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 58.
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 134DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving134
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - 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 136DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving136
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 961 140 - II/15
Everything from A to ZIndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 94
ACC, Active Cruise Control 98
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 58
Activated-charcoal filter 117
Active Cruise Control, ACC 98
Additives, oil 193
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 35
Adjustments, steering wheel 42
After washing vehicle 217
Airbags 78
Airbags, indicator/warning light 79
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 113, 117
Air conditioner 112
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 113, 116
Air distribution, manual 113, 116
Air flow, air conditioner 113
Air flow, automatic climate control 116
Air pressure, tires 176
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 118
Alarm system 30
Alarm triggering 30
Alarm, unintentional 31
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 184 Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 120
Alternative oil types 194
Antifreeze, washer fluid 54
Antilock Brake System, ABS 94
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 94
Apple iPod/iPhone 155
Approved axle load 223
Approved engine oils, see Suitable engine oil
types 194
Ash tray 123
Assistance when driving off 97
Assist system, refer to Intelli‐ gent Safety 86
AUTO intensity 116
Automatic car wash 216
Automatic climate con‐ trol 115
Automatic Curb Monitor 41
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 80
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 74
Automatic locking 29
Automatic recirculated-air control 117
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 55
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 116
AUTO program, intensity 116
Auto Start/Stop function 49
AUX-IN port 154
Average fuel consumption 68
Average speed 68
Axle loads, weights 223 B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 36
Balance 148
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 211
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 214
Bass 148
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 209
Battery, vehicle 209
Belts, safety belts 37
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 128
Bluetooth, refer to Hands-free system 162
Bonus range, GREEN mode 143
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 128
Brake assistant 94
Brake discs, break-in 134
Brake pads, break-in 134
Braking, hints 135
Breakdown assistance 211
Break-in 134
Bug light 201
Bulb replacement 200
Bulb replacement, front 201
Bulb replacement, rear 203
Bulb replacement, side 206
Bulbs and lights 200
Button, RES 100
Button, Start/Stop 47
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 211 Seite 238REFERENCEEverything from A to Z238
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