126Driving and operatingCaution
It is inadvisable to drive with hand
resting on the selector lever.
Brakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when you depress the
brake pedal firmly. You need to use
considerably more force for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has
been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
If control indicator R illuminates in
the instrument cluster while driving
and a corresponding message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre (DIC) 3 89, there is a fault in
the braking system. Seek the
assistance of a workshop
immediately.Control indicator R 3 85.
Vehicle messages 3 90.
Antilock brake system Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.
ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting-off, the system performs
a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 86.
Fault
If control indicator u does not go out
a few seconds after the ignition is
switched on, or if it illuminates while
140Driving and operatingTrailer hitch
General information
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment. Only use
towing equipment that has been
approved for your vehicle.
Driving characteristics and towing tips
In the case of trailers with brakes,
attach the breakaway stopping cable.
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do so if a stabiliser, which acts on thecoupling ball, is being used to reduce
snaking movements. For trailers with
low driving stability the use of a
stabiliser is recommended.
A maximum speed of 50 mph must
not be exceeded, even in countries
where higher speeds are permitted.If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 196.
Trailer towing
Trailer loads The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12%.
The permitted trailer load applies up
to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sealevel. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10% for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8%, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 184.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load is specified on the
towing equipment identification plate
and in the vehicle documents. Always aim for the maximum load, especially in the case of heavy trailers. The
vertical coupling load should never
fall below 25 kg.
Driving and operating141In the case of trailer loads of
1200 kg or more, the vertical coupling
load should not be less than 50 kg.
Rear axle loadWhen the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including all occupants), the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or
vehicle documents) must not be
exceeded.
Trailer stability assist
If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is
selectively braked until the snaking ceases. While the system is working,keep steering wheel as still as
possible.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP® Plus
) 3 129.
142Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................143
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 143
Vehicle storage ........................143
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....144
Vehicle checks ........................... 144
Performing work ......................144
Bonnet ..................................... 144
Engine oil ................................. 145
Engine air filter ........................ 146
Engine coolant ......................... 147
Power steering fluid .................147
Washer fluid ............................ 148
Brakes ..................................... 148
Brake fluid ............................... 148
Vehicle battery ......................... 149
Diesel fuel filter ........................150
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....151
Wiper blade replacement ........152
Bulb replacement .......................152
Headlights ............................... 152
Fog lights ................................. 153
Front turn signal lights .............154
Tail lights ................................. 154
Side turn signal lights ..............155Centre high-mounted brake
light ......................................... 155
Reversing light ......................... 155
Number plate light ...................156
Fog tail light ............................. 156
Interior lights ............................ 156
Instrument panel illumination ...157
Electrical system ........................157
Fuses ....................................... 157
Instrument panel fuse box .......159
Vehicle tools .............................. 162
Tools ........................................ 162
Wheels and tyres .......................163
Tyres ....................................... 163
Winter tyres ............................. 163
Tyre designations ....................163
Tyre pressure .......................... 163
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 164
Tread depth ............................. 167
Changing tyre and wheel size . 167
Wheel covers ........................... 167
Tyre chains .............................. 168
Tyre repair kit .......................... 168
Wheel changing .......................171
Spare wheel ............................ 172
Jump starting ............................. 174Towing....................................... 175
Towing the vehicle ...................175
Towing another vehicle ...........176
Appearance care .......................177
Exterior care ............................ 177
Interior care ............................. 178
146Vehicle care
We recommend the use of the same
grade of engine oil that was used at
the last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed
the maximum mark MAX on the
dipstick.
Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
To prevent spillage when
replenishing the engine oil, we
recommend using a funnel to top-up the engine oil. Ensure funnel is
securely located onto the filler pipe.
After topping-up, put the funnel into a
plastic bag and stow it securely.
A stabilization of the engine oil
consumption will not take place until the vehicle has been driven several
thousand miles. Only then can the
actual degree of consumption be
established.
If consumption exceeds more than
0.5 litres every 600 miles after this
running-in period, consult a
workshop.
Capacities 3 195.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.Engine air filter
Engine air flow indicator
On certain models, an indicator is
located in the engine induction
system and indicates if the air-intake
to the engine is restricted.
Clear:No restrictionRed tell-tale:Restricted
If the red tell-tale is displayed when
the engine is running, consult a
workshop.
162Vehicle careNo.Circuit41Load compartment power outlet42Driver power window43Rear power outlet44Starting / body control module45Heated seats46Heating / air conditioning47Windscreen wiper48Tachograph
After having changed defective fuses,
replace the trim panel.
Vehicle tools
Tools
The jack, wheel wrench, wheel bolt
sleeve, torx key, adapters, wheel
cover hook, towing eye are contained
in a unit, stowed under the driver's
seat.
Slide seat forwards and fold the
backrest forwards 3 43 to access the
tool box. The tool box may be secured
in position with a wing nut.
Wheel changing 3 171, Spare wheel
3 172.
Vehicles with tyre repair kit: The
wheel cover hook and torx key are
stored within the tyre repair kit case,
stowed under the driver's seat.
Tyre repair kit 3 168.
170Vehicle care
12. The prescribed tyre pressureshould be obtained within
15 minutes. Tyre pressure
3 196 . When the correct pressure
is obtained, switch off the
compressor.
If the prescribed tyre pressure is
not obtained within 15 minutes,
remove the tyre repair kit. Move
the vehicle one tyre rotation
(approx. 2 metres). Reattach the
tyre repair kit and continue the
filling procedure for 15 minutes. If
the prescribed tyre pressure is still not obtained, the tyre is too badly
damaged. Seek the assistance of
a workshop.
Drain excess tyre pressure with
the button beside the pressure
indicator.
Do not run the compressor for
longer than 15 minutes.
13. Detach the tyre repair kit.
14. Remove any excess sealant using a cloth.
15. Take the label indicating maximum permitted speed from
the tyre repair kit and affix in the
driver's field of view.
16. Store the sealant bottle in the plastic bag. Return tyre repair kit
to case and stow under the driver's seat.17. Continue driving immediately so that the sealant is evenlydistributed throughout the tyre.
After driving approx. 6 miles, but
no more than 10 minutes, stop
and check tyre pressure using the
compressor. Screw air hose from
compressor directly onto tyre
valve when doing this.
18. If the tyre pressure is more than 2.2 bar (220 kPa/31 psi), set it to
the correct value. Repeat the
procedure until there is no more
loss of pressure.
If the tyre pressure has fallen
below 2.2 bar (220 kPa/31 psi),
the vehicle must not be driven.
Seek the assistance of a
workshop.
19. Detach the tyre repair kit, return to
case and stow under the driver's
seat.9 Warning
Do not allow the sealant to contact
skin, eyes or clothing. If swallowed seek medical assistance
immediately.
172Vehicle care
3.Place lifting pad spigot of the jack
under the jacking hole located
nearest the wheel concerned.
Ensure the jack is positioned
correctly. The jack base must be
on the ground directly below the
jacking hole in a manner that
prevents it from slipping.
4. Install wrench onto the jack and raise the vehicle by turning the
wrench until the wheel is clear of
the ground.
5. Unscrew wheel bolts completely by turning anticlockwise and wipe
clean with a cloth.
Put wheel bolts somewhere
where the threads will not be
soiled.
6. Change the wheel. Spare wheel 3 172.
7. Screw in the wheel bolts.
8. Lower the vehicle and remove jack.
9. Tighten each of the wheel bolts in
a crosswise sequence using the
wheel wrench. Ensure the wrench locates securely. The wrench
should turn clockwise to tighten
the bolts. Invert the wrench if
necessary.
Tightening torque is 160 Nm.
10. Replace the wheel cover, ensuring that the valve hole in thewheel cover is aligned with the
tyre valve before installing.
Notice
If applicable, fit anti-theft bolts
nearest the tyre valve (otherwise it
may not be possible to refit the wheel
cover).11. Stow the replaced wheel 3 172
and the vehicle tools 3 162.
12. Have the new wheel balanced on the vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure of the
installed tyre 3 196.
Check the wheel bolt torque.
Have the defective tyre renewed or
repaired as soon as possible.
Spare wheel
Some vehicles are equipped with a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel
3 168.
If mounting a spare wheel which is
different from the other wheels, this
wheel might be classified as a
temporary spare wheel and the
corresponding speed limits apply,
even though no label indicates this.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
check the applicable speed limit.