Driving
The selected driving mode is shown on the
in s
trument
panel display.
In normal mode (D), the gearbox automatical-
ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal to move the selector
lever from N to D/S when the vehicle is sta-
tionary or at speeds below 3 km/h (2 mph)
››› .
Under c er
t
ain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode
››› page 182, in order to manually select gear
ratios to suit the driving conditions. WARNING
● Tak e c
are not to accidentally press the ac-
celerator pedal when the vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P
when driving. F
ailure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● With selector lever in any position (except
P) the vehic
le must always be held with the foot brake when the engine is running. This is
becau
se an aut
omatic gearbox still transmits
power even at idling speed, and the vehicle
tends to “creep”. The accelerator pedal must
on no account be pressed inadvertently when
a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.
● While you are selecting a gear and the vehi-
cle i
s stopped with the engine running, do
not accelerate. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● As a driver you should never leave your ve-
hicle if
the engine is running and a gear is en-
gaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while
the engine is running, you must apply the
handbrake and engage the parking lock (P).
● To avoid accidents, apply the handbrake
and put the sel
ector lever in position P before
opening the bonnet and working on the vehi-
cle with the engine running. Please always
observe the important safety warnings
››› page 262, Work in the engine compart-
ment. Note
● If the sel ect
or lever is moved accidentally
to N when driving, release the accelerator and
let the engine speed drop to idling before se-
lecting gear range D or S again.
● Should the power supply to the selector
lever be int
errupted in position P, the selector lever will be locked. If this should happen the
manua
l
release can be used ›››
page 43. Selector lever lock
Fig. 191
Selector lever lock. The selector lever lock prevents gears from
bein g en
g
aged inadvertently, so that the ve-
hicle is not set in motion unintentionally.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on.
– Press the brake pedal and at
the same time
press in the interlock button.
Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition switched on, the selector
lever is locked in the positions P and N. The
brake pedal must be pressed to release the
lever while pressing the release button if the
selector lever is in the position P. As a »
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
reminder for the driver, with the lever in posi-
tion s
P or N the f
ollowing message will be
shown on the display:
When stationary, apply footbrake
while selecting a gear.
Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary and at speeds of up to 5 km/h
(3 mph). At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph)
the lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position N.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to rock the
vehicle “backwards and forwards” if it is
stuck. The selector lever lock engages auto-
matically if the brake pedal is not depressed
and the lever is in position N for more than
about two seconds.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever
handle prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging certain gears. Press the button in
to disengage the selector lever lock. The se-
lector lever positions in which the interlock
button has to be pressed are shown in the il-
lustration, highlighted in colour ››› Fig. 191.
Safety interlock for ignition key
Once the ignition has been turned off, the
key may be removed only if the gear selector is in position P. While the key is not in the ig-
nition, the selector l
ever is locked in position
P. Note
● If the sel ect
or lever lock does not engage,
there is a fault. The transmission is interrup-
ted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally
moving. Follow the procedure below in order
for the selector lever lock to engage again:
–With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal and release it again.
– With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal. Move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and subsequently engage a
gear.
● Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle
does not
move forwards or back. Proceed to
the next mode:
– When the vehicle does not move in the
required direction, the system may not
have the gear range correctly engaged.
Press the brake pedal and engage the
gear range again.
– If the vehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system mal-
function. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked. Changing gears in tiptronic mode*
Fig. 192
Centre console: changing gear with
tiptr onic Fig. 193
Steering wheel: automatic gearbox
l ev
er
s The tiptronic gives the driver the option to
c
h
an
ge gears manually.
182
Operation
Catalytic converter 3 Applies to vehicles with petrol engine
The v
ehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter 3 App
lies to vehicles with diesel engine
The die
sel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at
ap
proximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem.
Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
ag
ement
sy
stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* Control lamp
fla
she
s:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked. The control lamp
lights up:
If
a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow p
lug
s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
190
Driver assistance systems
Driving tips Driv in
g thr
ough flooded roadsTo prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing thr
ough w
ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
lower edg
e of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc ., the br
aking effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect. CAUTION
● Drivin g thr
ough flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system.
● Whenever driving through water, the Start-
Stop sys
tem* must be switched off
››› page 191. Note
● Check the depth of
the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone. ●
Do not s t
op in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine in any situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction ma
y splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar
t
-Stop system*
Description and operation
›› ›
table on page 2
The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce CO 2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet mu
st be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more
than 4 km/h (2 mph) sinc
e the last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer. »
191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
WARNING
● Never sw it
ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop sys
tem is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 193. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
swit c
hed off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 193. Stopping/Starting the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutr al
and r
elease the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play. –
When the clutc
h pedal is pressed the en-
gine will start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and k
eep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp will appear in the
display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wi
ll start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the auto-
matic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R. Note
● You c an c
ontrol whether the engine should
switch off or not by reducing or increasing the
brake force applied. While the vehicle re-
mains stopped, the engine will not stop if the
brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for exam-
ple. As soon as strong pressure is applied to
the brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during
the stop
ping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual g
earbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
fr
equently
f
or different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine does not switch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum required t
emperature for the Start-Stop
mode.
192
Operation
Auto Hold Function* D e
s
cription and operation Fig. 195
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: Aut
o Hold function button. The control light of the
› ›
›
Fig. 195 button
remains on when the Auto Hold function is
connected.
Once connected, the Auto Hold function as-
sists the driver in keeping the vehicle station-
ary at repeated intervals or for a certain peri-
od of time with the engine running, for exam-
ple, when going up a slope, when stopped at
traffic lights or in heavy traffic with intermit-
tent stops.
When connected, the Auto Hold function au-
tomatically prevents the vehicle from rolling
when stationary without pressing the brake
pedal. After detecting that the vehicle is stationary
and the brake ped
al has been released, the
Auto Hold function holds the vehicle. The
driver can lift their foot off the brake pedal.
When the driver touches the accelerator ped-
al or accelerates slightly to continue driving,
the Auto Hold function releases the brake.
The vehicle moves according to the slope of
the road.
If the vehicle is stationary and one of the con-
ditions required by the Auto Hold function is
impaired, it disconnects itself and the but-
ton's control light goes out ››› Fig. 195. The
electronic parking brake connects automati-
cally, if necessary, to park the vehicle safe-
ly ››› .
C ondition
s
for keeping the vehicle stationary
with the Auto Hold function
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
● The engine is running.
Switc
hing the Auto Hold function on and off
Press the button ››› . The control lamp on
the b utt
on g
oes out when the Auto Hold func-
tion is switched off. Automatically engaging and disengaging the
Auto Hol
d function
If the Auto Hold function was switched on
with the button before disengaging the ig-
nition, the function will remain on after the
ignition is re-engaged.
If the Auto Hold function was not switched
on, it will automatically remain off next time
the ignition is engaged.
The Auto Hold function is automatically
switched on if the following conditions are
met:
All conditions must be met at the same time
››› :
Manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox
1.The vehicle is kept stationary with the brake ped-
al on a flat surface or on a slope.
2.The engine rotates “correctly”.
Upon pressing the
clutch and accelerating
at the same time, the
brake releases gradu-
ally.Upon accelerating, the
brake releases gradu-
ally. 194
Driver assistance systems
The Auto Hold function is automatically
t urned off
if
the following conditions are
met:
Manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox
1.
If any of the conditions mentioned on
››› page 194, Conditions for keeping the vehicle
stationary with the Auto Hold function are no lon- ger met.
2.If the engine is running irregularly or an anomalyis detected.
3.If the engine is turnedoff or stalls.If the engine is switch- ed off.
4.The clutch and the ac-
celerator are pressed at the same time.If the accelerator is pressed.
5.
If any of the tyres hasonly minimal contact
with the ground, e.g. in the case of axle articu- lation. WARNING
The smart technology incorporated into the
Auto Ho l
d function cannot defy the laws of
physics; it only works within the limits of the
system. The greater convenience provided by
the Auto Hold function should never tempt
you to take any risk that may compromise
safety.
● Never leave the vehicle running and with
the Auto Hol
d function switched on. ●
The Auto Ho l
d function cannot always keep
the vehicle stationary uphill or downhill or
stop it sufficiently, for example, on slippery
or frozen surfaces. Note
Before entering a car wash, always switch off
the Aut o Hol
d function, because if the elec-
tronic parking brake is automatically connec-
ted, it may cause damage. Cruise control system (CCS)*
Oper ation Fig. 196
Instrument panel display: CCS status
indic ation s Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 39
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to
maintain the set speed from 20 km/h (15
mph).
The CSS only reduces vehicle speed by ceas-
ing to accelerate, not by actively braking the
vehicle ››› .
C ontr
o
l lamp
When the warning lamp is lit, cruise con-
trol is active.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
Displayed on the CCS screen
Status Fig. 196:
CCS temporarily switched off. The set
speed is displayed in small figures.
System error. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is
empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is
displayed in large figures. »
A B
C
D
195
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Indications on the display, warning
and c ontr
o
l lampsFig. 198
On the instrument panel display: (A)
A C
C
temporarily inactive, vehicle detected in
front, temporary distance adjusted. (B) ACC
active, vehicle detected in front, temporary
distance adjusted. Status display
Indic
ation
s
on the display ››› Fig. 198:
Vehicle in front, the ACC is inactive.
1 Distance margin selected, the ACC is in-
activ
e.
V ehic
le detected in front. The ACC is ac-
tive.
Adjustment of the temporary distance
from the vehicle in front with a program-
med speed.
Temporary distance adjustment from the
vehicle in front with a programmed
speed.
Warning and control lamps
››› in Warning and control lamps on
p ag
e 109
.
The speed reduction by the ACC to
maintain the distance from the vehi-
cle in front is not sufficient.
Brake! apply the foot brake! Driver intervention prompt.
The ACC is not currently available.
a)
With the vehicle stationary, switch off the engine and
start it up again. Check the radar sensor visually for dirt,
ice or knocks. If it is still unavailable, refer to a special-
ised workshop to have the system inspected.
a)
The symbol on the instrument panels with colour display is in
colour.
2 3
4
5 The ACC is active.
No vehicle is detected in front. The programmed speed
remains constant.
If the symbol is white: the ACC is ac-
tive.
A vehicle in front has been detected. The ACC adjusts
speed and distance from the vehicle in front.
If the symbol is grey: the ACC is not
active.
The system is switched on, but is not adjusting.
It lights up green
The ACC is active.
Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly
when the ignition i
s
switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and contr o
l lamps on page 109. Note
When the ACC is connected, the indications
on the ins trument
panel screen may be con-
cealed by warnings from other functions,
such as an incoming call. 198