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
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
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
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
WARNING (Continued)■If the rear seat next to the folded forward seat is occupied, ensure maxi-
mum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that
the seat is prevented from folding back in case of a rear collision.■
Never drive with the luggage compartment lid open or ajar, as otherwise
exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle – risk of poisoning!
■
Under no circumstances should the permissible axle loads and the per-
missible total vehicle weight be exceeded – risk of accident!
■
Never transport people in the boot!
CAUTION
Please ensure that the heating elements for the rear window heater are not
damaged as a result of abrasive objects.
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load » page 157.
Class N1 vehicles
Read and observe
and on page 73 first.
On class N1 vehicles, which are not fitted with a protective grille, a lashing set
which complies with the standard EN 12195 (1 - 4) must be used for fastening
the load.
The proper functioning of the electrical system is essential for the safe opera-
tion of the vehicle. It is important to ensure that it is not damaged during mod-
ifications or when loading or unloading the luggage compartment.
Fastening elements
Fig. 63
Boot: Lashing eyes and fastening
elements
Read and observe and on page 73 first.
The following fastening elements are found in the luggage compart-
ment » Fig. 63 .
Lashing eyes for fastening items of luggage and fixing nets.
Fastening elements for fastening fixing nets.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the lashing eyes is 3.5 kN (350 kg).
Folding hooks
Fig. 64
Boot: folding hooks
Read and observe and on page 73 first.
Folding hooks » Fig. 64 for attaching small items of luggage, such as bags etc.,
are provided on both sides of the luggage compartment.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hook is 7.5 kg.AB74Operation
›Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.›Pull up rear cover.›
Use a finger to press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 112 .
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move
the selector lever to N.
The selector lever will be locked once more if it is moved again to P.
Running in
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
113
New tyres
113
New brake pads
113
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4
of the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system be-
gins to limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than
later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you
adopt during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the suc-
cess of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in pe-
riod.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the
next gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended
gear » page 32 , Recommended gear . Very high engine speeds when accelerat-
ing (accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 32, Recommended gear .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and hence engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in
individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps
save fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads do not initially provide optimal braking performance. They first
need to be “run in”. Therefore, drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
Economical driving and environmental sustainability
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
114
Economical gear changing.
114
Avoiding full throttle
115
Reducing idling
115
Avoiding short distances
115
Checking tyre pressure
115
113Starting-off and Driving
Avoiding full throttleFig. 114
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
Read and observe on page 114 first.
Driving more slowly saves fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel con-
sumption but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of
your vehicle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used.
Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase dispropor-
tionally at high speeds.
The graph » Fig. 114 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of
the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine when in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is nee-
ded when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operat-
ing temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particu-
larly high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the en-
gine has started, In this case high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distancesFig. 115
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Read and observe on page 114 first.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We there- fore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel con-
sumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption sta-
bilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating
temperature.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
graph » Fig. 115 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a
certain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
Checking tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct » page 157. If the pressure
is too low, the tyres will have to overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will
not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behav-
iour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
115Starting-off and Driving