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.
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.
142Vehicle careVehicle toolsTools
Van
The tools and the vehicle jacking
equipment are in the storage area behind the front seat. Pull front handle
and slide seat forwards to access
3 33.
Combi, Combo Tour
The tools and the vehicle jacking
equipment are stored in the load
compartment behind a panel on the
right-hand side.
Wheel changing 3 147, Spare wheel
3 149.
Wheels and tyres
Tyre condition, wheel condition
Drive over edges slowly and at right
angles if possible. Driving over sharp
edges can cause tyre and wheel
damage. Do not trap tyres on the kerb when parking.
Regularly check the wheels for
damage. Seek the assistance of a
workshop in the event of damage or
unusual wear.
Winter tyres Winter tyres improve driving safety attemperatures below 7 °C and should
therefore be fitted on all wheels.
Tyres of size 185/65 R15,
195/65 R15 and 195/60 R16 C are
permitted as winter tyres.
In accordance with country-specific
regulations, affix the speed sticker in
the driver's field of view.
Vehicle care143Tyre designationsE.g. 215/60 R 16 95 H215=Tyre width, mm60=Cross-section ratio (tyre
height to tyre width), %R=Belt type: RadialRF=Type: RunFlatC=Cargo or commercial use16=Wheel diameter, inches95=Load index e.g. 95 is
equivalent to 690 kgH=Speed code letter
Speed code letter:
Q=up to 100 mphS=up to 112 mphT=up to 118 mphH=up to 130 mphV=up to 150 mphW=up to 168 mph
Tyre pressure
Check the pressure of cold tyres at
least every 14 days and before any
long journey. Do not forget the spare
wheel.
Unscrew the valve cap.
Tyre pressure 3 174.
The tyre pressure data refers to cold
tyres. It applies to summer and winter tyres.
Always inflate the spare tyre to the
pressure specified for full load.
Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressures.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
Tread depth
Check tread depth at regular
intervals.
Tyres should be replaced for safety
reasons at a tread depth of 2-3 mm (4 mm for winter tyres).
For safety reasons, it is
recommended that the tread depth of
the tyres on one axle should not vary
by more than 2 mm.
The legally permissible minimum
tread depth (1.6 mm) has been
reached when the tread has worn
down as far as one of the tread wear
indicators (TWI). Their position is
indicated by markings on the
sidewall.
If there is more wear at the front than
the rear, swap round front wheels and
rear wheels periodically. Ensure that
the direction of rotation of the wheels
is the same as before.
144Vehicle care
Tyres age, even if they are not used.
We recommend tyre replacement
every 6 years.
Changing tyre and wheel
size
If tyres of a different size than those
fitted at the factory are used, it may be necessary to reprogramme the
speedometer as well as the nominal
tyre pressure and make other vehicle modifications.
After converting to a different tyre
size, have the label with tyre
pressures replaced.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels
may lead to accidents and will
invalidate the vehicle type
approval.
Wheel covers
Wheel covers and tyres that are
factory approved for the respective
vehicle and comply with all of the
relevant wheel and tyre combination requirements must be used.
If the wheel covers and tyres used are
not factory approved, the tyres must
not have a rim protection ridge.
Wheel covers must not impair brake
cooling.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel
covers could lead to sudden
pressure loss and thereby
accidents.
Tyre chains
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
front wheels.
Always use fine mesh chains that add no more than 10 mm to the tyre tread
and the inboard sides (including chain lock).
Do not exceed 30 mph when tyre
chains are fitted.
9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.
Vehicle care147
Notice
The driving characteristics of the
repaired tyre are severely affected, therefore have this tyre replaced.
If unusual noise is heard or the
compressor becomes hot, turn
compressor off and allow to cool.
Note the expiry date of the kit. After
this date its sealing capability is no
longer guaranteed. Pay attention to
storage information on sealant
bottle.
Replace the used sealant bottle.
Dispose of the bottle as prescribed
by applicable laws.
The compressor and sealant can be used from approx. -20 °C.
Replacing the sealant canister To replace the sealant canister:
1. Disconnect the compressor air hose.
2. Turn the canister anticlockwise tolift it out.
3. Insert the new canister and turn it clockwise.
4. Connect the compressor air hose to the canister and fit the flexible
filler tube into its allocated space.
Wheel changing Some vehicles are equipped with a
tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel
3 145.
Make the following preparations and
observe the following information:
■ Park the vehicle on a level, firm and
non-skid surface. The front wheels
must be in the straight-ahead
position.
■ Apply the parking brake and engage first or reverse gear.
■ Remove the spare wheel 3 149.
■ Never change more than one wheel
at once.
■ Use the jack only to change wheels
in case of puncture, not for
seasonal winter or summer tyre
change.
■ If the ground on which the vehicle is standing is soft, a solid board
(max. 1 cm thick) should be placed
under the jack.
■ No people or animals may be in the
vehicle when it is jacked-up.
■ Never crawl under a jacked-up vehicle.