Driving
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ic e
s mor
e frequently than recommended in
the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, on days of heavy
rainfall or even after washing the car, the ef-
fect of the brakes is reduced as the brake
discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in
this case, the brakes should be “dried” by
pressing the brake pedal several times. WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the
brake sy s
tem increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the corr
ect friction during the first
200 km. This reduced braking capacity may
be compensated for by pressing on the brake
pedal a little harder, which also applies when
the brake pads have to be changed further
on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are
driving on ro
ads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
used, they wi
ll overheat. Before driving down
a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change down into a lower gear or
range (depending on the type of transmis-
sion). Thus, make use of engine braking and
relieve the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying
light pres
sure. Continuous braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tance w
i
ll increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switched off
. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subject
ed to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
could r
estrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 190, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
distanc
e will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys. Control lamp
Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up *
●
the brake fluid level is too low
› ›
›
p
age 209.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This warnin
g lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● If the brak e w
arning lamp does not go out
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low so there is a
risk of an accident ››› page 209, Brake fluid.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up to-
gether with the ABS
lamp this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Handbrake
Fig. 169
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
pr
ev
ent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park. »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
› ›
›
Fig. 169
.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease kno
b in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 169 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ››› .
A lw
ay
s pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The h andbr
ake w
arning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never use the h andbr
ake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this wi
ll cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehic l
e. Put it in 1st gear as well. In vehi-
cles with an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in position P. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the v
ehic
le is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle: – Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. T urn the s
teering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leave the
vehicle ››› .
Ad dition
al
notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill
,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb . ●
If the vehic
le is parked facing uphill, turn
the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrake firm
ly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Take me a
sures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
could ignit
e inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehicl
e when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They coul
d set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extremely
hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. 154
Driving
Braking and stability systems El ectr
onic
Stability Control (ESC)*This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk of
sk
idding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains
the electronic differential lock (EDL) and the
traction control system (ASR). The ESC works
together with the ABS. Both control lamps
will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are
faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot
be switched off. With the Easy Connect sys-
tem it is only possible to deactivate the ASR
or else select Sport mode.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin
is desirable ›››
page 156.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
face s.
● When the
vehicle is stuck, to rock it back-
wards
and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on
when you no longer need wheel spin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC reduc
es the risk of skidding by brak-
ing the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring
the vehicle back to a stable condition. If the
vehicle tends to oversteer (the rear end
slides out), the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the electronic
stability control. The lamp provides infor-
mation concerning function and disconnec-
tion status.
Both control lamps light up together when
the ignition is switched on and should turn
off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the
time taken for the function check.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and
ASR. It also includes emergency braking as-
sistance (BAS). The control lamp
has the f ollowing func-
tions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC
is activat
ed.
● It will light up if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the
ABS, the ESC light w
ill also come on if a fault
should occur in the ABS.
If the ESC control lamp lights up and stays
on after the engine is started, this may mean
that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESC. In this case the ESC can
be reactivated by switching the ignition off
and then on again. If the control lamp goes
out, this means the system is fully functional.
The lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected on
press
ing the switch or if we select ESC
Sport mode, only by means of Easy Connect. WARNING
● Do not for g
et that the electronic stability
control ESC cannot defy the laws of physics.
This should be kept in mind, particularly on
slippery and wet roads and when towing a
trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the
condition of the ro
ads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ESC
should not encourage you to run any risks. » 155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
CAUTION
● To ens ur
e that the ESC works correctly, all
four wheels must be fitted with the same
tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of
the tyres can cause the system to reduce en-
gine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for
exampl
e, to the engine, brake system, run-
ning gear or to the combination of wheels
and tyres) may affect the operation of the
ABS, EDL, ESC and ASR. Traction control system (ASR)*
The traction control system prevents the driv-
en wheel
s
fr om s
pinning when the vehicle is
accelerating. This system always includes
ABS.
Description and operation of the traction
control system during acceleration (ASR)
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR sys-
tem intervenes, reducing engine power and
preventing the driven wheels from slipping
during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS.
If a failure occurs in the ABS, the ASR will al-
so stop working.
TCS helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions
where this may otherwise be difficult or even
impossible. The ASR automatically switches on when the
engine is s
tarted. If necessary, it could be
connected or disconnected by means of the
Easy Connect system.
When the ASR is off, the warning lamp lights
up . The ASR should normally be left on.
Only in exceptional circumstances, when
wheel spin is required, can they be turned off
using the ESC button, for example:
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on soft ter-
rain.
● When the vehic
le is bogged-down, to free it
“by roc
king it.”
The ASR should be switched on again as
soon as possible.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the traction
control system: and . Both control lamps
light up together when the ignition is switch-
ed on and should turn off after approximately
2 seconds. This is the time taken for the func-
tion check.
The lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the ve-
hicle is
moving. If the system is deactivated or if it has any
fault, the warnin
g lamp will remain lit. The
warning lamp will also light up if a fault
should occur in the ABS because the ASR op-
erates in conjunction with the ABS. For fur-
ther information, see ››› page 156.
The lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected
via Ea
sy Connect.
By means of Easy Connect, the ASR function
is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off. WARNING
● Remember that not
even the ASR can defy
the laws of physics. This should be kept in
mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads
and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the
condition of the ro
ads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ASR
should not encourage you to run any risks. CAUTION
● To ens ur
e that the ASR works correctly,
identical tyres should be fitted on all four
wheels. Any differences in the rolling radius
of the tyres can cause the system to reduce
engine power when this is not desired. 156
Driving
●
Any modific ation
s made to the vehicle (for
example, to the engine, brake system, run-
ning gear or to the combination of wheels
and tyres) may affect the operation of the
ABS and ASR. Connecting/disconnecting ESC and
ASR
The ESC is switched on automatically when
the engine is
s
tarted, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.
The ASR and ESC function should only be
switched off in situations in which traction is
insufficient, among others:
● When driving in deep snow or on surfaces
that ar e not
very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then switch the ASR and E
SC function back
on.
Depending on finishes and versions, it is
possible either to disconnect only the ASR or
else activate ESC Sport mode.
ESC in “Sport” mode
Sport mode can be connected via the Easy
Connect ››› page 101 system menu. The abili-
ty of the ESC to stabilise the vehicle is limi- ted; the traction control system (ASR) be-
comes di
sabled ››› .
The c ontr
ol
lamp lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system*, the driver
will be shown the electronic stability
control (ESC) option: sport.
Warning! Limited stability.
Disable ESC “Sport” mode
Through the Easy Connect system menu
››› page 101. The warning lamp will switch
off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem*, the driver will be shown the elec-
tronic stability control (ESC)
option: on.
Disable ASR
The Easy Connect system menu is used to
switch off the ASR ››› page 101. The traction
control system will be disabled.
The control lamp lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is disabled.
Activate ASR
The Easy Connect system menu ››› page 101
is used to switch on the ASR. The traction
control system will be enabled.
The control lamp switches off. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is enabled.●
Activate or de activate the ASR or ESC func-
tion in the Easy Connect system by means of
the button and the function buttons
Set up and
E
SC
S
ystem .
WARNING
You should switch on the ESC Sport mode on-
ly if the tr affic
conditions and your driving
ability allow you to do so safely: risk of skid-
ding!
● With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising
function wi
ll be limited to allow for a sportier
drive. The driving wheels could spin and the
vehicle could skid. Note
If the ASR is disconnected or the ESC’s Sport
mode is sel ect
ed, cruise control* will be
switched off. Electronic differential lock (EDS)*
The EDL operates along with the ABS in vehi-
c
l
e s
equipped with Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC)*.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accel-
erate and climb a gradient in slippery condi-
tions where this may otherwise be difficult or
even impossible.
It uses the ABS sensors to monitor the speed
of the driven wheels. »
157
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
How the ABS works
If one of
the wheel s
turns too slowly in rela-
tion to the vehicle's speed, and is close to
locking, the system will reduce the braking
pressure to this wheel. The driver is made
aware of this control process by a pulsating
of the brake pedal and audible noise. This is
a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the
ABS control function has intervened. In this
situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regu-
late the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface,
the best possible control is retained as the
wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee
shorter braking distances in all conditions.
Braking distance could even be further if you
brake on gravel or on fresh snow on a slip-
pery surface.
Control lamp
The control lamp lights up for a few sec-
onds when the ignition is switched on. It
goes out again after the system has run
through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp does not light
up when
the ignition is switched on. ●
The control
lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few seconds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is mov
ing.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal
way, without the ABS function. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the
tyre pressure control lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together
with the brake warning lamp , there is a
fault in the ABS function and in the brake
system ››› .
WARNING
● The anti-lock br ak
e system cannot defy the
laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads are
dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that
the ABS is working (to counteract locked
wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety fea-
tures tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined
by the tyr
es fitted ››› page 213.
● If the running gear or brake system is modi-
fied, the effectivenes
s of the ABS could be se-
verely limited. WARNING
● Befor e openin
g the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings ››› page 201, Working in
the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp should
light up t
ogether with the ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
››› page 209, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid
level has dropped below the “MIN” mark you
must not drive on. Risk of accident. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in
the brake sys
tem may have been caused by a
failure of the ABS system. This could cause
the rear wheels to lock quickly when you
brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and
seek technical assistance. Electronic differential lock (XDS)*
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
ti
al
mec h
anism allows the outer wheel to turn
at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In
this way, the wheel that is turning faster (out-
er wheel) receives less drive torque than the
inner wheel. This may mean that in certain
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel is too high, causing the wheels to
spin. On the other hand, the outer wheel is
receiving a lower drive torque than it could
transmit. This causes an overall loss of lateral »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “l en
gthenin
g” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.
The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected or the ESC is
in Sport mode.
Brake servo The brake servo increases the pressure you
ap
p
ly t
o the brake pedal. It works only when
the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning, e.g. due
to a malfunction, or if the vehicle is being
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal
considerably harder to make up for the lack
of servo assistance. WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by
extern a
l factors.
● Never let the vehicle coast with the engine
switched off
. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. The braking dis- tance is increased considerably when the
brake ser
v
o is not active.
● If the brake servo is not working, for exam-
ple when the v
ehicle is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hil l
driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the vehicle moving
and without having to use the handbrake,
making start-up easier, more comfortable
and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● doors closed,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake, ●
beside s
having a gear engaged or being in
neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S, D or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill. WARNING
● If y ou do not
start the vehicle immediately
after taking your foot off the brake pedal, the
vehicle may start to roll back under certain
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-
al or use the h
and brake immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want to pr
event the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off. Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can tel l
you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. 160
Driving
Manual gearbox Driv in
g w ith m
anual gearboxRead the additional information carefully
›››
p
age 37
Certain versions of the model may include a
6-speed manual gearbox, and its diagram is
shown on the gearbox lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when
the car is stationary. When the engine is run-
ning and before engaging this gear, wait
about 6 seconds with the clutch pressed
down thoroughly in order to protect the gear-
box.
The reverse lights switch on when the reverse
gear is selected and the ignition is on. WARNING
● When the engine is ru
nning, the vehicle
will start to move as soon as a gear is engag-
ed and the clutch released.
● Never select the reverse gear when the ve-
hicle is
in motion. Risk of accident. Note
● Do not re s
t your hand on the gear lever
while driving. The pressure of your hand
could cause premature wear on the selector
forks in the gearbox. ●
When chan gin
g gear, you should always
depress the clutch fully to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
● Do not “slip” the clutch to hold the vehicle
on a hill.
This causes premature wear and
damage to the clutch.
● Do not leave your foot on the clutch pedal;
although the pres
sure may seem insignifi-
cant, it can cause the premature wear of the
clutch plate. Use the foot rest when you do
not need to change gear. Gear-change indicator
3 Valid for vehicles: with a manual gearbox
The r ec
ommended gear for saving fuel is in-
dicated on the dash screen of certain vehi-
cles during driving.
DisplayMeaning
The optimal gear is selected.
Changing to a higher gear is recommended.
Changing to a lower gear is recommended.
Information regarding the “cleanliness” of
the die
sel
par
ticulate filter
The exhaust system manager detects that the
diesel particulate filter is nearly saturated
and contributes to self-cleaning by recom-
mending the optimal gear. For this purpose, it might be necessary to drive momentarily
with a high rpm
›››
page 170. WARNING
The gear change indicator is only an auxiliary
function and in no c a
se should be a substi-
tute for careful driving.
● The responsibility of choosing the correct
gear depending on the s
ituation (e.g. over-
taking, driving up or down a slope or towing a
trailer) lies with the driver. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the correct gear can help to save
fuel. Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the clut c
h pedal is pressed. Automatic gearbox*
Driv ing pr
ogr
ammes Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 38
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox
programmes. »
161
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety