The wear and tear on the brake pads is dependent on the operating condi-
tions and driving style. In difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving), the
condition of the brakes should be checked between services by a specialist ga-
rage.
Brake response can be slower if the brakes are covered in moisture or, in win-
ter, have a layer of ice or salt on them . The brakes should be cleaned and
dried by applying the brakes many times over »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads can occur if the vehicle
has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the
braking system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times
over »
.
Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - if it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be ““run in”” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light will illuminate in the instrument cluster
» page 30,
Braking system
. If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping dis-
tance is perceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adap-
ted in view of the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a mini-
mum - seek the help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not depress the brake pedal, if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - risk of accident!■
Only brake for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the
traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – risk of acci-
dent!
Handbrake
Fig. 102
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 87 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop-
ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 102 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
87Starting-off and Driving
Index
A
ABS Operation
94
Warning light32
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
117
Accessories115
Adjusting Steering wheel
11
Adjusting the seats10
Adjustment Beam range
54
Advance warning / emergency braking37
Advice on tyre/wheel usage133
Air-conditioning system Air outlet vents
82
Airbag15
Adjustments and impairments to the airbag system
116
Deactivating18
deactivation18
Deployment16
Warning light32
Airbag system15
Air conditioning79
Air distribution control81
Climatronic80
Manual air conditioning80
Air distribution control81
Air outlet vents82
Alarm49
Trailer114
All-year tyres136
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)94
Anti-theft alarm system49
Trailer114
Anti-theft wheel bolts141
Armrest Front63
Rear64
Ashtray69
Assembling the bar ball, Step 1
110
bar ball, Step 2110
Assist systems93
Auto Check Control38
Automatic drive Selector lever
89
Automatic driving light control55
Automatic gearbox89
Kickdown91
Malfunction34
Selector lever emergency unlocking149
Selector lever lock90
Starting-off and driving91
Warning light34
Automatic shutdown of consumers131
Automatic transmission Selector lever lock
90
Tiptronic90
AUX67
Avoiding damage to your vehicle92
B
Ball bar Standy position
109
Ball head Check fitting
111
Ready position109
Battery Change in key
148
Belts12
Belt tensioners14
Bluetooth See Owner´s Manual -Infotainment
6
Bonnet Closing126
Opening126
Boot Cargo element
78
Class N1 vehicles78
Hooks76
Storage compartments77
Boot cover Parking position
77
Boot lid Automatic locking
51
Open/Close51
Brake Assist (HBA)95
Brake booster86
Brake fluid130
Check130
specification130
Brake pads new
86
Brake pedal (automatic transmission) Warning light
34
Brakes Brake booster
86
Brake fluid130
Braking and stabilisation systems93
Handbrake87
Information on braking86
Warning lights30
Brake system93
Braking Running in
91
Breakdown kit143
Breakdown service See Help in an emergency
8
Buttons in the door Electric windows
52
168Index
