Operation
Only change gears when the vehicle is at a
s t
andstill. To change the position of the se-
lector lever, press the brake pedal and switch
on the ignition.
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear is engaged.
Only put in reverse when the vehicle is at a
standstill. If not it could result in serious
damage.
- Neutral
The gearbox is in neutral. No movement is
transmitted to the wheels and the engine
does not act as a brake.
- Standard forwards driving position (nor-
mal programme)
The gears are changed (up and down) auto-
matically. The gear shifts are determined by
the engine load, your individual driving style
and the speed of the vehicle.
- Standard forwards driving position
(sports programme)
The shift up to a higher gear is automatically
delayed and the shift down is faster with re-
spect to the D range of gears, to take full ad-
vantage of the engine power. The gear shifts
are determined by the engine load, your indi-
vidual driving style and the speed of the ve-
hicle. Selector lever locking
The gear sel
ector lever lock prevents, in P or
N, a gear selection from being inadvertently
engaged and the vehicle moving off acciden-
tally.
To release the gear selector lever lock, press
and hold the brake pedal with the ignition
on. Press simultaneously on the selector lev-
er lock.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if it is
moved quickly through position N (e.g. when
shifting from R to D). This makes it possible,
for instance, to “rock the vehicle backwards
and forwards” if it is stuck in snow or mud.
The selector lever lock engages automatically
if the brake pedal is not pressed and the lev-
er is in position N for more than about one
second at a speed of less than 5 km/h
(3 mph).
In vehicles with a DSG ®
automatic gearbox,
on rare occasions the selector lever lock may
not engage. In this case, the transmission is
locked to prevent the vehicle from moving ac-
cidentally. The green control light flashes
and an information text is displayed. Proceed
as follows to engage the selector lever lock:
● Press the brake pedal and then release. WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect posi-
tion ma y
cause loss of control of the vehicle
and a serious accident.
● Do not press the accelerator when engag-
ing a ran
ge of gears.
● With the engine running and a range of
gear
s selected, the vehicle will move off
when the brake pedal is released.
● Never select reverse gear or the parking
lock whi
le driving. WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle
cou l
d cause serious injury.
● As a driver, you should never leave your ve-
hicle if
the engine is running and a gear range
is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle
while the engine is running, you must apply
the electronic parking brake and engage
parking lock P with the selector lever.
● While the engine is running and with the D,
S or R rang
e of gears selected, keep the brake
pressed to keep the vehicle at a standstill.
Transmission is not totally interrupted either
when the vehicle is idling or when the vehicle
“continues moving forwards”.
● Never engage the R or P gear ranges when
the vehic
le is moving.
● Never leave the vehicle with the gear selec-
tor in N. The
vehicle may move downhill re-
gardless of whether the engine is switched
on or not. 194
Operation
● Gently p
u
ll the selector lever back to
change down a gear.
● OR: reduce using the steering wheel pad-
dle
s ››› Fig. 204 ››› page 195.
Back-up mode
If all the selector lever positions on the in-
strument panel display are shown with a
light-coloured background, this means there
is a fault in the system. The automatic gear-
box will operate in back-up mode. When the
backup programme is activated, it is possible
to drive the vehicle, however, at low speeds
and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG ®
dual clutch gearbox, in some
cases, this may mean that the reverse gear
does not engage . The gearbox should be
checked by a specialised workshop as soon
as possible.
Protection against overloading the DSG ®
6-
gear automatic gearbox
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle
begins to jerk and the selector lever position
indicator begins to flash. To prevent damage
to the clutch, this interrupts the power trans-
mission between the engine and the gear-
box. There is no more traction and it is not
possible to accelerate. If the clutch is opened
automatically due to overloading, press the
brake pedal. Wait a few seconds before start-
ing to move again. Kick-down
The kick
-down system provides maximum ac-
celeration when the gear selector lever is in
the positions D, S or in the Tiptronic position.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down, the automatic gearbox will shift down
to a lower gear, depending on road speed
and engine speed. This takes advantage of
the maximum acceleration of the vehicle
››› .
When the ac c
el
erator is pressed to the floor,
the automatic gearbox shifts to the next gear
only after the engine reaches the specified
maximum engine speed.
Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-Control programme enables max-
imum acceleration while at a standstill.
● Switch off the ASR ›››
page 187.
● Press and hold the brake pedal with your
left
foot.
● Place the selector lever in position S or Tip-
tronic
.
● Press the accelerator with the right foot un-
til the
vehicle reaches an engine speed of ap-
proximately 3200 rpm.
● Lift the left foot off the brake ›››
. The ve-
hic l
e s
tarts with maximum acceleration.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating! WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skid din
g, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and considerable
damage.
● Only use kick-down and rapid acceleration
when weather c
onditions, surface conditions
and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and
drive in a manner that does not endanger
other road users.
● Please remember that the driven wheels
can slip and the
vehicle can skid if the ASR is
turned off, especially on slippery ground.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating! CAUTION
● If y
ou stop on a hill with a gear range en-
gaged, do not try to prevent the vehicle from
rolling back by pressing on the accelerator.
This could cause overheating and damage the
automatic gearbox.
● Never allow the vehicle to move with the
gear sel
ector lever in N, especially with the
engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will
not be lubricated and could be damaged. Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for
r
educ
in
g fuel consumption is displayed on
the instrument panel:
196
Operation
Remove optional equipment and unnecessa-
r y
ac
cessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower
the fuel consumption. Optional equipment
and accessories (such as roof racks or bike
carriers) reduce the aerodynamic benefits of
the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all op-
tional and unnecessary equipment and racks,
especially if you intend to drive at high
speeds.
Other factors which increase fuel consump-
tion (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to
the v ehic
les ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. Engine management and ex-
h
au
s
t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter, heat shields or the diesel par-
ticulate filter. Control lamps
It lights up
fault in the petrol
engine manage-
ment.Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
It lights up
Diesel engine glow
plug system.The engine glow plug system has
been activated. The engine can
be started straight away when
the lamp switches off.
Flashes
Fault in the diesel
engine manage-
ment.If the lamp flashes while you are
driving, have the engine checked
by a specialised workshop as
soon as possible.
It lights up
Fault in the emis-
sion control system.Reduce speed and drive carefully
to the nearest specialised work-
shop to have the engine
checked.
Flashes
Combustion fault
which could dam-
age the catalytic
converter.Reduce speed and drive carefully
to the nearest specialised work-
shop to have the engine
checked.
It lights up
Diesel particulate
filter blocked›››
page 201 Several warning and control lamps light up
f
or a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds. WARNING
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the
diesel p
articulate filter while driving.200
Operation
● In v
ehic
les with Climatronic: the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is within the pre-set
temperature range.
● The temperature set is neither very high nor
very
low.
● The air conditioning defrost function is not
switc
hed on.
● In vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has
not been manual
ly set to a high speed.
● The power level of the vehicle's battery is
sufficient
.
● The vehicle's battery temperature is neither
too high nor too lo
w.
● The vehicle is not on a steep gradient or
slope.
● The front
wheels are not overly turned.
● The heated windscreen is not switched on.
● Reverse gear is not engaged.
● The park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions
for automatically restarting the
engine
The engine may automatically restart under
the following conditions:
● If the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
● If the vehicle moves.
● If the vehicle's battery voltage drops. Conditions requiring the key to restart the
engine
The engine mu
st be started manually under
the following conditions:
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: if a gear
has
been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off man-
ually
● Press the button on the centre console
› ›
›
Fig. 207.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop
function i
s switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehi-
cle is in Stop mode when it is switched off
manually. WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do
not w ork
when the engine is switched off.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off. CAUTION
Using the Start-Stop function for a long peri-
od at v
ery high outside temperatures could
damage the vehicle's battery. Note
● In some ca se
s, you may have to restart the
vehicle using the key. Observe the corre-
sponding message on the instrument panel
display.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than
270°, Stop w
ill not function; however, the an-
gle of steering wheel turn does not affect
starting the vehicle. Parking distance warning sys-
t
em*
Intr oduction The parking distance warning system assists
the driv
er when p
ark
ing. When the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, forwards or back-
wards, an intermittent audible warning will
be heard, higher or lower depending on the
distance. The shorter the distance, the short-
er the intervals between tones. If the vehicle
is too close to the obstacle, the audible warn-
ing becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when
the sound is continuous, this means the sys-
tem can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit
and receive ultrasound. Using the ultrasound
signal (transmission, reflection from the ob-
stacle and reception), this system
208
Operation
tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obsta-
c l
e, the audib
le warning becomes constant.
Switching the parking distance warning sys-
tem on and off
● Press the button
›››
Fig. 208
when the
ignition i
s switched on.
● Automatic on: select r
everse gear.
● Automatic off: drive fa
ster than 15 km/h
(9 mph).
The button lights up when the function is
switched on.
Things to note on the parking distance warn-
ing system
● The parking distance warning system
sometimes r
egisters water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warn-
ing sign
al will sound less loudly after a few
seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the
volume will remain constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the ob-
stac
le, the beeping sound automatically
switches off. On approaching the obstacle
again, the beeping sound will automatically
switch back on.
● If the electronic parking brake is engaged
or the selector l
ever is set to P, no audible
warning will be emitted. ●
Your tec
hnical service centre can adjust the
volume of the warning signals. Note
If the parking distance warning system is
fau lty
, a constant audible warning will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and
the button will flash. Switch the parking dis-
tance warning system off using the button
and take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to have the system checked as soon as
possible. Optical parking system* (OPS)
Fig. 210
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
t ect
ed an o
bstacle in the collision zone; B has detected an obstacle in the segment;
C zone recorded behind the vehicle. Fig. 211
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
tect ed an o
bstacle in the segment; B restric-
ted ar e
a in front of the vehicle. The optical parking system is an accessory to
the P
ark
in
g distance warning system
››› page 209 and the park assist system
››› page 211.
The zone recorded by the sensors in front of
and behind the vehicle is displayed on the
factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen. Any obstacles are displayed in rela-
tion to the vehicle ››› .
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the
display on:Switch on the parking distance
warning system
››› page 209 or the
park assist system ››› page 211. The
OPS switches on automatically. 210
Driver assistance systems
Fig. 213
Gap detected: engage the reverse
g e
ar t
o park (parallel or nose/tail to the kerb) Preparing to park
● The Traction control system ASR must be
t urned on ›
›
› page 187.
● Parallel parking: pres
s the button at
s peed
s
up to 50 km/h (31 mph) once. When
the function is enabled, the button
››› Fig. 212 will light up. ●
Perpendicu
lar parking: press the button at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) tw
ic
e .
When the function is enabled, the button
››› Fig. 212 will light up.
● If necessary, press the button once
mor e t
o c
hange parking mode.
● Apply the turn signal for the side on which
a gap is
to be detected for parking. The in-
strument panel displays the side correspond-
ing to the road.
Parking
● Parking parallel to the road: drive next
to
the gap at a speed of no more than 40 km/h
(25 mph) and at a distance of between 0.5 m
and 2 m.
● Parking perpendicular to the road: drive
next
to the gap at a speed of no more than
20 km/h (12 mph) and at a distance of be-
tween 0.5 m and 2 m.
● The best parking results will be achieved if
you pos
ition the vehicle as parallel as possi-
ble to the line of parked cars or the kerb.
● When a suitable parking place is displayed
on the instrument
panel, stop and select re-
verse gear.
● Follow the instructions given on the instru-
ment panel
display
● Then, release the steering wheel when the
warning s
ignal sounds ››› : The system
will move the steering wheel! Ob-
serve the surrounding area. ●
Ob
ser
ve the surrounding area and acceler-
ate carefully at a maximum of 7 km/h
(4 mph).
● The park assist system is only r
esponsible
for moving the steering wheel during the ma-
noeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator,
the clutch, the gears and the brake.
● Follow the instructions given by the park
ass
ist system until the manoeuvre is comple-
ted.
● The park assist system steers the vehicle
forw
ards and backwards until it is in a
straight position in the parking space.
● The manoeuvre is complete when the corre-
sponding indic
ation is given on the instru-
ment panel display.
Stopping the parking manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre
in advance in the event of one of the follow-
ing:
● Press button .
● Driving faster than 7 km/h (4 mph).
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● The parking manoeuvre has not been com-
p l
et
ed after 6 minutes since the park assist
system was activated.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the ma-
noeuvr e, c
lose the sliding door and press the
button again.
»
213
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
● Ther e i
s
a system malfunction (system tem-
porarily unavailable).
● The ASR system is switched off or the ASR
or ESC i
s working. WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly by itself
when park in
g using the park assist system.
Placing your hand between the steering
wheel spokes could lead to injuries. Note
● The park a
ssist system has its limitations.
For example, it is not possible to park on
tight bends using the park assist system.
● Even if the park assist system recognises
that ther
e is not enough space for parking
the vehicle, the instrument panel display will
still show this place. In this case, the parking
manoeuvre should not be requested.
● Changing gears between forward and re-
verse g
ears before indicated (that is, before
the signal from the parking sensor system)
the parking results may not be ideal.
● For parallel parking (parallel to the road), a
sound wi
ll tell the driver when they must
change from forward gears to reverse; the
signal from the parking sensor system does
not indicate changes of direction.
● The park assist can also be activated after-
ward
s, if you pass close to a parallel parking
space at a maximum of 40 km an hour
(25 mph) or close to be perpendicular parking space at about 20 km an hour (12 mph) then
pre
s
s the button .
● The progress bar on the screen of the in-
strument p
anel shows a display of the rela-
tive distance to be covered.
● When the Park Assist system is turning the
steerin
g wheel of the stopped vehicle the
symbol is also displayed. Press on the
brake pedal so that the steering can turn with
the vehicle at a standstill and thus reduce the
number of manoeuvres.
● A “suitable” parking space length is at
lea
st 1.1 m greater than the length of the ve-
hicle.
● If the results of the park assist system are
not as
good after changing the wheels, the
system must memorise the perimeter of the
new wheels. This process is performed auto-
matically while the vehicle is in motion. To
help this process, turn slowly (at less than
20 km/h [12 mph]), e.g. in an empty car park. Leaving a parking space using the
P
ark
As
sist system Driving off
● Switch on the engine.
● Press button . When the function is ena-
b l
ed, the b
utton ››› Fig. 212 will light up.
● Apply the turn signal for the side on which
you w ant
to leave the parking space.
● Select reverse gear. ●
Fo l
low the instructions given by the park
assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release
the steerin
g wheel ››› in Parking using the
p ark
a
ssist system on page 214: The sys-
tem will move the steering wheel!
Observe the surrounding area.
● Observe the surrounding area and acceler-
ate car
efully at a maximum of 7 km/h
(4 mph).
● The park assist system is only r
esponsible
for moving the steering wheel during the ma-
noeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator,
the clutch, the gears and the brake.
● When it is possible to leave the parking
spac
e, the Park Assist system will stop. Take
control of the steering and when traffic condi-
tions permit, leave the parking space.
Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre
in the event of one of the following:
● Driving faster than 7 km/h (4 mph).
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the ma-
noeuvre, c
lose the sliding door and press the
button again.
● There is a system malfunction (system tem-
por ari
ly
unavailable).
● The ASR system is switched off or the ASR
or ESC i
s working.
214
Driver assistance systems
WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatical-
ly when l e
aving a parking space using the
park assist system. Placing your hand be-
tween the steering wheel spokes could lead
to injuries. Park Assist brake operation
The Park Assist system helps the driver by
brak
in
g automatically. Automatic braking
does not relieve the driver of responsibility
for controlling the accelerator, brake and
clutch ››› .
Br ak
in
g to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the
brakes to reduce excess speed. The parking
manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes
will intervene during each parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle
may brake automatically. In certain circum-
stances (e.g. storm, detection of ultrasounds,
vehicle status, load, inclination), the Park As-
sist system may stop the vehicle completely
before an object.
● Press the foot brake ››
›
!Following the intervention of the brakes, the
P
ark
As
sist will stop. WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park
as s
ist system, do not run any risks when
parking. The system is not a replacement for
driver awareness.
● Always be ready to brake.
● Automatic brake intervention will end after
1.5 seconds
approximately. Following auto-
matic intervention of the brakes, stop the ve-
hicle yourself. Rear assist* (Rear View Cam-
er
a)
Intr oduction The camera fitted to the rear lid helps drivers
durin
g p
ark
ing or reversing manoeuvres. The
camera image and certain orientation points
generated by the system are indicated on the
factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen.
Two types of location point (modes) can be
selected:
● Mode 1: reverse parking perpendicular to
the ro
ad (e.g. in a car park). ●
Mode 2: rever
se parking parallel to the
curb.
The mode can be changed by pressing the
button on the radio or navigation system
screen. Only the mode to which the points
can be changed will be displayed. WARNING
Use of the camera to calculate the distance
from o b
stacles (people, vehicles, etc.) is inac-
curate and may cause accidents and severe
injuries.
● The camera lens expands and distorts the
field of
vision and displays the objects on the
screen in a different, vague manner.
● Some objects may not be displayed or may
not be v
ery clear (e.g. very thin posts or fen-
ces), due to the resolution of the monitor or if
the light is dim.
● The camera has blind spots in which obsta-
cle
s and people are not detected.
● Keep the camera lens clean and clear of
snow and ic
e. Do not cover it. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the rear assist
sys t
em cannot change the limits imposed by
the laws of physics and by the system itself.
Careless or uncontrolled use of the rear assist
system may result in severe injuries and acci-
dents. The system is not a replacement for
driver awareness. » 215
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety