after driving a short distance.
■
There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being towed
without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is defect.
The vehicle is fully steerable however. There is however increased force re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
The warning light flashes to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light comes on immediately after you start the engine, the
ESC might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and
on again. The ESC is fully functional again if the warning light does not light
up after you switch the engine back on.
There is a fault in the ESC system if the warning light lights up.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The ESC system cannot be turned off, the
» page 120 button only switches
the TCS off, the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESP indicator light will
also come on if the ABS system fails.
Further information » page 119, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
The warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on if the vehicle's
battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The warning light should go
out after the vehicle has driven a short distance.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
The warning light flashes to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again.
The TCS is fully functional again if the warning light does not light up after
you switch the engine back on.
If the warning light lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating proper-
ly.
Further information » page 120, Traction Control System (ASR) .
Note
The warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on if the vehicle's
battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The warning light should go
out after the vehicle has driven a short distance.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
If the warning light
lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
42Operation
If the front passenger's front airbag was switched off using the key-operat-
ed switch on the side of the dash panel on the passenger side:
› The
warning light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
› switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the yellow indicator light in display
» page 21 .WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized company.
Tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
The indicator light is lit
If while driving, the warning light lights up, a tyre pressure change has oc-
curred.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
›
Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 157 .
›
Correct the tyre pressure, if necessary or replace the wheel » page 166 or
use the repair kit » page 169.
›
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 125.
The indicator light flashes for about 1 min. and remains lit
If the warning light flashes for approximately 1 minute and stays on, there
may be a fault in the tyre pressure monitoring system.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light flashes again after the engine has started, there is a
system error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The following reasons can explain the warning light being illuminated.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› A wheel has been changed.
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 125.
CAUTION
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light in the instrument cluster can be delayed or does
not light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light illuminates after the
ignition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short
distance.
Windscreen washer fluid level
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light
comes on.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 147.
Traction control (TCS) switched off
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » page 120 and the warning
light
illuminates.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
45Instruments and Indicator Lights