Driving and operating209Trailer towingTrailer 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 plate3 263.
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.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (85 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
especially in the case of heavy
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
90 kg for the 5-door Hatchback/4-
door Saloon and 85 kg for the Sports
Tourer/Country Tourer, the gross
vehicle weight rating may be
exceeded by 65 kg for the 5-door
Hatchback/4-door Saloon and 60 kg
for the Sports Tourer/Country Tourer.
If the permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of
60 mph applies.
Towing equipmentCaution
The folding coupling ball bar
cannot be removed from the
vehicle. When driving without a
trailer, fold in the coupling ball bar.
214Vehicle care9Danger
The ignition system and Xenon
headlights use extremely high
voltage. Do not touch.
Bonnet
Opening
Pull the release lever and return it to
its original position.
Move the safety catch sideways to the left vehicle side and open the bonnet.
The bonnet is held open
automatically.
Air intake 3 145.
If the bonnet is opened during an
Autostop, the engine will be restarted automatically for safety reasons.
Stop-start system 3 152.
Closing
Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop into the catch. Check that the bonnet
is engaged.
Engine oil
Check the engine oil manually on aregular basis to prevent damage to
the engine. Ensure that the correct
specification of oil is used.
Recommended fluids and lubricants
3 261.
Check with the vehicle on a level
surface. The engine must be at
operating temperature and switched
off for at least 5 minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it to the stop on the handle, pull
out and read the engine oil level.
Insert dipstick to the stop on the
handle and make half a turn.Caution
It is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of an
appropriate quality oil in the
engine.
232Vehicle careElectrical systemFuses
Data on the replacement fuse must
match the data on the defective fuse.
There are three fuse boxes in the
vehicle:
■ in the front left of the engine compartment,
■ in left-hand drive vehicles, in the interior behind the storage
compartment, or, in right-hand
drive vehicles, behind the
glovebox,
■ behind a cover on the left side of the
load compartment.
Before replacing a fuse, turn off the
respective switch and the ignition.
There are different kinds of fuses in
the vehicle.
Depending on the type of fuse, a
blown fuse can be recognized by its
melted wire. Do not replace the fuse until the cause of the fault has been
remedied.
Some functions are protected by
several fuses.
Fuses may also be inserted without existence of a function.
Fuse extractor A fuse extractor may be located in the fuse box in the engine compartment.
240Vehicle care
Tyre pressure 3 288.
The tyre and loading information label on the left door frame indicates the
original equipment tyres and the
correspondent tyre pressures.
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.
The ECO tyre pressure serves to
achieve the smallest amount of fuel
consumption possible.
Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
Tyre pressures differ depending on
various options. For the correct tyre pressure value, follow the procedure
below:
1. Identify drive axle and body style.
2. Identify the engine identifier code.
Engine data 3 268.
3. Identify the respective tyre.
The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations 3 288.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of
Conformity provided with your vehicle or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct adjustment of tyre pressure.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.
If the tyre pressure shall be reduced
or increased on a vehicle with tyre
pressure monitoring system, switch
off ignition. After adjusting tyre
pressure switch on ignition and select the according setting on the page
Tyre load in the Driver Information
Centre, 3 106.
Tyre pressure monitoring
system
The tyre pressure monitoring system
checks the pressure of all four wheels once a minute when vehicle speed
exceeds a certain limit.
Vehicle care241Caution
Tyre pressure monitoring system
warns just about low tyre pressure condition and does not replace
regular tyre maintenance by the
driver.
All wheels must be equipped with
pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure.
Select the Tyre pressure monitoring
page under the Info Menu in the
Driver Information Centre 3 106
System status and pressure warnings
are displayed by a message with the
corresponding tyre flashing in the
Driver Information Centre.
A detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by the control
indicator w 3 103.
If w lights up, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 288.
After inflating driving may be required
to update the tyre pressure values in
the Driver Information Centre. During
this time w may light up.
If w lights up at lower temperatures
and extinguishes after some driving,
this could be an indicator for getting
low pressure. Check tyre pressure.
Vehicle messages 3 115.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased, switch off ignition.
Only mount wheels with pressure
sensors, otherwise the tyre pressure
will not be displayed and w
illuminates continuously.
A spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel is not equipped with pressure
sensors. The tyre pressure
monitoring system is not operational
for these wheels. Control indicator w
illuminates. For the further three
wheels the system remains
operational.
The use of commercially available
liquid tyre repair kits can impair the
function of the system. Factory
approved repair kits can be used.
External high-power radio equipment
could disrupt the tyre pressure
monitoring system.
Each time the tyres are replaced tyre
pressure monitoring system sensors
must be dismounted and serviced.
For the screwed sensor replace valve
core and sealing ring, for clipped
sensor replace complete valve stem.
Vehicle care243
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
remains the same.
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.
Wheel caps
Tyres of size 245/35 R20 have a
specific wheel cap. To remove the
cap from the dismantled wheel first
disengage the arms one by one. Then press the cap in the middle area from
behind and remove it.
To assemble first adjust the wheel
cap in order that the positioning leg
fits into the recess.
Tyre chains
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
front wheels.
Vehicle care259
Clean the leather upholstery with
clear water and a soft cloth. In case of
heavy soiling, use leather care.
The instrument cluster and the
displays should only be cleaned using a soft damp cloth. If necessary use aweak soap solution.
Clean fabric upholstery with a
vacuum cleaner and brush. Remove
stains with an upholstery cleaner.
Clothing fabrics may not be
colourfast. This could cause visible
discolourations, especially on light-
coloured upholstery. Removable
stains and discolourations should be
cleaned as soon as possible.
Clean seat belts with lukewarm water
or interior cleaner.Caution
Close Velcro fasteners as open
Velcro fasteners on clothing could damage seat upholstery.
The same applies to clothing with
sharp-edged objects, like zips or
belts or studded jeans.
Plastic and rubber parts
Plastic and rubber parts can be
cleaned with the same cleaner as
used to clean the body. Use interior cleaner if necessary. Do not use any
other agent. Avoid solvents and petrol in particular. Do not use high-
pressure jet cleaners.
264Technical data
Information on identification plate:1=Manufacturer2=Type approval number3=Vehicle Identification Number4=Permissible gross vehicle
weight rating in kg5=Permissible gross train weight
in kg6=Maximum permissible front axle
load in kg7=Maximum permissible rear axle
load in kg8=Vehicle-specific or country-
specific data, e.g. MY = Model
year
The combined total of front and rear
axle loads must not exceed the
permissible gross vehicle weight. For example, if the front axle is bearing its
maximum permissible load, the rear
axle can only bear a load that is equal
to the gross vehicle weight minus the
front axle load.
The technical data is determined in
accordance with European
Community standards. We reserve
the right to make modifications.
Specifications in the vehicle
documents always have priority over
those given in this manual.
Engine identification The technical data tables show the
engine identifier code. Engine data
3 268.
To identify the respective engine,
refer to the engine power in the EEC
Certificate of Conformity provided
with your vehicle or other national
registration documents.