
Lights and visibility
For the sake of the environment
The heated rear window should be switched
off a s
soon as the glass is demisted. By sav-
ing electrical power you can also save fuel. Note
To avoid possible damage to the battery, an
autom atic
temporary disconnection of this
function is possible, coming back on when
normal operating conditions are re-establish-
ed. Sun visors
Fig. 137
Sun visor on the driver side. The sun visors for the driver and the front
p
a
s
senger can be pulled out of their central
supports and turned towards the doors in the
direction of the arrow ››› Fig. 137. Never pull
them downwards. The driver sun visor has compartments for
card
s, and the passenger sun visor has a
vanity mirror with a cover*. Note
Incorrect use of the sun visor (e.g. pulling
them down w
ards once they are open) may re-
sult in broken hinges. This damage is not cov-
ered by the vehicle warranty. Windscreen wiper and rear win-
dow w
iper sy
stems
Windscreen wipers Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 23 WARNING
● Worn and dir ty
wiper blades reduce visibili-
ty and safety levels while driving.
● In cold conditions you should not use the
wash/w
ipe system unless you have warmed
the windscreen with the heating and ventila-
tion system. The windscreen washer fluid
could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and
obscure your view of the road.
● Always note the corresponding warnings
›››
page 54. WARNING
The rain sensor* may not detect enough rain
to sw it
ch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the w
indscreen obstructs visi-
bility. CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper
bl a
des are not frozen to the glass before us-
ing the wipers for the first time. If you switch
on the windscreen wipers when the wiper
blades are frozen to the windscreen, you
could damage both the wiper blades and the
wiper motor. Note
● The wind s
creen wipers will only work when
the ignition is switched on.
● The heat output of the heated jets* is con-
trol
led automatically when the ignition is
switched on, depending upon the outside
temperature.
● In certain versions of vehicles with alarms,
the winds
creen wiper will only work in inter-
val/rain sensor mode when the ignition is on
and the bonnet closed.
● When the interval wipe function is on, the
interv
als are directly proportional to the
speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed
the shorter the intervals. » 129
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
If y
ou stop the vehicle with the windscreen
wiper in position 1 or 2, it will automatically
change to a lower position speed. The set
speed will be resumed when the vehicle pulls
away.
● The windscreen will be wiped again after
appro
ximately five seconds once the “auto-
matic wash/wipe system” has been activa-
ted, provided the vehicle is moving (drip func-
tion). If you activate the wipers less than 3
seconds after the drip function, a new wash
sequence will begin without performing the
last wipe. For the “drip” function to work
again, you have to turn the ignition off and
then on again.
● Do not put stickers on the windscreen in
front of
the rain sensor*. This may cause sen-
sor disruption or faults. Rear window wiper
Fig. 138
Windscreen wiper lever: rear window
w iper
. Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forward to position 6 ›››
Fig. 138. The w
iper w
ill wipe the window
approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position 6 toward
the s t
eerin
g wheel. The wiper will continue
to function for a short period if you switch
off whilst the wipers are in motion.
Switching on the window wiper and washer
system – Press the lever fully forwards to position 7 ›››
Fig. 138 . The w iper and w
asher operate
at the same time. The rear window wash
system will function as long as you hold the
lever in this position.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops
and the wiper s
continue until the end of
the cycle.
– Move the lever towards the steering wheel
to swit
ch off. WARNING
● Worn and dir ty
wiper blades reduce visibili-
ty and safety levels while driving.
● Always note the corresponding warnings
›››
page 54. CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper
bl a
de is not frozen to the glass before using
the wiper for the first time. If you switch on
the wiper when the wiper blade is frozen to
the glass, this could damage both the wiper
blade and the wiper motor. Note
● The re ar w
indow wiper will only work when
the ignition is switched on.
● Depending on the version of the model,
when you en
gage reverse gear and with the
headlight wiper activated, this can start a
wipe. Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight
l
en
se
s.
The headlight washers are activated auto-
matically when the windscreen washer is
used and the window wiper lever is pulled to-
wards the steering wheel for at least 1.5 sec-
onds – provided the dipped beam headlights
or main beams are switched on. Clean off
stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the head-
lights at regular intervals, for instance when
filling the fuel tank.
130

Operation
– Mak
e s
ure that the head restraint engages
securely in one of its positions ››› page 60.
Removing the head restraint – Push the head restraint up as far as it will
go.
– Pr
ess the button ›››
Fig. 141 (arrow).
– Pull head restraint out of fitting without re-
lea
sing the button.
Fitting the head restraint
– Insert the head restraint into the guides on
the corre
sponding backrest.
– Push head restraint down.
– Adjust the head restraint to suit body size
›››
page 60. WARNING
● Never driv e if
the head restraints have been
removed. Risk of injury.
● Never drive if the head restraints are in an
uns
uitable position (the lowest position) as
there is a risk of serious injury.
● After refitting the head restraint, you must
alwa
ys adjust it properly for height to achieve
optimal protection.
● Please observe the safety warnings in ›››
in Correct adjustment of front head restraints
on pag
e 60
. Note
● To fit and r
emove the rear head restraints,
gently tilt the seat backrest forwards.
● When fitting the head restraints again, in-
sert the t
ubes as far as possible into the
guides without pressing the button. Seat functions
Heat ed se
ats* Fig. 142
Front seat heating switch. The front seat cushions and backrests can be
he
at
ed el
ectrically.
– Press the corresponding switch ›››
Fig. 142
to switch on the seat heating.
– Press once to connect the heating at maxi-
mum forc
e. The two LEDs illuminate
››› Fig. 142. After 15 minutes of high inten- sity, the upper LED goes out, the system is
deactivat
ed for 2 minutes and is then reac-
tivated at low intensity (the lower LED re-
mains on permanently).
– Press the switch again to set the heating to
minimum forc
e. (The lower LED lights up).
– To disconnect the heating, press the switch
again. CAUTION
To avoid damaging the heating elements,
pl e
ase do not kneel on the seat or apply
sharp pressure at a single point to the seat
cushion and backrest. Note
The seats are only heated electrically when
the engine i s
running.134

Driving
the brakes to overheat and the braking
dis
t
ance will increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switc
hed off. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subj
ected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
coul
d restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 190, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
dist
ance will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys. Handbrake
Fig. 169
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
pr
ev
ent
the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
›››
Fig. 169.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lea
se knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 169 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ››› .
A lw
a
ys pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .The handbrake warning lamp lights
up
when the h andbr
ake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never u se the h
andbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this w
ill cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the v ehic
le. Put it in 1st gear as well. In vehi-
cles with an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in position P. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
p
lied when the
v
ehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle: – Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. »
157
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Manual gearbox Driv in
g w
ith manual gearboxRead the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 37
Certain versions of the model may include a
6-speed manual gearbox, and its diagram is
shown on the gearbox lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when
the car is stationary. When the engine is run-
ning and before engaging this gear, wait
about 6 seconds with the clutch pressed
down thoroughly in order to protect the gear-
box.
The reverse lights switch on when the reverse
gear is selected and the ignition is on. WARNING
● When the engine i s
running, the vehicle
will start to move as soon as a gear is engag-
ed and the clutch released.
● Never select the reverse gear when the ve-
hicle i
s in motion. Risk of accident. Note
● Do not r e
st your hand on the gear lever
while driving. The pressure of your hand
could cause premature wear on the selector
forks in the gearbox. ●
When ch an
ging gear, you should always
depress the clutch fully to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
● Do not “slip” the clutch to hold the vehicle
on a hill
. This causes premature wear and
damage to the clutch.
● Do not leave your foot on the clutch pedal;
although the pre
ssure may seem insignifi-
cant, it can cause the premature wear of the
clutch plate. Use the foot rest when you do
not need to change gear. Gear-change indicator
3 V
alid for vehicles: with a manual gearbox
The r
ecommended gear for saving fuel is in-
dicated on the dash screen of certain vehi-
cles during driving.
DisplayMeaning
The optimal gear is selected.
Changing to a higher gear is recommended.
Changing to a lower gear is recommended.
Information regarding the “cleanliness” of
the die
sel
p
articulate filter
The exhaust system manager detects that the
diesel particulate filter is nearly saturated
and contributes to self-cleaning by recom-
mending the optimal gear. For this purpose, it might be necessary to drive momentarily
with a high rpm
››
› page 101. WARNING
The gear change indicator is only an auxiliary
fu nction and in no c
ase should be a substi-
tute for careful driving.
● The responsibility of choosing the correct
gear dependin
g on the situation (e.g. over-
taking, driving up or down a slope or towing a
trailer) lies with the driver. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the correct gear can help to save
fuel . Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the c lut
ch pedal is pressed. Automatic gearbox*
Driv ing pr
ogrammes Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 38
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox
programmes. »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Selecting the normal programme
– Put the selector lever into position D.
Sel ectin
g the s
port programme
– Put the selector lever into position S.
If y
ou select the normal programme, D, you
will drive in the economy mode, i.e. the pro-
gramme is designed to reduce fuel consump-
tion. The gearbox changes up into a higher
gear as soon as possible and down into a
lower gear as late as possible.
If you select the sport programme, S, you will
drive in a sporty mode, i.e. a programme in
which shifts into high gears are postponed in
order to use the full power of the engine.
Selector lever positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 38
Selector lever positions
The selected gear is displayed on the side of
the selector lever and on the instrument pan-
el display. The currently selected gear for the
automatic gearbox will also be shown on the
display. Tiptronic gear indicator
If the autom
atic gearbox is shifted manually,
the selected gears are shown on the screen.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically.
Position P on the lever must only be selected
if the vehicle is stationary.
To move selector lever from position P, the
locking button on the selector lever handle
must be pressed and the brake pedal de-
pressed at the same time while the ignition is
switched on.
To put the selector lever in position P, simply
press the lock button down and, if necessary,
depress the brake pedal down.
R - Reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position R,
press the lock button down and, at the same
time, press the brake pedal down, with the
ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position R and the
ignition switched on the following occurs:
● Reverse lights light up. ●
The air conditioner autom atically changes
the air recirculation mode.
● The wiper starts if the windscreen washer is
on.
● The parking distance warning system*
switc
hes on.
N - Neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in
neutral. Power is not transmitted to the
wheels and the engine does not have a brak-
ing function.
Never use the N position to drive down a long
hill. There is no engine braking and the
brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if
you drive down hills with the gearbox lever in
position N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forward)
In this position the gearbox automatically
changes to a lower or higher gear, according
to the engine's requirements, the driving
style and speed. The braking effect of the en-
gine when driving downhill is very limited
when the selector is in this position. The in-
strument panel display shows the selected
gear as well as the selector lever in position
D.
When travelling at speeds lower than 5 km/h
(3 mph) or when the vehicle is stationary,
160

Operation
The selector lever lock is released as follows: – Switch the ignition on.
– Press and hold the brake pedal and press
the sel ect
or l
ever lock on the left of the se-
lector lever at the same time ››› Fig. 170.
The warning lamp on the instrument panel
lights up when the brake pedal should be ap-
plied. This is essential when the selector lev-
er is taken from the P or N positions.
Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary at a speed of up to 5 km/h (3 mph).
At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph) the selec-
tor lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position N.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to “rock” the
vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck
in snow or mud. The selector lever lock en-
gages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for
more than about 1second. Selecting gears manually with Tip-
tronic mode
* Fig. 171
Changing gear with Tiptronic. Fig. 172
Steering wheel with paddle levers
f or aut
om
atic gearbox. The Tiptronic system allows the driver to se-
l
ect
g
ears manually. Changing gear with the selector lever
– Press the selector lever from position D to
the right int
o the tiptronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever forward
›››
Fig. 171 + to change up to a higher
g e
ar
.
– Lightly press the selector lever backward
›››
Fig. 171 - to change down to a lower
g e
ar
.
Changing gear with the steering wheel pad-
dle levers*
– Press the right paddle lever + towards the
s t
eerin
g wheel to change up ››› Fig. 172.
– Press the left paddle lever - towards the
s t
eerin
g wheel to change down ››› Fig. 172.
Using the paddle levers on the steering
wheel, you can access manual driving mode
regardless of the pre-selected driving mode.
General information about driving in tiptron-
ic mode
When accelerating, the automatic gearbox /
DSG automatic gearbox goes into a higher
gear a little before the engine reaches its
maximum permitted revolutions.
If a lower gear is selected, the automatic
gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox will only
change down when the engine cannot go
over its maximum permitted revolutions.
162

Operation
put into a position for driving forwards or in
r ev
er
se from positions P or N if the brake
pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless
the selector lever is in position P.
Control lamp “Pressing brake pedal”
When the warning lamp next to the selector
lever lights up, press the brake pedal. This is
necessary when the automatic gearbox selec-
tor lever is moved out of positions P or N. A
text message or instructions to perform nec-
essary operations may appear on the instru-
ment panel. CAUTION
● If y
ou stop the vehicle up hills, do not at-
tempt to stop it from rolling back by depress-
ing the accelerator when a gear has been se-
lected. Otherwise, the automatic gearbox
may overheat causing damage. Pull the hand-
brake up or fully depress the brake pedal to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
● If you allow the vehicle to roll when the en-
gine is not
running, or with the selector lever
in position N, a lack of lubrication in the auto-
matic gearbox will damage it. Kick-down feature
This feature allows maximum acceleration. If you press the accelerator down thoroughly,
the g
e
arbo
x automatically changes down, de-
pending on speed and engine speed, into a
lower gear to take full advantage of give the
vehicle maximum acceleration.
The gearbox does not change gear until the
engine reaches the maximum determined en-
gine speed for the gear. WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you ac-
cel er
ate on slippery road surfaces. Risk of se-
rious injury.
● Be particularly careful when using the kick-
down fe
atures on slippery road surfaces. With
a fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose
traction and skid.
● You should use the kick-down feature only
when traffic and w
eather conditions allow it
to be used safely. Gearbox malfunctions
Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-
hicle and place the lever in the
position P.
There i s
a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.
Gearbox: System fault! You
may continue driving. Have the fault corrected by a specialised
work
shop w
ithout delay.
Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner. Gearbox: press the brake and
engage a gear again.
If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
164