
Brakes and Parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electric parking brake
203
Auto Hold function
204
Parking
205
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style. Under difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving style) the condi-
tion of the brakes should also be checked by a specialist garage between the
service intervals.
The performance of the brakes can be delayed if the brakes are damp, iced up
in winter or if covered in a layer of salt . The brakes are cleaned and dried by
applying the brakes several times »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads 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 »
.
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient , reduce speed and
shift into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will
be used, reducing the load on the brakes. If you do have to brake, this should
be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking display - when an emergency braking is performed, the
automatic flashing of the brake lights are used to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be “worn in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
A too low brake fluid level can cause faults in the braking system , the warn-
ing light illuminates in the instrument cluster
» page 35,
Brake system
. If
the warning light does not illuminate and an extended stopping distance is re-
quired, then driving should be adapted according to the unknown cause of
fault and restricted braking effect - seek the assistance of a specialist garage
immediately.
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!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission,
when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■
Do not press the brake pedal if braking is now required. This causes the
brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and ex-
cessive wear - risk of accident!
■
Braking for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs should be
carried out only if the traffic conditions permit. Do not place any other road
users in jeopardy.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads have to be observed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be on, oth-
erwise the vehicle could move off - there is the risk of an 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 functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of
accident!
Electric parking brake
Fig. 255
Parking brake button
203Starting-off and Driving

Fig. 256
Parking brake operation
Read and observe
on page 203 first.
The electric parking brake (hereinafter referred as a parking brake) replaces the handbrake. This secures the vehicle when stopping and parking against
unwanted movement.
The parking brake can be used when the ignition is on or off.
Switching on
›
Pull the button in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 256 and hold until the
symbol in the button and warning light illuminate in the instrument clus-
ter.
Automatic shut-off
The parking brake switches off automatically when starting, as long as the
driver's door is closed and the driver has fastened the seat belt.
Should the vehicle start to roll away when starting on a downhill slope, step on
the accelerator or switch on the parking brake.
Turning off the parking brake can be prevented if, before starting, the but-
ton is pulled and held in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 256 . The parking brake
turns off after releasing the button.
Manual shut-down
›
With the ignition switched on , press the brake pedal and at the same time
push the button in the direction of arrow
2
» Fig. 256 .
›
With the engine running , press either the brake or accelerator pedal and
press the button in the direction of arrow
2
.
The symbol in the button and the warning light
in the instrument cluster
go out.
Emergency braking function
If, while driving, a fault occurs in the brake system, the parking brake can be
used as an emergency brake »
.
›
Pull the
button in the direction of arrow
1
and » Fig. 256 hold (you hear
an audible signal), the vehicle starts to brake strongly.
The braking process is interrupted when the key is released or the accelerator
pedal is actuated.
WARNING■ The emergency brake is to be used only in an emergency when the vehi-
cle cannot be stopped with the brake pedal.■
Do not place any objects in the recessed grip for the finger in front of the
parking brake key - the parking brake button could be blocked!
Note
■ If the vehicle battery is discharged, it is not possible to release the parking
brake. First connect the vehicle first to a power source, such as the battery of
another vehicle » page 287, Jump-starting and then turn off the parking
brake.■
Noise when switching on and off the parking brake is normal and therefore
harmless.
Auto Hold function
Fig. 257
The Auto-Hold function button
Read and observe on page 203 first.
The Auto Hold function (hereinafter referred to only as system) prevents the
vehicle from rolling unintentionally when stopped. It is, for example, not nec-
essary to secure the vehicle with the brake pedal or parking brake at traffic
lights.
204Driving

For the activation, deactivation and correct functioning of the system, the
following basic conditions are required.
The driver's door is closed.
The engine is running (or has been switched off automatically by the
START-STOP system).
On vehicles with automatic transmission the selector lever is not in mode
N (in this mode, the system is not available).
Stopping and starting
When stopping the system prevents the vehicle from rolling away. The warn-
ing light
illuminates in the instrument cluster. The brake pedal can be re-
leased.
The vehicle's brakes are released at the moment of stating off. The warning
light in the instrument cluster goes out.
Should the vehicle start to roll away when starting on a downhill slope, step on
the accelerator or switch on the parking brake.
If the vehicle is secured by the system and the driver's door is opened or the ignition is turned off, the vehicle is secured by the parking brake to prevent
unwanted movement.
In this case, the indicator light turns off in the instrument cluster and the
warning light illuminates.
Activation/deactivation
The system is activated/deactivated by means of the
» Fig. 257 button.
When the system is activated, the symbol illuminates.
After switching off and switching on the ignition, the system remains either
activated or deactivated depending on the last setting.WARNINGThe increased stopping and starting comfort brought by the system must
not tempt you to take any safety risks.■
The system is not able to stop the vehicle under all circumstances, such
as on icy or otherwise slippery ground, or on gradients.
■
When stopping and parking always make sure that the vehicle is correctly
secured » page 205 , Parking .
CAUTION
In some washing systems it is necessary that the vehicle can roll freely. There-
fore, the system must be deactivated before driving through a car wash.NoteThe system is able to secure the vehicle for about 10 minutes, after which the
vehicle will be automatically secured by the parking brake.
Parking
Read and observe
on page 203 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
The parking brake switch.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear or reverse gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
If the parking brake is turned on while on a steep slope, the following message
may be displayed in the instrument cluster. Search for a car park with less of
an inclination.
WARNING■ The exhaust system components can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave people who could, for example,
lock the vehicle or release the brake, unattended in the vehicle - risk of ac-
cident and injury!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
206
Pedals
206
205Starting-off and Driving