
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times »
.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the vehicle systems evaluate the situation
as dangerous for the traffic following behind, the brake light flashes automati-
cally.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af-
ter accelerating or driving off again.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 34,
Braking
system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 92
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 78 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 92 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light
illuminates when the handbrake is applied,
provided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
79Starting-off and Driving

WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 78 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with automated gearbox shift the lever to position D or R.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission select 1st gear or reverse gear (R) .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
80
Pedals
80Manual gear changingFig. 93
The shift pattern
The shift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown on the gear lever » Fig. 93 ,
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 30.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
to the clutch.
Reverse gear is engaged
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the right and then backwards in position R.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the
ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear-
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle in position by using
the accelerator pedal and the clutch – this may lead to clutch damage.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
80Driving

M - Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Further information » page 82.
With driving mode set, the vehicle will not start up
If the vehicle does not start off, the problem may be that the selector lever is not completely in the selected position. In such an instance, press the brake
pedal and put the selector lever into the required position.
Faults in the automatic gearbox
In the event of a fault in the automatic gearbox, warning lights may light up in
the instrument panel » page 35,
Automated transmission .
An error on the automated manual transmission can become noticed, for ex- ample, by the following.
▶ Only certain gears are selected.
▶ The reverse gear R cannot be used.
Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Fig. 95
Selector lever: manual shifting/information display
Read and observe
and on page 81 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 30.
Switching to manual shifting when the vehicle is stationary
›
Depress the brake pedal.
›
Press the selector lever twice to the left in the spring-tensioned position.
Switching to manual shifting during driving
›
Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in
the direction of the arrow and set in position M. The selector lever position
you have engaged is shown in the instrument cluster display » Fig. 95.
Shifting up gears›Press the selector lever forwards + » Fig. 95 .
Shifting down gears›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D
›
Tilt the selector lever forward
+
or rearwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
If in a short time, no manual gear change takes place, then the temporary
manual shifting switches off.
Note
■ It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear on the brakes » page 78, Information on braking .■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine overrevving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 81 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in
the direction of the arrow » Fig. 94 on page 81 and insert into position D .
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kick-down
The Kick-down function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the Kick-down function is acti-
vated in any forward driving mode.
82Driving

It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the
interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order
to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be on if the windows are open.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving Tips
84
Driving through water
84
This section of the manual contains important information on preventing dam-
age to the vehicle while driving.
Driving Tips
Only drive on such roads and in such terrain, which match the vehicle parame-
ters » page 142 , Technical data as well as your driving skills.
The driver is always responsible for deciding whether the vehicle can handle
travelling in the given terrain.
WARNING■ Always adjust your driving to the current terrain and weather conditions.
Excessive speed or incorrect driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the
vehicle and lead to serious injuries.■
Combustible objects such as dry leaves or twigs caught under the base of
the vehicle could ignite on hot vehicle parts - risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! When driving over ob-
jects which are larger than the ground clearance, the vehicle can get damaged.■
Any objects that get trapped under the vehicle floor must be removed as
soon as possible. These objects can damage the fuel lines, the brake system,
seals and other parts of the vehicle.
■
Drive slowly in unknown terrain and watch out for unexpected obstacles,
such as potholes, rocks, stumps, etc.
■
Check up on confusing sections of unpaved roads before travelling on them
and consider whether such travelling is possible without risk.
Driving through waterFig. 96
Maximum permissible water lev-
el when driving through water
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided
when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of
water.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower beam » Fig. 96.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air induction system or other parts
of the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
CAUTION
■ Should water penetrate into the intake system of the engine, there is a
threat of serious damage being incurred by the engine parts!■
When driving through water, some vehicle parts such as chassis, electrics or
transmission can be severely damaged.
■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. An vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
84Driving

Assist systems
General information
Introduction
WARNINGThe following general instructions regarding the use of assistance systems
must be observed.■
The assistance systems serve merely to support the driver and do not re-
lieve the driver of responsibility for the operation of the vehicle.
■
The increased safety as well as the increased occupant protection offered
by the assistance systems must not tempt you to take safety risks - there
is a risk of an accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
■
The assistance systems have physical and system-related limitations. For
this reason, the driver may experience some undesired or delayed system
responses in certain situations. You should therefore always be alert and
ready to intervene!
■
Only activate, deactivate and set the assistance systems to keep you fully
in control of the vehicle in every traffic situation - otherwise there is a risk
of an accident!
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
85
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
85
Traction control (TCS)
85
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
86
Brake Assist (HBA)
86
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
86
This chapter describes the functions of the brake and stabilization systems.
The error display is in Chapter » page 34, Warning lights .
The brake and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 85, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 85 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as whenthe vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 85 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction control (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 85 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels on the drive axle. TCS reduces the
drive power transmitted to the wheels that are spinning Thus, for example,
driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
If there is a TCS intervention, the warning light flashes in the instrument
cluster.
85Assist systems

FunctionFig. 97
Fitting the sensors / Range of sensors
Read and observe
and on page 86 first.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper » Fig. 97 .
Area scanned and range of the sensors » Fig. 97
150 cm
60 cm
Audible signals
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on, do not continue reversing!
Activation/deactivation
The system is activated by engaging reverse gear. This is confirmed by a brief
audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Fault display
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
ABVisual parking systemFig. 98
Screen display of the visual park-
ing system
Read and observe and on page 86 first.
The visual parking system is shown in the screen of the multifunctional device
Move & Fun.
Switching on the screen display of the visual parking system
When the ignition and the multifunction device Move & Fun are both on, the
visual parking system is switched on by shifting into reverse gear.
Screen display » Fig. 98
An obstacle appearing in the collision zone is shown as an orange-col-
oured segment » Fig. 98.
Do not continue to drive!
An area without detected obstacles is shown as a transparent segment.
An obstacle in the sensor range which lies outside of the collision area is
shown by the light-blue segment.
A region behind the detected obstacle is shown with the dark-blue seg-
ment.
Switching off the screen display of the visual parking system
The screen display can be switched off as follows. ▶ Through touching the screen of the multifunction device » Fig. 98 with the
fingers.
▶ By shifting out of reverse.
▶ By turning off the ignition.
ABCD87Assist systems

Note■The visual parking system is shown in the screen of the multifunction device
Move & Fun within a few seconds of shifting into reverse gear.■
More information about the mobile multifunction device Move & Fun can be
found in the digital Owner´s Manual in the device » page 72, Multifunction de-
vice Move & Fun - install/remove .
Cruise Control System
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Functioning
88
Operating Description
88
The Cruise Control System (CCS) maintains a set speed without you having to
actuate the accelerator pedal.
The state where the GRA maintains the speed is referred to hereinafter as the
control .
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 85, in section Introduction .
Functioning
Read and observe
on page 88 first.
Basic requirements for start of control The GRA is activated.
On vehicles with a manual transmission , the second gear or higher is en-
gaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever is in the D
position or in the Tiptronic position.
The current speed is higher than approx. 20 km/h.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine.
WARNINGIf the engine power and engine braking effect is insufficient to maintain
the set speed, vehicle operation must be taken over!
Operating Description
Fig. 99
Cruise control system controls
Read and observe on page 88 first.
Overview of the control elements of the CCS » Fig. 99ADeactivate CCS (delete set speed) Interrupt control (sprung position) Activate ACC (control deactivated)BTake control again a)
/ Increase speedCLaunch control / reduce speeda)
If no speed is set the current speed is adopted.
After the start of the regulation, the GRA regulates the vehicle to the current
speed and the warning light
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
After the interruption in control, the stored speed can be resumed by pressing
the
B
button.
Automatic control interruption
Automatic control interruption occurs if any of the following conditions are
met.
▶ By pressing the brake or clutch pedal.
▶ When one of the brake assist systems (e.g. ESC) intervenes.
▶ Through an airbag deployment.
88Driving

▶When the laser sensor is dirty or obscured.
▶ When the vehicles are very dirty and have a low level of reflection.
If the system is not available or there is a system malfunction, the indicator
symbol flashes
slowly in the display of the instrument cluster.WARNING■
The windscreen may be neither blocked nor covered with dirt in the area
of the laser sensor. This can lead to impaired function of the sensor - risk of
accidents!WARNINGThe laser beam from the laser sensor can cause serious eye injuries. The la-
ser beam is not visible to the human eye.■
Never use optical devices, e.g. a range-finder camera or magnifying glass
to look into the laser sensor.
■
The laser beam can also be active when the system is disabled or is not
available.
CAUTION
■ Remove the snow from the windscreen in the area of the laser sensor with a
hand brush and the ice with a solvent-free de-icing spray.■
If the laser sensor range on the windscreen has scratches, cracks, etc, re-
place the windscreen. Only use windscreens approved by the manufacturer.
■
When replacing the windscreen wiper blades, only use windscreen wiper
blades approved by the manufacturer.
Note
If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the system, the pressure in
the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be operated with the
normal pedal stroke.Disable / EnableFig. 101
Button for the City Safe Drive
system
Read and observe and on page 89 first.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
Deactivating/activating
›
Press the button » Fig. 101.
If the system is turned off and the vehicle is moving at a speed of about 5 - 30
km/h, the warning light
illuminates on the instrument cluster display.
If the system is activated » Fig. 101, the warning light
illuminates in the in-
strument cluster display for about 5 s.
WARNINGDeactivate the system for safety reasons in the following cases.■When the vehicle is being towed away.■
When the vehicle is driven though an automatic car wash.
■
If the laser sensor is damaged or faulty.
■
When the vehicle is on a rolling test bench.
■
When the windscreen is damaged in the region of the laser sensor.
■
For example, if the charge extends to the roof rack over the front edge of
the roof.
Tyre pressure monitoring
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Save tyre pressure values
91
90Driving