112Driving and operatingBrakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when the brake pedal
is depressed firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 74.
Antilock brake system Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency
to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off the system performs a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 75.
Fault9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can nolonger be steered and may
swerve.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Parking brake Manual parking brake
Always apply parking brake firmly
without operating the release button,
and apply as firmly as possible on a
downhill or uphill slope.
Driving and operating113
To release the parking brake, pull thelever up slightly, press the release
button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the
parking brake, depress the foot brake
at the same time.
A warning chime will sound if a certain speed is exceeded with the parking
brake applied.
Notice
The volume of the warning chime
can also be adjusted via the Driver
Information Centre 3 79.
Control indicator R 3 74.
Brake assist
If the brake pedal is depressed
quickly and forcefully, maximum
brake force is automatically applied
(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the
brake pedal for as long as full braking is required. Maximum brake force is
automatically reduced when the
brake pedal is released.Hill start assist
The system helps prevent unintendedmovement when driving away on
inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after
stopping on an incline, the brakes
remain on for a further two seconds.
The brakes release automatically as
soon as the vehicle begins to
accelerate.
If control indicator Z illuminates
while driving, there is a fault in the Hill
start assist 3 75 . Seek the assistance
of a workshop to have the fault
remedied.
The Hill start assist is not active
during an Autostop.
Stop-start system 3 103.Ride control systems
Traction Control system
The Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR) is a
component of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP).
ASR improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip, by
preventing the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to spin, engine output is reduced and
the wheel spinning the most is braked
individually. This considerably
improves the driving stability of the
vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
ASR is operational as soon as the
control indicator x extinguishes.
When ASR is active, control indicator x flashes.
114Driving and operating9Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Deactivation
ASR can be switched off when
spinning of drive wheels is required:
press button ASR OFF briefly.
LED in button illuminates and a
message appears in the Driver
Information Centre.
ASR is reactivated by pressing the
ASR OFF button again.
ASR is also reactivated the next time
the ignition is switched on.
Fault ASR will switch off automatically in
the event of a fault. Control indicator
x will illuminate in the instrument
cluster in conjunction with a message
in the Driver Information Centre 3 79.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Control indicator x 3 76.
Electronic stability
program
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the wheels are braked individually. Thisconsiderably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESP is operational as soon as control
indicator x extinguishes.
When ESP comes into action, control indicator x flashes.
The ESP system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is started
and cannot be deactivated9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Fault
In the event of a fault, ESP will be
automatically switched off and control
indicator x will illuminate in the
instrument cluster in conjunction with
a message in the Driver Information
Centre 3 79. The LED in the ASR
OFF button will also illuminate.
116Driving and operating
Alternatively accelerate to the desiredspeed and store by pushing lever
upwards ( +).
Reduce speed
With cruise control active, push lever
downwards ( -) or briefly push lever
downwards ( -) repeatedly; speed
decreases continuously or in small
increments.
Deactivation
Automatic deactivation:
■ vehicle speed below approx. 20 mph,
■ the brake pedal is depressed,
■ the clutch pedal is depressed,
■ the traction control system/Anti-Slip
Regulator (ASR) or Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) is
operating.
Resume stored speed Press button = at a speed above
20 mph. The stored speed will be
obtained.Switching off
Turn end of lever to the OFF position;
control indicator m extinguishes. The
stored speed is deleted. Switching off the ignition also deletes the stored
speed.Object detection
systems
Parking assist
The parking assist makes parking
easier by measuring the distance between the vehicle and obstacles,
and giving acoustic signals. It is the
driver, however, who bears full
responsibility for the parking
manoeuvre.
The system consists of four ultrasonic parking sensors in the rear bumper.
Control indicator r 3 75.
Driving and operating123Towing
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Vehicles with natural gas engine may
require special towing equipment.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
Fitting of towing equipment could
cover the opening of the towing eye.
If this is the case use the coupling ball bar for towing. Always keep the
coupling ball bar in the vehicle.
Driving characteristics and
towing tips Before attaching a trailer, lubricatethe coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements.For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than
1300 kg the use of a stabiliser is
strongly recommended when driving
above 50 mph.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 174.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.
The permitted trailer load applies up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 161.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
Vehicle care125Vehicle careGeneral Information...................125
Vehicle checks ........................... 126
Bulb replacement .......................132
Electrical system ........................138
Vehicle tools .............................. 142
Wheels and tyres .......................142
Jump starting ............................. 152
Towing ....................................... 153
Appearance care .......................155General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or
guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear to prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.
130Vehicle careBrakesA squealing noise, or illumination ofbrake pad wear control indicator F
indicates that the brake lining is at its
minimum thickness.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake linings replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake pad wear indicator F 3 75.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks.
When topping up, ensure maximum cleanliness as contamination of the
brake fluid can lead to brake system
malfunctions. Have the cause of the
loss of brake fluid remedied by a
workshop.
Only use high-performance brake
fluid approved for the vehicle.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 159.
Battery
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
4 weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
Vehicle care135
4.Unscrew the four retaining screws
using a screwdriver. Turn bulb
holder for reverse light
anticlockwise and replace bulb.
5. Remove bulb holder and seal from light housing.
6. Push bulb into socket slightly, rotate anticlockwise, remove and
renew bulb.Brake light ( 1)
Turn signal light ( 2)
Tail light ( 3)
Tail light/fog light ( 4)
7. Install seal on bulb holder ensuring it is fitted correctly.
Install bulb holder in light housing
ensuring that it engages correctly.
Tighten the four retaining screws
using a screwdriver.
8. Install reverse light bulb holder and turn clockwise to tighten.
9. Engage connector plug.
10. Insert light housing in body, ensuring correct positioning.
Tighten the three retaining
screws.
Side turn signal lights
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Centre high-mounted
brake light Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.