16In brief
Automatic transmissionP=park positionR=reverse gearN=neutral positionD=drive
The selector lever can only be movedout of P or N when the ignition is on
and the foot brake is depressed
(selector lever lock). To engage P or
R , press the release button on
selector lever.
The automatic transmission is
available in two versions 3 128.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 173,
3 205.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 153.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of seats, seat belts and mirrors 3 46, 3 55, 3 38.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting engine with ignition
switch
■ Turn key to position 1
■ Move the steering wheel slightly to release the steering wheel lock
■ Operate clutch and brake, automatic transmission in P or N
■ Do not operate the accelerator pedal
■ Diesel engines, turn the key to position 2 for preheating and wait
until control indicator ! goes out
■ Turn key to 3 and release key when
engine is running.
124Driving and operatingDriving and operatingDriving hints............................... 124
Starting and operating ...............124
Engine exhaust .......................... 127
Automatic transmission .............. 128
Manual transmission ..................133
Manual transmission automa‐
ted .............................................. 134
Brakes ........................................ 138
Ride control systems .................139
Cruise control ............................. 141
Object detection systems ........... 142
Fuel ............................................ 144
Trailer hitch ................................ 146Driving hints
Control of the vehicleNever coast with engine not
running
Many systems will not function in this
situation (e.g. brake servo unit, power
steering). Driving in this manner is a
danger to yourself and others.
Pedals To ensure the pedal travel is
uninhibited, there must be no mats in
the area of the pedals.Starting and operating
New vehicle running-in Do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
During the first drive, smoke may
occur because of wax and oil
evaporating off the exhaust system.
Park the vehicle in the open for a
while after the first drive and avoid
inhaling the fumes.
During the running-in period fuel and
engine oil consumption may be
higher and the cleaning process of the diesel particle filter may take
place more often. Diesel particle filter 3 127.
138Driving 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 you depress the
brake pedal firmly. You need to use
considerably more force 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 88.
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 though 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 88.
Adaptive brake lamp
During full braking, all three brake
lamps flash for the duration of ABS
control.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 no longer be steered and may
swerve.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Driving and operating139Parking brake
Always apply parking brake firmly
without operating the release button,
and apply as firmly as possible on a
downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever 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.
Control indicator R 3 88.
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 unintended movement when driving away on
inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after
stopping on an incline, the brakes
remain on for a further 2 seconds. The brakes release automatically as soon
as the vehicle begins to accelerate.Ride control systems
Electronic stability
program
Electronic stability program
(ESP® Plus
) 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. This
considerably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESP® Plus
is operational as soon as
control indicator v extinguishes.
When ESP® Plus
comes into action v
flashes.
Vehicle care155
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
KALT/COLD mark. Top up if the level
is low.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
Top up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap
tightly. Have the antifreeze
concentration checked and have the
cause of the coolant loss remedied by a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze. For the correct mixing ratio refer to the washer fluid container.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Brakes
A squealing noise indicates that the
brake lining is at its minimum
thickness. Continued driving is
possible but have the brake lining
replaced as soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid
9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes,
skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
210IndexAAccessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 151
Active head restraints ...................45
Active head restraints on front seats ......................................... 22
Adaptive Forward Lighting ........ .................................... 24, 92, 110
Adjustable air vents ...................122
Airbag and belt tensioners ...........87
Airbag system .............................. 58
Air conditioning regular operation ................................ 123
Air conditioning system .............. 117
Air intake .................................... 123
Air vents...................................... 122
Antilock brake system ................ 138
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......88
Anti-theft alarm system ........35, 101
Anti-theft locking system .............. 35
Appearance care ........................187
Apply footbrake ............................ 91
Armrest ........................................ 49
Ashtrays ....................................... 82
Automatic anti-dazzle ..................39
Automatic climate control system .................................... 118
Automatic level control ..............141
Automatic light control ...............108Automatic transmission .............128
Auxiliary heater ........................... 122
B Battery discharge protection ......115
Battery voltage ........................... 100
Board-Info-Display .......................93
Bonnet ....................................... 153
Brake and clutch fluid .................192
Brake and clutch system .............88
Brake assist ............................... 139
Brake fluid .................................. 155
Brake light switch ....................... 100
Brakes ............................... 138, 155
Breakdown.................................. 185
Bulb replacement ....................... 158
C
Capacities .................................. 205
Cargo management system ........71
Car Pass ...................................... 26
Catalytic converter .....................128
Central locking system ................31
Centre console lighting ..............114
Changing tyre and wheel size ...176
Charging system .......................... 87
Check control ............................... 22
Child locks ................................... 34
Child restraint installation locations ................................... 63