The essentials
Jump leads must comply with standard DIN
72553 (see c ab
l
e manufacturer's instruc-
tions). The wire cross section must be at least
25 mm 2
for petrol engines and at least
35 mm 2
for diesel engines. Note
● The v ehic
les must not touch each other,
otherwise electricity could flow as soon as
the positive terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly
connected t
o the on-board network. How to jump start: description
Fig. 78
Diagram of connections for vehicles
w ithout
Start Stop system Fig. 79
Diagram of connections for vehicles
with St
art Stop system Jump lead terminal connections
1. Switch off the ignition of both vehicles
››
›
.
2. Connect one end of the re
d
jump lead to
the positive + terminal of the vehicle
w ith the fl
at
battery A
› ›
› Fig. 78 .
3. Connect the other end of the red
jump
lead to the positive terminal + in the ve-
hic l
e pr
oviding assistance B .
4. For vehicles without Start-Stop system:
connect
one end of
the black jump lead to
the negative terminal – of the vehicle
pr o
v
iding the current B
› ›
› Fig. 78 .
– For vehicles with Start-Stop system: con-
nect one end of
the black jump lead X to a
s uit
ab
le ground terminal, to a solid piece of
metal in the engine block, or to the engine
block itself ››› Fig. 79. 5. Connect the other end of the
black
jump
lead X to a solid metal component bolted
t o the en
gine b
lock or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery.
Do not connect it to a point near the bat-
tery A .
6. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot
c
ome into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
Starting
7. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boostin
g battery and let it run at idling
speed.
8. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat batter
y and wait for 2 or 3 minutes until
the engine is running.
Removing the jump leads
9. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the dipped be
am headlights if they are
switched on.
10.
Turn on the heater blower and heated rear
window in the vehicle with the flat battery.
This helps minimise voltage peaks which
are generated when the leads are discon-
nected.
11.When the engine is running, disconnect the lea
ds in reverse order to the details
given above. » 63
Emergencies
Emergencies
Self -help
V ehic
le tool kit anti-puncture kit* The tools and anti-puncture kit* are stored
under the floor p
anel
in the luggage compart-
ment.
To access the vehicle tools:
– Lift up the floor surface by the plastic han-
dle u nti
l it is fastened to the tabs on both
sides.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the an-
ti-puncture kit* is located under the floor
panel in the luggage compartment.
The tool kit includes:
● Jack*
● Wire hook for pulling off the wheel cov-
er*/wheel bolt
cap clip.
● Box spanner for wheel bolts*
● Towline anchorage
● Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
● Towing bracket device
Some of the items
listed are only provided in
certain model versions, or are optional ex-
tras. Note
The jack does not generally require any main-
ten anc
e. If required, it should be greased us-
ing universal type grease. Tyre repair
TMS (T
yre Mobility System)* Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 57
The Anti-puncture kit* (Tyre Mobility System)
will reliably seal punctures caused by the
penetration of a foreign body of up to about
4 mm in diameter. Do not remove foreign ob-
jects, e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
After inserting the sealant residue in the tyre,
you must again check the tyre pressure about
10 minutes after starting the engine.
You should only use the tyre mobility set if
the vehicle is parked in a safe place, you are
familiar with the procedure and you have the
necessary tyre mobility set! Otherwise, you
should seek professional assistance.
Do not use the tyre sealant in the following
cases:
● If the wheel rim has been damaged.
● In outside temperatures below -20°C (-4°F). ●
In the ev ent
of
cuts or perforations in the
tyre greater than 4 mm.
● If you have been driving with very low pres-
sure or a c
ompletely flat tyre.
● If the sealant bottle has passed its use by
date. WARNING
Using the tyre mobility system can be dan-
ger ou
s, especially when filling the tyre at the
roadside. Please observe the following rules
to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park it
at a safe distance from surrounding
traffic to fill the tyre.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat
and solid.
● Al
l passengers and particularly children
must
keep a safe distance from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn
other roa
d users.
● Use the tyre mobility system only if you are
famili
ar with the necessary procedures. Oth-
erwise, you should seek professional assis-
tance.
● The tyre mobility set is intended for tempo-
rary
emergency use only until you can reach
the nearest specialised workshop.
● Replace the repaired tyre with the tyre mo-
bility
set as soon as possible.86
Instruments and warning/control lamps
CAUTION
● To pr ev
ent damage to the engine, the rev
counter needle should only remain in the red
zone for a short period of time.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy ac
celeration and do not make the
engine work hard. For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel con-
sumption and noi se.Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of en-
gine r
ev
o
lutions per minute ›››
Fig. 124 1 .
T og
ether w
ith the gear-change indicator, the
rev counter offers you the possibility of using
the engine of your vehicle at a suitable
speed.
The start of the red zone on the dial indicates
the maximum engine speed which may be
used briefly when the engine is warm and af-
ter it has been run in properly. Before reach-
ing this range, you should change to a higher
gear for vehicles with a manual gearbox or for
automatic gearboxes put the selector lever in
“D” or take your foot off the accelerator ped-
al. We recommend that you avoid high revs and
that
you follow the recommendations on the
gear-change indicator. Consult the additional
information in ›››
page 33, Gear-change
indicator. CAUTION
Never allow the rev counter needle 1 ›››
Fig. 124 to g o int
o the red zone on the
scale for more than a very brief period, other-
wise there is a risk of engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save
fuel and minimi
se emissions and engine
noise. Indications on the display
A variety of information can be viewed on the
in
s
trument
panel display ›››
Fig. 124 3 , de-
pendin g on the
v
ehicle equipment:
● Bonnet, rear lid and doors open
›››
page 34.
● Warning and information messages
›››
page 34.
● Distance travelled ›››
page 107.
● Time ›››
page 106.
● Navigation instructions.
● Outside temperature ›››
page 33. ●
Compa
ss ››› page 106.
● Shift lever position ›››
page 168.
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
›››
page 33.
● Multifunction display (MFD) and menus
with differ
ent setting options ›››
page 31.
● Service interval display ›››
page 38.
● Second speed display ›››
page 31.
● Speed warning function ›››
page 38.
● Start-Stop system status display
›››
page 183.
● Active cylinder management display
(ACT ®
)* ››
› page 177
● Signs recognised by the traffic signal de-
tection sys
tem ››› page 208
● Low consumption driving status (ECO)
›››
page 106
● Identifying letters on engine (MKB).
Dist
ance travelled
The odometer registers the total distance
travelled by the car.
The odometer (trip ) shows the distance
travelled since the last odometer reset. The
last digit of the trip recorder indicates distan-
ces of 100 metres or one tenths of a mile.
● Briefly press the button ›››
Fig. 124 4 to re-
set the trip r
ec
order to 0. »
105
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
● Keep the b
utt
on 4 pressed for about 3
sec ond
s
and the previous value will be dis-
played.
Time
● To set the time, keep the button ›››
Fig. 124
4 pressed for more than 3 seconds to select
the hour or minut e di
s
play.
● To continue setting the time, press the up-
per or lower p
art of the button 4 . Hold but-
t on do
wn t
o scroll through the numbers
quickly.
● Press the button 4 again in order to finish
settin g the time.
The time c an al
so be set via the key and
Set up function button in the Easy Connect
sy s
t
em ››› page 110.
Compass
With the ignition on and the navigation sys-
tem on, the cardinal point corresponding to
the direction of travel of the vehicle is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Selector lever position
The selected gear is displayed on the side of
the selector lever and on the instrument pan-
el display. In positions D and S, and with the
Tiptronic, the corresponding gear is also dis-
played. Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
The recommended g
ear in order to save fuel
is displayed on the instrument panel while
you are driving ›››
page 33.
Second speed display (mph or km/h)
In addition to the speedometer, the speed
can also be displayed in a different unit of
measurement (in miles or in km per hour).
This option cannot be deactivated in models
destined for countries in which the second
speed must always be visible.
The second speed display can be adjusted in
the Easy Connect system via the key and
the Set
up function button
››
›
page 110.
Speed warning
When the speed setting is exceeded, this will
be indicated on the instrument panel display.
This is very useful, for example when using
winter tyres that are not designed for driving
at the maximum speed of the vehicle
››› page 38.
The speed warning settings can be adjusted
in the Easy Connect system via the key
and the Set
up function button
››
›
page 110.
Start-Stop operating display
Updated information relating to the status is
displayed on the instrument panel
››› page 183. Low consumption driving status (ECO)*
Depending on the equipment, when driv
ing,
the “ECO ” display appears on the instrument
panel when the vehicle is in low consump-
tion status due to active cylinder manage-
ment (ACT ®
)* ››› page 177.
Identifying letters on engine (MKB)
Hold the button ››› Fig. 124 4 down for more
th an 15 sec
ond
s to display the identifying
letters of the vehicle engine (MKB). To do
this, the ignition must be switched on and
the engine switched off. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 109. WARNING
Even though outside temperatures are above
freez in
g, some roads and bridges may be icy.
● At outside temperatures above +4°C
(+39°F), even when the “ice c
rystal symbol”
is not visible, there may still be patches of ice
on the road.
● Do not rely on the outside temperature in-
dicator! Note
● Differ ent
versions of the instrument panel
are available and therefore the versions and 106
Instruments and warning/control lamps
Depending on the model, additional text
me s
s
ages may be viewed on the instrument
panel display. These may be purely informa-
tive or they may be advising of the need for
action ››› page 104, Instruments.
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the
vehicle, instead of a warning lamp, some-
times a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are
lit, an audible warning is also heard. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignor-
ed, the v ehic
le may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text
mess
ages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at there are no highly flammable ma-
terials under the vehicle that could come into
contact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry
grass, fuel).
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of acci-
dent for the driv
er and for other road users. If
necessary, switch on the hazard warning
lamps and put out the warning triangle to ad-
vise other drivers.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch off the
engine and al
low it to cool. ●
In any
vehicle, the engine compartment is a
hazardous area and could cause severe inju-
ries ››› page 246. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
me ss
ages when they appear may result in
faults in the vehicle. Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
ag
ement
sy
stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehi-
cle and seek technical assistance.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glo
w p
lug
s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs are preheating. When the warning lamp goes
off, the engine shou
ld be started straight
away.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked. 109
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Opening and closing
Safety switch * (only
in 5-door vehicles)
Safety switch 5 on the driver door can be
u sed t
o di
sable the electric window buttons
in the rear doors.
Safety switch not pressed: buttons on rear
doors are activated.
Safety switch pressed: buttons on rear doors
are deactivated.
The safety control symbol lights up in yel-
low if the buttons on the rear door are switch-
ed off. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Intro-
duction on pag e 88
.
● Incorrect use of the electric windows can
res
ult in injury.
● Never close the rear lid without observing
and ensurin
g it is clear, to do otherwise could
cause serious injury to you and third parties.
Make sure that no one is in the path of a win-
dow.
● The engine may accidentally be started and
be out of c
ontrol.
● If the ignition is switched on, the electric
equipment cou
ld be activated with risk of in-
jury, for example, in the electric windows.
● The doors can be locked using the remote
contro
l key. This could become an obstacle
for assistance in an emergency situation. ●
Alw a
ys take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
● The electric windows will work until the ig-
nition has
been switched off and one of the
front doors has been opened.
● If necessary, use the safety switch to disa-
ble the r
ear electric windows. Make sure that
they have been disabled. Note
If the window is not able to close because it
i s s
tiff or because of an obstruction, the win-
dow will automatically open again
››› page 125. If this happens, check why the
window could not be closed before attempt-
ing to close it again. Roll-back function
The roll-back function reduces the risk of in-
jur
y
when the el
ectric windows close.
● If a window is obstructed when closing au-
tomatic
ally, the window stops at this point
and lowers immediately ››› .
● Next, check why the window does not close
bef or
e att
empting it again.
● If you try within the following 10 seconds
and the window c
loses again with difficulty
or there is an obstruction, the automatic clos-
ing will stop working for 10 seconds. ●
If the windo
w is still obstructed, the win-
dow will stop at this point.
● If there is no obvious reason why the win-
dow cannot
be closed, try to close it again by
pulling the tab within ten seconds. The win-
dow closes with maximum force. The roll-
back function is now deactivated.
● If more than 10 seconds pass, the window
wil
l open fully when you operate one of the
buttons. One-touch closing is reactivated. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Opening
and clo s
ing of the electric windows* on
page 125.
● The roll-back function does not prevent fin-
gers
or other parts of the body getting
pinched against the window frame. Risk of
accident. Convenience opening/closing
Use the convenience opening/closing func-
tion t
o e
a
sily open/close all the windows and
the sliding/tilting sunroof* from the outside.
Convenience open function
– Press and hold button on the remote
c ontr
o
l key until all the windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof* have reached the
desired position, or »
125
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functionsWindscreen wiper performance in different sit-
uations
If the vehicle is at a
standstillThe activated position provision-
ally changes to the previous posi-
tion.
During automatic
wipe
The air conditioner comes on for
approximately 30 seconds in air
recirculation mode to prevent the
smell of the windscreen washer
fluid entering the inside the vehi-
cle.
For the interval wipe
Intervals between wipes depend
on the vehicle's speed. The high-
er the vehicle speed the shorter
the intervals. Heated windscreen washer jets
The he
atin
g on
ly thaws the frozen jets, it
does not thaw the water in the washer hoses.
When the ignition is switched on the heated
windscreen washer jets automatically adjust
the heat depending on the ambient tempera-
ture.
Headlight wash/wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the
headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and
every fifth time the windscreen washer is
switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore, the windscreen wiper lever should
be pul
led towards the steering wheel when
the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any
incrusted dirt (such as insects) should be
cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work cor-
rectly in winter, any snow which has got into
the bumper jet supports should be cleaned
away. If necessary, remove snow with an anti-
icing spray. Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles
that ar
e on the windscreen. The wiper will
stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path.
Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper
back on again. Rain sensor*
Fig. 143
Windscreen wiper lever: adjusting
the r ain sen
sor A Fig. 144
Rain sensor sensitive surface The rain sensor controls the frequency of the
w
ind
s
creen wiper intervals, depending on
the amount of rain ››› . The sensitivity of the
r ain sen
sor c
an be adjusted manually. Man-
ual wipe ››› page 136.
Move the lever to the required position
››› Fig. 143:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if neces-
sary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
– Set control to the right: highly sensi-
tive.
– Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then
back on, the rain sensor stays on and starts
operating again when the windscreen wipers
are in position 1 and the vehicle is travel-
lin g at
mor
e than 16 km/h (10 mph). »
0 1
A
137
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
when changing lane, you could misjudge the
dis
t
ance. Risk of accident! CAUTION
● If one of the mirr
or housings is knocked out
of position (e.g. when parking), the mirrors
must first be fully retracted with the electric
control. Do not readjust the mirror housing by
hand, as this will interfere with the mirror ad-
juster function.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wa
sh, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand.
Always use the electrical power control. Note
If the electrical adjustment should fail to op-
erat e, both of
the mirrors can be adjusted by
hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mir-
ror glass. Seats and head restraints
Adju
s
tin
g the seats and headr-
ests
Manual adjustment of seats Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 15 WARNING
The safe driving chapter contains important
inform ation, tip
s, suggestions and warnings
that you should read and observe for your
own safety and the safety of your passengers
››› page 66. WARNING
● Adjus t
the front seats only when the vehi-
cle is stationary. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● Be careful when adjusting the seat height.
Carel
ess or uncontrolled adjustment can
cause injuries.
● The front seat backrests must not be re-
clined for driv
ing. Otherwise, seat belts and
the airbag system might not protect as they
should, with the subsequent danger of injury. Electric driver seat adjustment*
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 15 WARNING
● If the el ectric
front seats are used negli-
gently or without paying due attention, it can
cause serious injury.
● The front seats can also be electrically ad-
just
ed when the ignition is switched off. Nev-
er leave a child or any other person who may
need help in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, electrical ad-
justment
can be stopped by pressing any
control. CAUTION
To avoid damaging the electrical components
of the fr ont
seats, please refrain from kneel-
ing on the seat or applying sharp pressure at
a single point to the seat cushion and back-
rest. Note
● It m a
y not be possible to electrically adjust
the seat if the vehicle battery is very low.
● If the engine is started while the seats are
being electric
ally adjusted, the adjustment
will stop. 140