Driving and operating113
KickdownIf the accelerator pedal is pressedpast the pressure point, the
transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on engine speed. Full
engine power is available for
acceleration.
If engine speed is too high the
transmission switches to a higher
gear, even in manual mode. Without
kickdown this automatic shift is not
effected in manual mode.
Fault
In the event of a fault, control indicator s is shown in the transmission
display.
Continued driving is possible,
provided the vehicle is driven with
care and anticipation. A warning
message may appear in the Driver
Information Centre in conjunction with
a warning chime 3 86.
Notice
The volume of the warning chime
can also be adjusted via the Driver
Information Centre 3 80.Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.Brakes
The brake system comprises two independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when the brake pedal
is depressed firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has
been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 75.
Antilock brake system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.
114Driving and operating
ABS starts to regulate brake pressureas soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off the system performs
a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 75.
Fault9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can nolonger be steered and may
swerve.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Parking brake Manual parking brake
Always apply parking brake firmly
without operating the release button,
and apply as firmly as possible on a
downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release
button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the
parking brake, depress the foot brake
at the same time.
A warning chime will sound if a certain speed is exceeded with the parking
brake applied.
Notice
The volume of the warning chime can also be adjusted via the Driver
Information Centre 3 80.
Control indicator R 3 75.
Brake assist
If the brake pedal is depressed
quickly and forcefully, maximum
brake force is automatically applied
(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the
brake pedal for as long as full braking is required. Maximum brake force is
automatically reduced when the
brake pedal is released.
Driving and operating115Hill start assistThe system helps prevent unintendedmovement when driving away on
inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after
stopping on an incline, the brakes
remain on for a further two seconds.
The brakes release automatically as
soon as the vehicle begins to
accelerate.
If control indicator Z illuminates
while driving, there is a fault in the Hill
start assist 3 76 . Seek the assistance
of a workshop to have the fault
remedied.
The Hill start assist is not active
during an Autostop.
Stop-start system 3 105.Ride control systems
Traction Control system The Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR) is a
component of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP).
ASR improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip, by
preventing the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to spin, engine output is reduced and
the wheel spinning the most is braked
individually. This considerably
improves the driving stability of the
vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
ASR is operational as soon as the
control indicator R extinguishes.
When ASR is active, control indicator
R flashes.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Deactivation
ASR can be switched off when
spinning of drive wheels is required:
press button ASR OFF briefly.
116Driving and operating
LED in button illuminates and,
depending on version, a message
may also appear in the Driver
Information Centre 3 80.
ASR is reactivated by pressing the
ASR OFF button again.
ASR is also reactivated the next time
the ignition is switched on.
Fault ASR will switch off automatically in
the event of a fault. Control indicator
R will illuminate in the instrument
cluster. Depending on version, a
message may also appear in the
Driver Information Centre 3 80.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Control indicator R 3 76.
Electronic stability
program
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type ofroad surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the
wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving stability of the vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
ESP is operational as soon as control
indicator R extinguishes.
When ESP comes into action, control indicator R flashes.
The ESP system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is started
and cannot be deactivated9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Fault
In the event of a fault, ESP will be
automatically switched off and control
indicator R will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. Depending on
version, a message may also appear
in the Driver Information Centre 3 80.
The LED in the ASR OFF button will
also illuminate.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Control indicator R 3 76.
118Driving and operating
Reduce speedWith cruise control active, push lever
downwards ( -) or briefly push lever
downwards ( -) repeatedly; speed
decreases continuously or in small
increments.
Deactivation
Automatic deactivation:
■ vehicle speed below approx. 20 mph,
■ the brake pedal is depressed,
■ the clutch pedal is depressed,
■ the traction control system/Anti-Slip
Regulator (ASR) or Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) is
operating.
Resume stored speed Press button = at a speed above
20 mph. The stored speed will be
obtained.Switching off
Turn end of lever to the OFF position;
control indicator m extinguishes. The
stored speed is deleted. Switching off the ignition also deletes the stored
speed.
Parking assist
The parking assist makes parking
easier by measuring the distance
between the vehicle and obstacles,
and giving acoustic signals. It is the
driver, however, who bears full
responsibility for the parking
manoeuvre.
The system consists of four ultrasonic parking sensors in the rear bumper.
Control indicator r 3 76.
System operation
The parking assist is turned on
automatically when reverse gear is
engaged.
The intervals between the beeps
become shorter as the vehicle gets
closer to the obstacle. When the
distance is less than 30 cm, the beeping is a continuous tone which
stops immediately when the distance
is increased.
Fault
In the event of a fault in the system,
r illuminates and a message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre 3 80.
The following conditions could affect
the system's performance:
■ The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep the bumper free ofmud, dirt, snow, ice and slush.
■ The sensors are covered by frost or
ice.
124Driving and operating
The figures are provided only for the
purpose of comparison between different vehicle variants and mustnot be taken as a guarantee for the
actual fuel consumption of a
particular vehicle.
Additional equipment may result in
slightly higher results than the stated
fuel consumption and CO 2 figures.
Furthermore, fuel consumption is dependent on personal driving style
as well as road and traffic conditions.
Natural gas
The fuel consumption information
was obtained using reference fuel
G20 (methane proportion
99 - 100 mol%) under prescribed
driving conditions. When using
natural gas with a lower proportion of
methane, the fuel consumption can
differ from the specified values.Trailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Vehicles with natural gas engine may
require special towing equipment.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
Fitting of towing equipment could
cover the opening of the towing eye.
If this is the case use the coupling ball
bar for towing. Always keep the
coupling ball bar in the vehicle.
Driving characteristics and
towing tips Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the coupling ball, is being used to reduce
snaking movements.For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than
1300 kg the use of a stabiliser is
strongly recommended when driving
above 50 mph.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 172.
Trailer towing Trailer loads The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
126Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................126
Vehicle checks ........................... 127
Bulb replacement .......................133
Electrical system ........................139
Vehicle tools .............................. 143
Wheels and tyres .......................144
Jump starting ............................. 155
Towing ....................................... 156
Appearance care .......................158General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or
guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear to prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.
Vehicle care131BrakesA squealing noise, or illumination ofbrake pad wear control indicator F
indicates that the brake lining is at its
minimum thickness.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake linings replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake pad wear indicator F 3 75.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks.
When topping up, ensure maximum cleanliness as contamination of the
brake fluid can lead to brake system
malfunctions. Have the cause of the
loss of brake fluid remedied by a
workshop.
Only use high-performance brake
fluid approved for the vehicle.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 162.
Vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
4 weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.