Things to remember when drivingVehicle features and op‐tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
The following instructions will help accomplish
a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Control,
refer to page 71.
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake pads.
Drive moderately during this break-in period.
Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other traf‐
fic may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the vehicle interior. ◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:Seite 154DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving154
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 168 - II/15
Driving in wet conditionsWhen roads are wet or in heavy rain, press
brake pedal ever so gently every few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure. ◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped. ◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
needed.
Brake disc corrosion Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during brak‐
ing is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
Ground clearance Limited ground clearance
Observe the limited ground clearance of
the vehicle, e. g. while entering underground
parking garages or when driving over obsta‐
cles. Otherwise, damages to the vehicle may
result. ◀Seite 156DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving156
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 168 - II/15
Everything from A to ZIndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 111
ACC, Active Cruise Control 115
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 71
Activated-charcoal filter 137
Active Cruise Control, ACC 115
Additives, oil 191
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 48
Adjustments, steering wheel 55
After washing vehicle 215
Airbags 95
Airbags, indicator/warning light 96
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 133, 137
Air conditioner 132
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 133, 136
Air distribution, manual 133, 136
Air flow, air conditioner 133
Air flow, automatic climate control 136
Air pressure, tires 174
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 138
Alarm system 43
Alarm triggering 43
Alarm, unintentional 44
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 182 Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 140
Alternative oil types 192
Antifreeze, washer fluid 67
Antilock Brake System, ABS 111
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 111
Approved axle load 221
Approved engine oils, see Suitable engine oil
types 192
Arrival time 82
Ash tray 143
Assistance when driving off 114
Assist system, refer to Intelli‐ gent Safety 103
AUTO intensity 136
Automatic car wash 214
Automatic climate con‐ trol 135
Automatic Curb Monitor 54
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 97
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 91
Automatic locking 43
Automatic recirculated-air control 137
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 68
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 136
AUTO program, intensity 136
Auto Start/Stop function 62
Average fuel consumption 82
Average speed 82
Axle loads, weights 221 B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 49
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 209
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 212
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 207
Battery, vehicle 207
Belts, safety belts 50
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 148
Bonus range, GREEN mode 164
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 148
Brake assistant 111
Brake discs, break-in 154
Brake pads, break-in 154
Braking, hints 155
Breakdown assistance 209
Break-in 154
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 85
Bug light 199
Bulb replacement 198
Bulb replacement, front 199
Bulb replacement, rear 201
Bulb replacement, side 204
Bulbs and lights 198
Button, RES 117
Button, Start/Stop 60
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 209
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 8 Seite 230REFERENCEEverything from A to Z230
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