222Driving and operatingDriving characteristics andtowing tips
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements.
During trailer towing do not exceed a
speed of 80 km/h. A maximum speed
of 100 km/h is only appropriate if an
oscillation damper is used and the
permissible gross trailer weight does
not exceed the vehicle’s curb weight.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers, the use of an
oscillation damper is strongly
recommended.
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 3 293.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 12%.
The permissible trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and at sea
level. 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 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
3 280.
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 (75 kg) 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.
Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
40 kg. If the permissible rear axle load is exceeded, a maximum speed of100 km/h applies.
Driving and operating223Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
Stowage of coupling ball bar
The bag with the coupling ball bar is
stowed on the rear floor cover in the
load compartment.
Place the strap through the rear right
lashing eye, wrap around twice and
tighten the strap to secure the bag.
Illustration shows 5-door hatchback.
Illustration shows Sports Tourer.
Fitting the coupling ball bar
On Sports Tourer remove cover from
rear bumper by pushing.
Disengage and fold down the
connecting socket. Remove the
sealing plug from the opening for the
coupling ball bar and stow it.
Driving and operating225Attach breakaway stopping cable to
eye.
Check that the coupling ball bar is
correctly installed
● Green marking on rotary knob must point towards green
marking on coupling ball bar.
● There must be no gap between the rotary handle and the
coupling ball bar.
● The coupling ball bar must be firmly engaged in the opening.
● The coupling ball bar must be locked and the key removed.9Warning
Towing a trailer is permitted only
when a coupling ball bar is fitted correctly. If the coupling ball bardoes not engage correctly, seekthe assistance of a workshop.
Dismounting the coupling ball bar
Open the protective flap and turn the
key to position c to unlock the
coupling ball bar.
Pull out rotary handle and turn
clockwise as far as it will go. Pull out coupling ball bar downwards.
Insert sealing plug in opening.
Fold away connecting socket.
On Sports Tourer insert cover into
rear bumper as shown in the
illustration.
226Driving and operatingStow the coupling ball bar in the bag
and secure by fixing the strap through the rear right lashing eye. Wrap
around twice and tighten the strap to
secure the bag.
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 system is working keep
steering wheel as still as possible.
Trailer stability assist is a function of
the Electronic Stability Control 3 180.
248Vehicle careNo.Circuit18Diesel exhaust system19Diesel exhaust system20–21DC/AC Converter22ABS23Washer system for windscreen
and rear window24–25Diesel fuel heating26Transmission control module27Power tailgate module28–29Heated rear window30Mirror defrost31–32DC transformer/LED display/
Electrical heater/Climate
control/Glow plug controllerNo.Circuit33Anti theft warning34Horn35Power outlet load compartment36Right high beam (Halogen)/
Right low beam (LED)37Left high beam (Halogen)38LED headlight/Automatic head‐
light range adjustment39Front fog light40OnStar41Water in fuel sensor/Water
pump42Manual headlight range adjust‐
ment43Fuel pump44Rear view camera/Inside rear
view mirror/Trailer module45LED headlight left/Automatic
headlight range adjustment leftNo.Circuit46Instrument cluster47Steering column lock48Rear wiper49–50LED headlight right/Automatic
headlight range adjustment
right51Left low beam (LED)52Engine control module/Trans‐
mission control module53–54Windscreen wiper55Diesel exhaust system56–57–
After having changed defective fuses,
close the fuse box cover and press
until it engages.
If the fuse box cover is not closed
correctly, malfunction may occur.
252Vehicle careNo.Circuit1–2DC/AC Inverter3Trailer module4Power seat passenger side5–6Distance warning module7–8–9Rear seat heating (on vehicles
without alarm horn)10Service11–12Front seat heating (on vehicles
with alarm horn)13Rear seat heating (on vehicles
with alarm horn)14Ignition15Seat ventilationNo.Circuit16Trailer outlet17Trailer outlet18–19–20–21Electrical rear seat folding22Power tailgate
After having changed defective fuses,
close the fuse box cover and press
until it engages.
Additional fuses are located near the
vehicle battery.
No.Circuit1Fuel pump2Engine control module3Power supply
Service and maintenance277Service and
maintenanceGeneral information ...................277
Service information ..................277
Recommended fluids, lubricants and parts .................................... 278
Recommended fluids and lubricants ................................ 278General information
Service information In order to ensure economical and
safe vehicle operation and to
maintain the value of your vehicle, it
is of vital importance that all
maintenance work is carried out at the proper intervals as specified.
The detailed, up-to-date service
schedule for your vehicle is available
at the workshop.
Service display 3 108.
European service intervals Maintenance of your vehicle is
required every 30,000 km or after one year, whichever occurs first, unless
otherwise indicated in the service
display.
A shorter service interval can be valid
for severe driving behaviour, e.g. for
taxis and police vehicles.
The European service intervals are
valid for the following countries:Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Greenland, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Service display 3 108.
International service intervals
Maintenance of your vehicle is
required every 15,000 km or after one year, whichever occurs first, unless
otherwise indicated in the service
display.
Severe operating conditions exist if
one or more of the following
circumstances occur frequently: Cold
starting, stop and go operation, trailer operation, mountain driving, driving
on poor and sandy road surfaces,
increased air pollution, presence of
airborne sand and high dust content,
307Power connector........................... 98
Power outlets ............................... 97
Power seat adjustment ................50
Power windows ............................ 41
Preheating ................................. 113
Puncture ..................................... 264
Q
Quickheat ................................... 155
R Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ..................................... 303
Radio remote control ...................21
Reading lights ............................ 144
Rear floor storage cover ..............81
Rear fog light .....................114, 143
Rear seats .................................... 55
Rear storage ................................. 79
Rear view camera ...................... 208
Rear window wiper/washer .......... 94
Recommended fluids and lubricants ........................ 278, 282
Refuelling ................................... 218
Registered trademarks ...............301
Retained power off .....................160
Reversing lights .........................143
Ride control systems ..................179
Roof .............................................. 44
Roof load ...................................... 88
Roof rack ..................................... 87S
Safety belts ................................... 56
Safety net .................................... 84
Seat adjustment ............................. 7
Seat belt ........................................ 8
Seat belt reminder .....................109
Seat belts ..................................... 56
Seat heating Seat heating, front .....................54
Seat heating, rear .....................56
Seat position ................................ 47
Selector lever ..................... 169, 174
Service ............................... 156, 277
Service display .......................... 108
Service information ....................277
Side airbag system ......................62
Side blind spot alert ....................207
Sidelights .................................... 136
Side turn signal lights ................244
Software acknowledgement .......299
Software update ......................... 301
Spare wheel ............................... 267
Speed limiter....................... 115, 184
Speedometer ............................. 104
Sport mode ................................ 181
Starting and operating ................158
Starting off ................................... 17
Starting the engine ....................161
Steering ...................................... 158
Steering wheel adjustment ......9, 91Steering wheel controls ...............91
Stop-start system........................ 163
Storage ......................................... 71
Storage compartments .................71
Sunroof ........................................ 44
Sunvisor lights ........................... 145
Sun visors .................................... 43
Symbols ......................................... 4
T Tachometer ............................... 106
Tail lights ................................... 238
Three-point seat belt .................... 57
Tools .......................................... 253
Tow bar....................................... 221
Towing ................................ 221, 271
Towing another vehicle .............272
Towing equipment .....................223
Towing the vehicle .....................271
Traction Control system ............. 179
Traction Control system off......... 113
Traffic sign assistant ...........115, 211
Trailer coupling ........................... 221
Trailer stability assist .................226
Trailer towing ............................. 222
Transmission ............................... 16
Transmission display .........169, 173
Tread depth ............................... 260
Trip odometer ............................ 105
Turn and lane-change signals ...142