Lights and visibility
Motorway light* The motorway light is available on vehicles
equipped w
ith f
ull-LED lights.
The function is connected/disconnected via
the corresponding Easy Connect system
menu.
● Activation: when going abo
ve 110 km/h
(68 mph) for more than 10 seconds, the dip-
ped beam raises slightly to increase the driv-
er's visibility distance.
● Deactivation: when reduc in
g the speed of
the car below 100 km/h (62 mph), the dip-
ped beam returns to its normal position.
Headlight range control Fig. 146
Dash panel: headlight range control. The lights range control adapts according to
the
v
alue of
the headlight beam and the ve- hicle load status. This offers the driver opti-
mum vi
sibility and the headlights do not daz-
zle oncoming drivers ››› .
The he a
dlights
can only be adjusted when
the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch ››› Fig. 146:
ValueVehicle load status a)
–Two front occupants, luggage compart-
ment empty
1All seats occupied, luggage compartment
empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment
full. With trailer and minimum drawbar
load.
3Driver only, luggage compartment full With
trailer and maximum drawbar load.
a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the
table, it is possible to select intermediary positions.
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control. The head-
light range is automatically adjusted accord-
ing to the vehicle load status when they are
switched on. WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that
the hea dlight
s dazzle and distract other driv-
ers. This could result in a serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load
stat
us so that it does not blind other drivers. Hazard warning lights
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 31
The hazard warning lights are used to draw
the attention of other road users to your vehi-
cle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from mov in
g traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights
››› .
3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. For a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear; for an aut
om
atic gearbox, move the gear
lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the atten- tion of other ro
ad users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you le
ave the vehicle. »
141
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
All turn signals flash simultaneously when
the h az
ar
d warning lights are switched on.
The two turn signal turn signal lamps
and the turn signal lamp in the switch will
flash at the same time. The simultaneous
hazard warning lights also work when the ig-
nition is switched off. WARNING
● The risk of
an accident increases if your ve-
hicle breaks down. Always use the hazard
warning lights and a warning triangle to draw
the attention of other road users to your sta-
tionary vehicle.
● Due to the high temperatures that the cata-
lytic con
verter can reach, never park in an
area where the catalytic converter could come
into contact with highly inflammable materi-
als, for example dry grass or spilt petrol. This
could start a fire. Note
● The batt er
y will run down if the hazard
warning lights are left on for a long time,
even if the ignition is switched off.
● The use of the hazard warning lights de-
scribed her
e is subject to the relevant statu-
tory requirements. Interior lights
R el
at
ed video Fig. 147
Convenience Lighting of instruments and controls
The lighting level of instruments, controls
and di
s
p
lays can be adjusted through the
Easy Connect system using the button
and the S
ET
TINGS function button
› ›
›
page 33.
The instrument lighting (some dials and nee-
dles), the centre console lighting and the
lighting of the displays are regulated by a
photodiode incorporated in the instrument
panel.
The instrument lighting (needles) is switched
on when the ignition is on and the light is
off. The instrument lighting is dimmed auto-
matically as the daylight starts to fade. It
goes out completely when ambient light is
very low. This function is intended to remind
the driver to switch on the dipped beam headlights in good time when light condi-
tions bec
ome poor.
Interior and reading lights Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 32
Luggage compartment lighting
The light is activated when the rear lid is
open, even when the ignition and lights are
turned off. For this reason, ensure that the
rear lid is always closed.
Ambient light*
The ambient light lights up the area of the
centre console and the footwell area and, de-
pending on the version, the front door panels
as well.
It will be switched on at full brightness when
the doors are opened and the lights will be
dimmed during driving, when the light selec-
tor is in the , or position.
The brightness of the ambient light* can be
adjusted through the Easy Connect menu, as
can colour, in versions with lighting on the
front door panel (see Adjusting Lights >
Interior lighting ›››
page 33).
142
Lights and visibility
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the in-
terior light s
will be switched off after approx.
10 minutes, providing the ignition key has
been removed and the courtesy light position
selected. This prevents the battery from dis-
charging. Visibility
Heat ed r
ear window Fig. 148
With the air conditioning controls:
he at
ed r
ear window switch. The heated rear window only works when the
en
gine i
s
running. When it is switched on, a
lamp lights up on the switch.
After approximately 8 minutes, the heating
device of the rear window switches off auto-
matically. For the sake of the environment
The heated rear window should be switched
off a s
soon as the glass is demisted. By sav-
ing electrical power you can also save fuel. Note
To avoid possible damage to the battery, an
autom atic
temporary disconnection of this
function is possible, coming back on when
normal operating conditions are re-establish-
ed. Sun visors
Fig. 149
Sun visor on the driver side. Options for adjusting driver and front pas-
sen
g
er s
un visors:
● Lower the sun visor towards the wind-
sc r
een. ●
The su n
visor can be pulled out of its
mounting and turned towards the door
››› Fig. 149 1 .
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, lon-
git udin
al
ly backwards.
Vanity mirror
There is a vanity mirror, with a cover 2 , on
the r e
ar of
the sun blind. WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always store sun blinds and visors in their
hous in
g when not in use. Windscreen wiper and rear win-
do
w w
iper sy
stems
Windscreen wiper and window wiper Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 32 WARNING
● Worn and dir ty
wiper blades reduce visibili-
ty and safety levels while driving.
● In cold conditions you should not use the
wash/w
ipe system unless you have warmed
the windscreen with the heating and ventila-
tion system. The windscreen washer fluid » 143
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Lights and visibility
Note
Before washing the vehicle with an automatic
car w a
sh, fold in the exterior mirrors to avoid
damage. Electric exterior mirrors*
Fig. 150
Exterior mirror controls. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 20
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using
the rotary knob in the driver door.
Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob ›››
Fig. 150 to position L (left ex-
terior mirror).
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the exteri- or mirror so that
you have a good view to
the rear of the vehicle. 3. Turn the knob to position R (right ext
erior
mirror).
4. Swivel the rotary knob to position the ex- terior mirror so th
at you have a good view
to the rear of the vehicle ››› .
He at
ed e
xterior mirrors*
– Press the demisting button ›››
Fig. 148
– The mirrors demist for some minutes to
prevent
draining the battery unnecessarily.
– If necessary, press the button again to re-
peat the f
unction.
– The exterior mirror heating is not activated
in temperat
ures above approximately
+20°C (+68°F).
Folding in the exterior mirrors electrically* – Turn the control ›››
Fig. 150 to position to
fold in the exterior mirrors. You should al-
ways fold in the exterior mirrors if you are
driving through an automatic car wash.
This will help prevent damage.
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the ex-
tended position* – Turn the knob to position L or R to return
the exterior mirr
ors to their original posi-
tion ››› .Fold in the exterior mirrors after parking
(c
on v
enience function)*
The Easy Connect system, the button and
the f u
nction b
uttons SETTINGS and
Mirr or
s
and windscreen wipers can be used to
h av
e the e
xterior mirrors fold in when the ve-
hicle is parked ››› page 118.
When the vehicle is locked with the remote
control, by pressing for more than approxi-
mately 1 second the exterior mirrors are fol-
ded in automatically. When the vehicle is
opened with the remote control, the exterior
mirrors are deployed automatically. WARNING
● Con v
ex or aspheric mirrors increase the
field of vision however the objects appear
smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you
use these mirrors to estimate the distance to
vehicles behind you when changing lane, you
could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to es-
timate di
stances to vehicles behind you.
● Make sure that you do not get your finger
trapped betw
een the mirror and the mirror
base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of
injury! For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switch-
ed off when it i
s no longer needed. Other-
wise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. » 145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Driving Ad dr
e
ss
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing is that it foes not need flexible hydraulic
pipes, hydraulic oil, pump, filter or other
parts. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. Whereas a hydraulic system needs con-
tinuous oil pressure, electromechanical
steering only needs power when it is used.
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running. WARNING
If the power steering does not work, you will
need much mor e s
trength to turn the wheel.
This has a considerable effect on vehicle
safety.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
while the
vehicle is moving. The steering lock could be engaged and vehicle steering would
not w
ork. Note
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be sw itc
hed on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers. Control lamp
The control lamp should light up for a few
sec
ond
s
when the ignition is switched on. It
should go out once the engine is started.
It lights up red
The electromechani-
cal steering is dam-
aged.Have the steering checked im-
mediately by a specialised work-
shop.
It lights up yellow
Electromechanical
steering operation
is limited.See a specialised workshop im-
mediately and have the steering
checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does
not light up again after the en-
gine is restarted and the vehicle
has travelled a short distance,
you do not need to take it to a
specialised workshop.
It lights up yellow
The 12-volt battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Take the vehicle for a short run
at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph).
It flashes yellow
The steering column
is tight.Turn the wheel a little to both
sides.
The steering column
does not unlock or
lock.Remove the key from the ignition
and switch the ignition back on.
If necessary, check the messag-
es displayed on the instrument
panel display.
Do not drive on if
the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s
ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es.
● Stop the
vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe p
lace. » 167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
a great extent on the conditions under which
the v
ehic
le is operated and the way the vehi-
cle is driven. If you often drive in town, drive
short distances or have a sporty driving style,
we recommend that you have the thickness
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ices more frequently than recommended in
the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, on days of heavy
rainfall or even after washing the car, the ef-
fect of the brakes is reduced as the brake
discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in
this case, the brakes should be “dried” by
pressing the brake pedal several times. WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the
brak e sy
stem increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the c
orrect friction during the first
200 km. This reduced braking capacity may
be compensated for by pressing on the brake
pedal a little harder, which also applies when
the brake pads have to be changed further
on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are
driving on r
oads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
used, they w
ill overheat. Before driving down
a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of transmis-
sion).
Thu
s, make use of engine braking and
relieve the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying
light pre
ssure. Continuous braking will cause
the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tance will increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switc
hed off. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subj
ected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
coul
d restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 255, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
dist
ance will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys. Control lamp
Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up *
●
the brake fluid level is too low
› ›
›
page 275. ●
there is
a fault in the brake system.
This warning lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● If the br ak
e warning lamp does not go out
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low so there is a
risk of an accident ››› page 275, Brake fluid.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up to-
gether w
ith the ABS lamp this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Handbrake
Fig. 176
Handbrake between the front seats. » 175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
The handbrake should be applied firmly to
pr ev
ent
the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
›››
Fig. 176.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lea
se knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 176 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ››› .
A lw
a
ys pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The h andbr
ak
e warning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never u se the h
andbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this w
ill cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al- so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pa
d
s. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehic
le. Put it in 1st gear as well. In vehi-
cles with an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in position P. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
p
lied when the
v
ehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle: – Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. T
urn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leav
e the vehicle ››› .
Ad dition
a
l notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll. ●
If the v
ehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill
, turn
the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrak
e firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Tak e me
asures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
coul
d ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehic
le when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They cou
ld set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extr
emely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. 176
Driving
Braking and stability systems El ectr
onic
Stability Control (ESC)*This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk
of
skidding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains
the electronic differential lock (EDL) and the
traction control system (ASR). The ESC works
together with the ABS. Both control lamps
will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are
faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot
be switched off. With the Easy Connect sys-
tem it is only possible to deactivate the ASR
or else select Sport mode.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin
is desirable ›››
page 178.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
fac e
s.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it back-
ward
s and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on
when you no longer need wheel spin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC r
educes the risk of skidding by brak-
ing the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring
the vehicle back to a stable condition. If the
vehicle tends to oversteer (the rear end
slides out), the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the electronic
stability control. The lamp provides infor-
mation concerning function and disconnec-
tion status.
Both control lamps light up together when
the ignition is switched on and should turn
off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the
time taken for the function check.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and
ASR. It also includes emergency braking as-
sistance (BAS). The control lamp
has the following func-
tions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC
is activ
ated.
● It will light up if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the
ABS, the ESC light
will also come on if a fault
should occur in the ABS.
If the ESC control lamp lights up and stays
on after the engine is started, this may mean
that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESC. In this case the ESC can
be reactivated by switching the ignition off
and then on again. If the control lamp goes
out, this means the system is fully functional.
The lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected or
if y
ou select ESC Sport mode, only by means
of Easy Connect. WARNING
● Do not f or
get that the electronic stability
control ESC cannot defy the laws of physics.
This should be kept in mind, particularly on
slippery and wet roads and when towing a
trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the
condition of the r
oads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ESC
should not encourage you to run any risks. » 177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety