
Setting the airflow
Adjusting the front-compartment air-
flow
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 146).
XTo increase or reduce: press theH
rocker switch up or down.
Setting the rear compartment airflow
using the rear control panel
It is only possible to set the airflow using the rear
control panel on vehicles with 3-zone automatic climate control. You can set the airflow sepa-
rately for the front and rear compartment.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 146).
XTo increase or reduce: press the upper or
lower section of the KorI rocker
switch on the rear control panel.
The selected airflow level appears in the rear
display.
Activating or deactivating the syn-
chronization function
General notes
The "Synchronization" function is only available
with dual-zone automatic climate control and 3-
zone automatic climate control.
Climate control can be set centrally using the
synchronization function. The temperature set-
ting is adopted for the front-passenger side. For
3-zone automatic climate control, the tempera- ture setting is adopted for the front-passenger
side and rear compartment.
Activating/deactivating
Dual-zone automatic climate control
XPress the upper or lower section of the 0
rocker switch.
The indicator lamp above the 0rocker
switch lights up or goes out.
The synchronization function deactivates if the
settings for the front-passenger side are
changed.
3-zone automatic climate control
XActivate or deactivate the "Synchronization"
function using the multimedia system
(
Ypage 304).
The synchronization function is deactivated:
Rif the settings for the front-passenger side are
changed
Rif the settings for the rear compartment are
changed
Defrosting the windshield
General notes
You can use this function to defrost the wind-
shield or to clear a fogged up windshield or front
side windows on the inside.
Switch off the "Windshield defrosting" function
as soon as the windshield is clear again.
Switching the "Windshield defrosting"
function on or off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 146).
XTo activate: press the¬rocker switch on
the front control unit up or down.
The indicator lamp above the ¬rocker
switch lights up. The current climate control
settings are deactivated.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
Rhigh airflow
Rhigh temperature
Rair distribution to the windshield and front
side windows
Rair-recirculation mode off
iIf necessary, the "Cooling with air dehumid-
ification" function is activated. In this case,
the indicator lamp above the ¿rocker
switch remains switched off.
XTo switch off: press the¬rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp above the ¬rocker
switch goes out. The previously selected set-
tings are restored. Air-recirculation mode
remains deactivated.
Operating the climate control systems135
Climate control

Defrosting thewindows
Windows fogged up on th einside
XActivat eth e"Coolin gwit hair dehumidifica-
tion "function wit hth e¿ rocker switch .
XSwitchon automatic mode usin gth eÃ
rocker switch .
XIf thewindows continue to fo gup, activat eth e
"Windshield defrosting" function usin gth e
¬ rocker switch .
iYou should only selec tthis setting until th e
windshield is clear again .
Windows fogged up on th eoutsid e
XActivat eth ewindshield wipers .
XSwitchon automatic mode usin gth eÃ
rocker switch .
iIf you clean th ewindows regularly, they do
no tfo gup so quickly.
Rea rwindow defroster
General notes
The rea rwindow defroster has ahig hcurren t
draw. You should therefore switch it of fas soo n
as th erea rwindow is clear .Otherwise ,th erea r
window defroster switches of fautomatically
after severa lminutes.
If th ebattery voltage is to olow, th erea rwindow
defroster may switch off.
Switchin gon/of f
XTurnth eSmartKey to position 2in th eignition
loc k (Ypage 146).
XPress th e¤ rocker switch up or down .
The indicator lamp abov eth e¤ rocker
switch lights up or goe sout .
136Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated.The battery has not been sufficiently charged.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading lamps,
interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window defroster
can be activated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes
You can also temporarily deactivate the flow of
fresh air manually if unpleasant odors are enter-
ing the vehicle from outside. The air already
inside the vehicle will then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the win-
dows can fog up more quickly, in particular at
low temperatures. Only use air-recirculation
mode briefly to prevent the windows from fog-
ging up.
Switching on/off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 146).
XTo activate: press thegrocker switch up
or down.
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch lights up.
Air-recirculation mode switches on automati-
cally:
Rat high outside temperatures
Rat high levels of pollution (3-zone automatic
climate control only)
Rin a tunnel (vehicles with a navigation system
only)
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch is not lit when automatic air-recirculation
mode is activated. Outside air is added after
about 30 minutes.
XTo deactivate: press thegrocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch goes out. Air-recirculation mode deactivates automati-
cally:
Rafter approximately five minutes at outside
temperatures below approximately 41 ‡
(5 †)
Rafter approximately five minutes if cooling
with air dehumidification is deactivated
Rafter approximately 30 minutes at outside
temperatures above approximately 41 ‡
(5 †) if the "Cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion" function is activated
Switching the residual heat on or off
General notes
The residual heat function is only available with
3-zone automatic climate control on vehicles for Canada.
Once the engine is switched off, it is possible to
make use of the residual heat of the engine to
continue heating or ventilating the front com-
partment of the vehicle for approximately
30 minutes. The heating or ventilation time
depends on the interior temperature that has
been set.
Switching on/off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove it (Ypage 146).
XTo switch on: press the!rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp above the !rocker
switch lights up.
The blower will run at a low speed regardless of
the airflow setting.
If you activate the residual heat function at high
temperatures, only the ventilation will be acti-
vated. The blower runs at medium speed.
Operating the climate control systems137
Climate control

Setting the air vents
Example
:
Side window defroster vent
;Side air vent, left
=Control for left side air vent
XTo open or close:turn thumbwheel=to the
left or right as far as it will go.
XTo adjust the air direction: hold side air
vent ;by thumbwheel =and move it up or
down or to the left or right.
144Air vents
Climate control

vehicle, even if you only leave it for a short time.
Pay attention to the important safety notes.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XPress the Start/Stop button once
(Ypage 146).
The engine starts.
Starting procedure via smartphone
Observe the important safety notes on starting
the engine (Ypage 148).
You can also start your engine via your smart-
phone from outside the vehicle. In this case, the
previously selected climate control setting is
activated. In this way you can cool or heat the
interior of the vehicle before starting the jour-
ney.
Only start the engine via your smartphone if it is
safe to start and run the engine where your vehi-
cle is parked.
Observe the legal stipulations in the area where your vehicle is parked. Engine start via smart-
phone may be limited to certain countries or
regions.
You can execute a maximum of two consecutive
starting attempts via your smartphone. If you
insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock, you
can carry out two more starting attempts.
Once you have started the engine, you can
switch the engine off via your smartphone at any
time.
You can only start the engine via your smart-
phone if:
Rthe SmartKey is in the ignition lock
Rpark position Pis selected
Rthe accelerator pedal is not depressed
Rthe anti-theft alarm system is not activated
Rthe panic alarm is not activated
Rthe hazard warning lamps are switched off
Rthe hood is closed.
Rthe doors are closed and locked
Rthe windows and sliding sunroof are closed
Also make sure that:
Rthe fuel tank is sufficiently filled
Rthe starter battery is sufficiently charged
GWARNING
Limbs could be crushed or trapped if the
engine is started unintentionally during ser-
vice or maintenance work. There is a risk of
injury.
Always secure the engine against uninten-
tional starting before carrying out mainte-
nance or repair work.
Make sure that the engine cannot be started via
your smartphone before carrying out mainte-
nance or repairs. You can prevent an engine
start via your smartphone, for example, if you:
Rswitch on the hazard warning lamps
Rdo not lock the doors
Ropen the hood.
Pulling away
General notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pulling
away.
The vehicle locks centrally once you have pulled
away. The locking knobs in the doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking
feature, see the Digital Operator's Manual.
It is only possible to shift the transmission from
position Pto the desired position if you depress
the brake pedal. Only then is the parking lock
released. If you do not depress the brake pedal,
the DIRECT SELECT lever can still be moved but the parking lock remains engaged.
iUpshifts take place at higher engine speeds
after a cold start. This helps the catalytic con-
verter to reach its operating temperature
more quickly.
Information on the automatic release of the
electric parking brake (
Ypage 178).
Driving149
Driving and parking
Z

aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,
it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Ravoid sudden steering movements.
Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Bear in mind that vehicles traveling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This
may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result in
damage to the engine, electrical systems and
transmission.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind that:
Rin the case of standing water, the water level
may be no higher than the lower edge of the
vehicle body
Ryou should drive no faster than at a walking
pace
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise con-
trol or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style an
d drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
184Driving tips
Driving and parking

Cup holder in the rear seat armrest
!Do not sit on or support your body weight on
the rear seat armrest when it is folded down,
as you could otherwise damage it.
!Close the cup holder before folding the rear
seat armrest up. Otherwise, the cup holder
could be damaged.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.
XTo open: press the front of cup holder :
or ;.
Cup holder :or; extends automatically.
XTo fold out: place a container in the cup
holder.
The cup holder folds down automatically.
XTo fold in: remove the container.
The cup holder folds in automatically.
XTo close: slide cup holder :or; back until
it engages.
Sun visors
Overview
GWARNING
If the mirror cover of the vanity mirror is folded
up when the vehicle is in motion, you could be
blinded by incident light. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always keep the mirror cover folded down
while driving.
:Mirror light
;Bracket
=Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket
?Vanity mirror
AMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror light :only functions if the sun visor is
clipped into bracket ;and mirror cover Ahas
been folded up.
Rear side window roller sunblinds
!
Always guide the roller sunblind by hand. Do
not let it snap back suddenly as this would
damage the automatic roller mechanism.
!Do not drive the vehicle with the roller sun-
blind hooked in and the side windows opened
simultaneously. The roller sunblind can jump
out of the retainers and spring back suddenly
when driving at high speeds, e.g. when driving
on the freeway. This could damage the inertia
reel. Therefore, either close the side window
or retract the roller sunblind before driving at
high speeds.
Features317
Stowage and features
Z

XTo extend:pull the roller sunblind out by
tab :and hook it onto retainers ;at the top
of the window.
Rear window roller sunblind
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could be trapped in the
sweep of the roller sunblind when the roller
sunblind is extended or retracted. There is a
risk of injury.
When extending or retracting make sure that
no parts of the body are in the sweep of the
roller sunblind. Briefly press the button again
if someone becomes trapped. The opening or
closing process is briefly stopped. The roller
sunblind then returns to its initial position.
!Make sure that the roller sunblind can move
freely. Otherwise, the roller sunblind or other
objects could be damaged.
Extending/retracting the roller sun-
blind
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1or 2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 146).
XTo extend or retract: briefly press button:.
The roller sunblind fully extends or fully
retracts.
XTo stop: briefly press button :again.
The roller sunblind stops briefly and moves
back into the out-of-use position.
Ashtray
Front ashtray
!The stowage space under the ashtray is not
heat resistant. Before placing lit cigarettes in the ashtray, make sure that the ashtray is
properly engaged. Otherwise, the stowage
space could be damaged.
Example
XTo open: open the stowage compartment
(Ypage 309).
XPush the cover of the ashtray upwards at its
right side =.
XTo remove the insert: hold the sides of
insert ?, push it forward and lift it up ;and
out.
XTo install the insert: press insert?into the
holder until it engages.
XTo close: close the cover of the ashtray.
XPush cover :of the stowage compartment
closed.
iYou can remove the ashtray insert and use
the resulting compartment for stowage.
Rear-compartment ashtray
318Features
Stowag ean d features