Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)Read and observe
on page 31 first.
If your vehicle is equipped with the ESC system, the TCS is part of the ESC sys-
tem.
flashes – the ESC or TCS is currently active.
System fault
lights up – there is an ESC or TCS fault.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be
switched off for technical reasons. ▶ Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er- ror.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
For more information on the ESC system » page 110 or TCS system
» page 111 .
Traction control (TCS) deactivated
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the TCS system is disabled.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – there is an ABS fault.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.WARNING■ If the warning light lights up together with the warning light
» page 32 , stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – the rear fog light is switched on.
Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – one of the vehicle's exterior lights is defective. A message will
appear in the display about the affected lamp.
illuminates within a few seconds after switching on the ignition or when a
light with a faulty bulb is switched on.
Xenon headlights (AFS)
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
flashes for 1 minute while driving or after the ignition is switched on - there
is a fault in the xenon headlights (AFS).
The MAXI DOT display shows the following.
Note
With the Xenon headlight “tourist light” (travel mode) activated, the warning
light flashes after switching on the ignition for 10 seconds.34Using the system
Windscreen washer fluid levelRead and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the windscreen washer fluid level is too low.
▶ Top up the windscreen washer fluid » page 144.
Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
flashes – the left turn signal is turned on.
flashes – the right turn signal is turned on.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate (does not apply when towing).
When the hazard warning light system is switched on, this will cause all of the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the fog lights are switched on.
Cruise control system
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – the vehicle speed is regulated by the cruise control system.
Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – apply the brake.
OFF ROADmode
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the conditions for the engagement of OFF ROADmode are
met » page 112 , OFF ROAD Mode .
flashes – the hill descent assistant is engaged at the moment.
Main beam
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
lights up – the main beam or the headlight flasher is switched on.
Display of a low temperature
Read and observe
on page 31 first.
illuminates – the outside temperature is below +4 °C.
WARNINGEven at temperatures of around +4 °C, black ice may still be on the road
surface! You should therefore not only rely on the outside temperature dis-
play for accurate information as to whether there is ice on the road.37Instruments and Indicator Lights
Switch on/off ignitionFig. 121
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock / starter button
Read and observe
and on page 100 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 121 -
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching on /off ignition in vehicles with starter button
›
Press the » Fig. 121 -
button, the ignition is turned on / off.
On vehicles with manual transmission , the pedal must not be depressed to
switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
On vehicles with automatic transmission , the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed to switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
Starting / stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 100 first.
Before starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and » depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
123Starting engine›On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position 3 and the engine
starts » Fig. 121 on page 101
. Then release the key, the engine will start au-
tomatically.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after 30 s.
›
On vehicles with starter button, press the button briefly » Fig. 121 on
page 101 -
, the motor will start automatically.
On vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light
goes on during
starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
Switching off the engine
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position
1
» Fig. 121 on
page 101
.
›
On vehicles with
starter button, press the button » Fig. 121 on page 101 -
,
the engine and the ignition will be switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed
if the selector lever is in position P.
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey if the en-
gine has been working at high revs over a prolonged period, but leave it to run
at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
Emergency shutdown of the engine in vehicles with starter button
The system is equipped with a protective device against accidental switching
off, the engine can only be shut off while driving in the event of an emergency.
›
Keep the knob pressed » Fig. 121 on page 101 -
or press it twice within 1
second.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when start-
ing must always be in P mode. 101Starting-off and Driving
Note■The engine running noises may be louder at first for a short time after start-
ing the cold engine.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period, otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may (also intermittently)
continue to operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Problems with the engine start - vehicles with starter button
Fig. 122
Starting the engine - Press the
button with the key
Read and observe and on page 100 first.
If no engine start is possible and the display of the instrument cluster shows a message that the key could not be detected by the system or there is a system
fault, then try to start the engine as follows.
›
Press the starter button with the key » Fig. 122.
If the engine does not start, the help of a specialist garage is required.
CAUTION
The key may not be detected by the system if the battery in the key is running
out of charge or the signal fails (strong electromagnetic field) or is shielded
(e.g. in an aluminium case).
START-STOPsystem
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
102
Manually deactivating/activating the system
103The START STOPsystem (hereinafter referred to as the system) reduces
CO 2emissions and harmful emissions, and saves fuel.
If the system determine that the engine is not needed when the vehicle stops
(e.g. at the traffic lights), it turns off the engine and starts it again when mov-
ing off.
The system function depends on many factors. Some of them are down to the
driver, the others are systemic and can neither be influenced nor identified.
Therefore the system may react differently in situations which seem identi-
cal from the driver's perspective.
The system is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on
(even where this has previously been manually deactivated with the button ).
Note
If the engine has stopped due to the system, the ignition remains on.
Operation
Fig. 123
Prompt in the MAXI DOT display
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a
halt, the shift lever is moved into neutral and the clutch pedal is released.
The engine is automatically started as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a halt
and the brake pedal is operated.
The engine is automatically started as soon as the brake pedal is released.
102Driving
Requirements for the system to function correctly
The following conditions must be met for the system to function correctly.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
No trailer or other accessory is connected to the trailer socket.
System status
The system status is indicated in the instrument cluster display when stopped.
The engine is automatically switched off; when the vehicle moves off the igni-
tion process will be automatically initiated.
» Fig. 123START-STOP ACTIVE
The engine is not automatically switched off.
» Fig. 123
START-STOP NOT POSSIBLE
The engine does not shut down when the vehicle stops, if e.g. the following
applies.
▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air conditioning or heating output (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
If the engine has shut down automatically but the system detects that the en- gine is required to run (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly) then the
system automatically starts up the engine.
If there is a system fault , the following message will appear in the display of
the instrument cluster. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note■ If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened after the engine has switched off automatically, the engine will
have to be restarted manually.■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shutdown
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
Manually deactivating/activating the system
Fig. 124
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
›
To deactivate/activate the system, press the
button » Fig. 124 .
When the system is deactivated, the symbol
in the button lights up.
If the system is turned off, it will be automatically reactivated after turning the
ignition off and on.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
104
Parking
105
103Starting-off and Driving
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 light up in the instrument cluster
» page 32,
Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - 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!■
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!
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 - There is a risk of an 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 - There is 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 front brakes could be in danger of overheating – There is
risk of an accident!
Handbrake
Fig. 125
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 104 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 lock
button » Fig. 125 .
›
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.
104Driving
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied. The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven
at a speed of over 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGDisengage the handbrake completely. A handbrake which is only partially
disengaged can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a nega-
tive effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Note
Push the armrest cover all the way back to the stop before applying the hand-
brake » page 71 .
Parking
Read and observe
on page 104 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.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission select the 1st gear or the Reverse
gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNING■
The exhaust system components can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle in places where the underside of your vehicle could come
into contact with flammable materials (e.g. dry grass, leaves, spilled fuel or
the like). - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave people unattended in the car who
could, for example, lock the vehicle or release the brake - There is a risk of
accidents and injury!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
105
Pedals
106
Manual gear changing
Fig. 126
The shift pattern
The shift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown on the gear lever » Fig. 126 .
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 39.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Reverse gear is engaged
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Push the shift lever downwards fully to the left and then forward into
R » Fig. 126 .
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 105Starting-off and Driving
Driving forwards - In mode D, the forward gears are automatically
changed according to the engine load, accelerator pedal actuation and
driving speed
Sports mode - the gear change takes place in the position S at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button in the di-
rection of arrow 1
» Fig. 128 on page 107 .
Selector lever lock
Fig. 128
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driv-
ing is selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light .
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 128 .
To move the selector lever from mode N to D only the brake pedal must be
pressed.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
If it is not possible to release the gear selector from mode P in the usual man-
ner, then this can be emergency unlocked » page 166.
DSNoteTo switch the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice versa, move the
selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select mode R or N.
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
Fig. 129
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
Switching to manual shifting using the selector lever
›
Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle. The current gear is maintained.
Gear changing
›
To change up , tap the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 129 .
›
To change down , tap the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 129.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 127 on page 106 .
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 39.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached. If a lower gear
is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk of the engine
overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear of the brakes.107Starting-off and Driving