DrivingVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Start/Stop button The concept Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches the ignition on or off
and starts the engine.
Steptronic transmission: the en‐
gine starts in selector lever posi‐
tion P or N with the brake pedal pressed when
you press the Start/Stop button.
Manual transmission: the engine starts with the
clutch pedal pressed when the Start/Stop but‐
ton is pressed.
Ignition on Manual transmission: press the Start/Stop but‐
ton without stepping on the clutch pedal.
Steptronic transmission: press the Start/Stop
button, and do not press on the brake pedal at
the same time.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Most of the indicator and warning lights in the
instrument cluster light up for a varied length of
time.To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Ignition off
Manual transmission: press the Start/Stop but‐
ton again without stepping on the clutch pedal.
Steptronic transmission: shift to selector lever
position P, press the Start/Stop button again
without stepping on the brake.
All indicator lights in the instrument cluster go
out.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary electronic systems/power consumers.
The ignition is switched off automatically in the
following situations while the vehicle is station‐
ary and the engine is off:▷During locking, also with the low beams ac‐
tivated.▷Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started. This function is only available when
the low beams are turned off.▷When opening and closing the driver door,
if the driver's safety belt is unbuckled and
the low beams are turned off.▷While the driver's safety belt is unbuckled
with driver's door open and low beams off.▷The low beams switch to parking lights af‐
ter approx. 15 minutes of no use.
Radio ready state
Activate radio-ready state: when the engine is
running: press the Start/Stop button.
Some electronic systems/power consumers re‐
main ready for operation.
The radio-ready state is switched off automati‐
cally in the following situations:
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▷After approx. 8 minutes.▷When the vehicle is locked using the central
locking system.▷Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
The radio-ready state remains active if, for ex‐
ample, the ignition is automatically switched off
for the following reasons:
▷Opening or closing the driver's door.▷Unfastening of the driver's safety belt.▷When automatically switching from low
beams to parking lights.
If the engine is switched off and the ignition is
switched on, the system automatically switches
to the radio-ready state if the lights are turned
off or, if correspondingly equipped, the day‐
time running lights are activated.
Starting the engine
Information DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventila‐
tion is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can
enter into the vehicle. The exhaust gases con‐
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color‐
less but highly toxic gas. In enclosed areas, ex‐
haust gases can also accumulate outside of the
vehicle. There is danger to life. Keep the ex‐
haust pipe free and ensure sufficient ventila‐
tion. ◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock. ◀
ATTENTION
In the case of repeated starting attempts
or repeated starting in quick succession, the
fuel is not burned or is inadequately burned.
The catalytic converter can overheat. There is a
risk of damage to property. Avoid repeated
starting in quick succession. ◀
Steptronic transmission
Starting the engine
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Engage selector lever position P or N.3.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
Manual transmission
Starting the engine
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press on the clutch pedal and shift to neu‐
tral.3.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
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Engine stop
Information WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
cause the vehicle to move and endanger them‐
selves and traffic, e.g., due to the following ac‐
tions:▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing the doors or windows.▷Engaging selector lever position N.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Take the remote control with you when
exiting and lock the vehicle. ◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock. ◀
Before driving into a car wash
So that the vehicle can roll into a car wash ob‐
serve instructions for going into an automatic
car wash, refer to page 226.
Steptronic transmission
Switching off the engine1.Engage selector lever position P with the
vehicle stopped.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The radio-ready state is switched on.3.Set the parking brake.
Manual transmission
Switching off the engine
1.With the vehicle at a standstill, press the
Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The radio-ready state is switched on.2.Shift into first gear or reverse.3.Set the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
The concept
The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, for example, in traffic congestion or at
traffic lights. The ignition remains switched on.
The engine starts automatically for driving off.
Information
After every start of the engine using the Start/ Stop button, the Auto Start/Stop function is in
the last selected state, refer to page 70. When
the Auto Start/Stop function is active, it is avail‐
able when the vehicle is traveling faster than
about 3 mph, approx. 5 km/h.
Depending on the selected driving mode, refer
to page 124, the system is automatically acti‐
vated or deactivated.
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Engine stop
The engine is switched off automatically during
a stop under the following conditions:
Manual transmission:▷Neutral is engaged and the clutch pedal is
not pressed.▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
Steptronic transmission:
▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷Brake pedal remains depressed while the
vehicle is stopped.▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
In order to be able to release the brake pedal,
engage lever in position P. The engine remains
off.
To continue driving depress the brake pedal.
When a gear is engaged, the engine starts au‐
tomatically.
The air flow from the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster The display indicates that theAuto Start/Stop function is ready
for an Automatic engine start.
The display indicates that the
conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been met.
Functional limitations The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
▷External temperature too low.▷The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.▷The car's interior has not yet been heated
or cooled to the required level.▷The engine is not yet at operating tempera‐
ture.▷The wheels are at a sharp angle or the
steering wheel is being turned.▷After driving in reverse.▷Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.▷The vehicle battery charge is very low.▷At higher elevations.▷The engine compartment lid is unlocked.▷The parking assistant is activated.▷Stop-and-go traffic.▷Selector lever in selector lever position R, N
or M/S.
Starting the engine
The engine starts automatically under the fol‐
lowing conditions:
▷Manual transmission: clutch pedal is
pressed.▷Steptronic transmission: by releasing the
brake pedal.
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety mode
After the engine switches off automatically, it
will not start again automatically if any one of
the following conditions are met:
▷The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and
the driver's door is open.▷The hood was unlocked.
Some indicator lights light up for a varied
length of time.
The engine can only be started via the Start/
Stop button.
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Functional limitationsEven if driving off was not intended, the deacti‐
vated engine starts up automatically in the fol‐
lowing situations:▷Excessive warming of the car's interior
when the cooling function is switched on.▷The steering wheel is turned.▷Steptronic transmission: change from selec‐
tor lever position D to R, N or M/S.▷Steptronic transmission: change from selec‐
tor lever position P to R, N, D or M/S.▷The vehicle begins rolling.▷Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.▷The vehicle battery charge is very low.▷Excessive cooling of the car's interior when
the heating is switched on.▷Manual transmission: low brake vacuum
pressure; this can occur, for example, if the
brake pedal is depressed a number of times
in succession.
Switching the system on/off
Using the button
Press button.
▷LED comes on: Auto Start/Stop function is
deactivated.
The engine is started during an automatic
engine stop.The engine can only be stopped or started
via the Start/Stop button.▷LED goes out: Auto Start/Stop function is
activated.
Switching off the vehicle during an automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle
can be switched off permanently, e.g., when
leaving it.
Steptronic transmission:
1.Engage selector lever position P.2.Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function is
deactivated.3.Set the parking brake.
Manual transmission:
1.Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function is
deactivated.2.Shift into first gear or reverse.3.Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop func‐
tion is deactivated automatically for safety rea‐
sons, as it is detected that no driver is present.
Malfunction The Auto Start/Stop function no longer switches
off the engine automatically. A Check Control
message is displayed. It is possible to continue
driving. Have the system checked by a dealer’s
service center or another qualified service cen‐
ter or repair shop.
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ATTENTION
Silicon-containing additives in the washer
fluid for the water-repelling effect on the win‐
dows can lead to damage to the washing sys‐
tem. There is a risk of damage to property. Do
not add silicon-containing additives to the
washer fluid. ◀
ATTENTION
Mixing different windshield washer con‐
centrates or antifreeze agents can damage the
washing system. There is a risk of damage to
property. Do not mix different windshield
washer concentrates or antifreeze agents. Ob‐
serve the information and mixing ratios pro‐
vided on the containers. ◀
The use of undiluted windshield washer con‐
centrate or alcohol-based antifreeze can lead
to incorrect readings at temperatures below
+ 5 ℉/- 15 ℃.
Overview
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the en‐
gine compartment.
Manual transmission
Information CAUTION
When shifting to a lower gear, excessive
speeds can damage the engine. There is a risk
of property damage. When shifting into 5th or
6th gear, press the gearshift lever to the right. ◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock. ◀
Shifting
General information
The engine speed during a shifting operation is
adjusted automatically for harmonious and dy‐
namic gear shifting.
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
To overcome the resistance push the selector
lever dynamically to the left and engage the re‐
verse gear.
Steptronic transmission Information WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.Seite 75DrivingCONTROLS75
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▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.▷On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock. ◀
Selector lever positions
D Drive Selector lever position for normal vehicle oper‐
ation. All gears for forward travel are activated
automatically.
R Reverse Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
The vehicle may roll. Use in automatic car
washes, for example.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that se‐
lector lever position P is set. Otherwise, the ve‐
hicle may begin to move.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Step on the accelerator pedal be‐
yond the resistance point at the full throttle po‐
sition.
Engaging selector lever positions
General information To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a gear, maintain pressure on the brake
pedal until you are ready to start.
The selector lever can only be taken out of se‐
lector lever position P if the ignition is on or the
engine is running.
With the vehicle stationary, depress the brake
pedal before shifting out of selector lever posi‐
tion P or N; otherwise, the shift block will not be
deactivated and the shift command will not be
executed.
Releasing the selector lever lock A lock prevents the inadvertent switching to se‐
lector lever position R or the inadvertent
change from selector lever position P.
Releasing the lock: press unlock button on the
front of the selector lever, see arrow.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Activating the sport program
Press the selector lever to the left out of selec‐
tor lever position D.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, for example, S1.
The sport program of the transmission is acti‐
vated.
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Activating the M/S manual mode1.Press the selector lever to the left out of se‐
lector lever position D.2.Push the selector lever forward or back‐
ward.
Manual mode M/S becomes active and the gear
is changed.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, for example, M1.
If the situation requires, the Steptronic trans‐
mission continues to shift automatically.
Example: once maximum engine speed is at‐
tained, M/S manual mode is automatically up‐
shifted as needed.
Switching to manual mode
▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.▷To shift up: pull the selector lever rear‐
wards.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, for example downshifting is
not possible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the currently se‐
lected gear.
Manual mode M/S: prevent automatic
upshifting
Once a particular engine speed is attained, M/S manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
For vehicles with Steptronic Sport transmission,
automatic shift operations are not performed if
one of the following conditions is met:
▷DSC is deactivated.▷TRACTION is activated.
In addition, there is no downshifting for kick‐
down.
With the respective transmission version, the
lowest possible gear can be selected by simul‐
taneously operating the kickdown and the left
shift paddles. This is not possible, when switch‐
ing briefly via the shift paddles from selector
lever position D to manual mode M/S.
Ending the sport program/manual mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Shift paddles for Steptronic Sport
transmission
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
▷Shift up: briefly pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.▷The lowest possible gear can be selected by
pulling and holding the left shift paddles.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, for example downshifting is
not possible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission switches to manual mode tempo‐
rarily in selector lever position D and perma‐
nently in selector lever position S.
In selector lever position D, after conservative
driving for a certain amount of time in manual
mode or if there has been no acceleration or
shifting of the shift paddles within a certain
amount of time, the transmission switches back
to automatic mode.
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