
Things to remember when 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.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
The following instructions will help accomplish
a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Control,
refer to page 74.
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake pads.
Drive moderately during this break-in period.
Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate WARNING
An open tailgate protrudes from the vehi‐
cle and can endanger occupants and other traf‐
fic participants or damage the vehicle in the
event of an accident, braking or evasive ma‐
neuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter
the vehicle interior. There is risk of injuries or
risk of property damage. Do not drive with the
tailgate open. ◀Seite 158DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving158
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Driving in wet conditionsWhen roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills WARNING
Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brakes wearing out
and possibly even brake failure. There is risk of
an accident. Avoid placing excessive stress on
the brake system. ◀
WARNING
In idle or with the engine switched off,
safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available anymore, e.g. braking effect of the
engine or braking force and steering support.
There is risk of an accident. Do not drive in idle
or with the engine switched off. ◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
needed.
Brake disc corrosion Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during brak‐
ing is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
Ground clearance CAUTION
If ground clearance is insufficient, there
might be contact with the front or rear spoiler
e.g. when driving over curbs or entering into
underground car parking garages. There is risk
of property damage. Ensure that there is suffi‐
cient ground clearance available. ◀Seite 160DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving160
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Everything from A to ZIndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 115
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 74
ACC, see camera-based cruise control 119
Activated-charcoal filter 141
Active Cruise Control, see camera-based cruise con‐
trol 119
Additives, oil 197
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 49
Adjustments, steering wheel 57
After washing vehicle 221
Airbags 99
Airbags, indicator/warning light 100
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 140
Air circulation, see Recircu‐ lated-air mode 137
Air conditioner 136
Air, dehumidifying, see Cool‐ ing function 137, 139
Air distribution, manual 137, 140
Air flow, air conditioner 137
Air flow, automatic climate control 140
Air pressure, tires 178
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 141
Alarm system 43
Alarm triggering 43
Alarm, unintentional 44
All around the center con‐ sole 16 All around the roofliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, see Winter tires 187
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 144
Alternative oil types 197
Antifreeze, washer fluid 70
Antilock Brake System, ABS 115
Anti-slip control, see DSC 115
Approved axle load 227
Arrival time 85
Ash tray 147
Assistance when driving off 118
Assist system, see Intelligent Safety 108
AUTO intensity 139
Automatic car wash 220
Automatic climate con‐ trol 138
Automatic Curb Monitor 55
Automatic deactivation, Front- seat passenger airbags 101
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 95
Automatic locking 43
Automatic recirculated-air control 140
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 71
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 139
AUTO program, intensity 139
Auto Start/Stop function 64
Average fuel consumption 85
Average speed 85
Axle loads, weights 227 B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 50
Band-aids, see First-aid kit 214
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 217
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 212
Battery, vehicle 212
Belts, safety belts 51
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 152
Bonus range, GREEN mode 167
Bottle holder, see Cu‐ pholder 152
Brake assistant 115
Brake discs, break-in 158
Brake pads, break-in 158
Braking, hints 159
Breakdown assistance 214
Break-in 158
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 88
Bug light 204
Bulb replacement 203
Bulb replacement, front 204
Bulb replacement, rear 206
Bulb replacement, side 209
Bulbs and lights 203
Button, Start/Stop 62
Bypassing, see Jump-start‐ ing 214
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 8 Seite 236REFERENCEEverything from A to Z236
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