
Automatic transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
122
Selector lever lock
123
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
123
Starting-off and driving
124
The automatic transmission performs automatic gear changes.
The modes of the automatic transmission can be adjusted by the driver by
means of the selector lever.
WARNING■ No throttle when it is set before starting the mode for moving forward
with the selector lever - there is a risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of an
accident!
■
If the vehicle is in the mode selected D, S , R or Tiptronic and the engine
stops when at idle speed, then the brake pedal must be pressed. Even
when the engine is idling, the power transmission is never completely in-
terrupted – the vehicle creeps.
■
When leaving the vehicle, the selector lever is always to put in the P
mode. Otherwise, the vehicle could be set in motion - risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its
idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when
starting must always be in P mode.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the
selector lever is in the position P.Modes and use of selector leverFig. 136
Selector lever/display
Read and observe and on page 122 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 136.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 136.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
The parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is at idling speed.
N
- Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the en-
gine load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at high-
er engine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button in the direction
of arrow
1
» Fig. 137 on page 123 .
122Driving

Fault in the automatic gearbox
A fault in the automatic gearbox can, for example, be noticeable by the follow-
ing.
▶ Only certain gears are selected.
▶ The reverse gear R cannot be used.
▶ Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
CAUTION
If an error occurs on the automatic transmission the help of a specialist firm
should be sought immediately - there is a risk of damaging the vehicle.
Selector lever lock
Fig. 137
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 122 first.
The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driv-
ing is selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light
.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 137 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 195.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select
mode R or N.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 138
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 122 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 136 on page 122 .
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 40.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from mode D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 138 .
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 138 .
123Starting-off and Driving

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 water
Fig. 139
Maximum permissible water lev-
el when driving through water
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of 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. 139.
›
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 air induction system of the engine or into
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.
126Driving

So that an engagement of the OFF ROAD mode can take place, the following
conditions must be met.
The OFF ROAD mode is enabled.
The vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h. The warning light
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The following functions are integrated in the OFF ROAD mode.
▶ Downhill Drive Support » page 130.
▶ TCS OFF ROAD » page 130.
▶ EDL OFF ROAD » page 130.
▶ ABS OFF ROAD » page 130.
▶ Start-Off Assistant » page 131.
Note
If the engine stalls while driving and is started again within 30 seconds, then
OFF ROAD mode will be automatically activated.
Hill Descent Assistant
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The hill descent assistant (hereinafter referred to as assistant), with its auto-
matic braking action on all wheels, ensures a constant speed is maintained on
a steep slope when driving forwards and reversing.
During an intervention of the Assistants, the warning light flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The assistant is automatically engaged under the following conditions. The engine is running.
For vehicles with Manual transmission the shift lever is in the neutral po-
sition and or the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, or reverse gear is engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever is in the R,
N, D, S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the lim-
it can briefly drop to 8 %).
Neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
Driving speed
Initiate the downhill decent at a reasonable speed up to 30 km / h the hill de-
scent assist maintains this speed when driving downhill constant.
The assistant can maintain constant speed of about 2 - 30 km / h.
If a forwards or reverse gear is engaged for vehicles with Manual transmis-
sion , the speed must be high enough to avoid stalling the engine.
By pressing the accelerator or brake pedal, the speed can be increased or re-
duced. This is true even if the shift lever is in the neutral position and the se-
lector lever in the N position. The engagement of the assistant is resumed af-
ter the pedal is released.WARNINGFor the correct operation of the assistant the road surface must be suffi-
ciently adherent. The assistant cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy
soil due to physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud). - there is a risk of an accident!
Note
During an active intervention of the assistant, the brake lights do not light up.
TCSOFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The ASR OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier
as it partially allows wheel-spin.
Note
When disabled, the TCS » Fig. 140 on page 127 OFF ROAD mode works without
the support of the TCS OFF ROAD.
EDS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The EDS supports OFF ROAD vehicle traction when driving on a surface withdifferent grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with
the intervention of the standard EDS system.
ABS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface
such as gravel, snow, etc.
130Driving

The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel be-
fore a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Start-Off Assistant 1)
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The Start-Off assistant assists the driver when setting off, such as on a steep
slope or on a slippery surface. When the driver presses the accelerator, the
maximum engine speed is electronically limited so that a gentle approach is
possible.
Parking assistance (ParkPilot)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
131
Display in the Infotainment display
132
Activation/deactivation
133
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to as system) draws attention via acous- tic signals or the Infotainment display when manoeuvring around obstacles in
the vicinity of the vehicle.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 127, in section Introduction .■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognized by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. For this reason, such people or
objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
WARNING (Continued)■ External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people not to be recog-
nised by the system.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. in front or behind your vehi-
cle. Such obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors » Fig. 143 on page 131 clean, snow-and ice-free
and do not cover with any objects of any kind, otherwise the system function-
ing may be impaired.■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures, etc.), the system function may be limited - “incorrect recog-
nition of obstacle”.
■
Accessories additionally installed on the vehicle rear, such as bicycle carriers,
can impair the system function.
Function
Fig. 143
Installation position of the sensors on the left side of the vehi-
cle: front/rear
1)
Only for vehicles with a petrol engine and manual transmission.
131Assist systems

WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 127, in section Introduction .
Functioning
Read and observe
on page 139 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,
S 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. 151
Cruise control system controls
Read and observe on page 139 first.
Overview of the control elements of the CCS » Fig. 151ADeactivate CCS (delete set speed) Interrupt control (sprung position) Activate CCS (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.
WARNING■ Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-
tem being switched on unintentionally.■
Control may only be resumed if the set speed is not too high for the cur-
rent traffic conditions.
Note
During control, speed can be increased by pressing the accelerator pedal. Re-
leasing the accelerator pedal will cause the speed to drop again to the set
speed.
Fatigue detection
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
140
Information messages
140
The fatigue detection system (hereinafter referred to as system) recommends
the driver takes a break from driving when driver fatigue can be detected due
to the driver's steering behaviour.
139Assist systems

WARNING■Improperly connected trailer electrical installations may cause accidents
or serious injury due to electric shock.■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the
rear lights on the trailer to ensure they are working.
■
Never use the safety eyelet for towing!
CAUTION
Improperly connected trailer electrical installations may cause malfunction of
the entire vehicle electronics.
Loading a trailer
Distribution of the cargo
Distribute the cargo in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the trailer axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 176.WARNINGSliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety -
risk of accident!
Trailer
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances.Permissible trailer loadEngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8%1.2 ltr./81 kW TSIMG12001500670DSG120015006801.4 ltr./92 kW TSIMG13001600670DSG130016006901.4 ltr./110 kW TSIMG 4x418001800730DSG 4x4180018007401.6 l./81 kW MPIMG- a)-a)-a)AG110011006501.8 ltr./112 kW TSIDSG 4x418001800750
147Hitch and trailer

EngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8%2.0 ltr./81 kW TDI
CRMG (EU4, EU5)15001500700MG (EU6)15001500720MG 4x4180018007502.0 ltr./103 kW TDI
CRMG 4x42100/2000 b)2100/2000b)750DSG 4x42100/2000b)2100/2000 b)7502.0 ltr./110 kW TDI
CRMG18001800740MG 4x42100/2000 b)2100/2000b)750DSG 4x42100/2000 b)2100/2000b)750a)
The vehicle is not equipped with a towing device.
b)
Applies to vehicles of category AF.
WARNINGNever exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load or the per-
missible weight of the trailer - risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.Anti-theft alarm system
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 56 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer
socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.148Driving