The essentials
Starting the vehicle Ignition loc kFig. 34
Ignition key positions. Switch ignition on: Place the key in the igni-
tion and s
t
art the engine.
Locking and unlocking the steering wheel
● Engaging the steering wheel lock: Remove
the key
from the ignition and turn the wheel
until it locks. In vehicles with an automatic
gearbox, the gear lever must be in the P posi-
tion in order to remove the key. If necessary,
press the locking key on the selector lever
and release it again.
● Unlocking the steering wheel: Put the key
into the ignition and t
urn it at the same time
as the steering wheel in the direction indica-
ted by the arrow. If it is not possible to turn
the steering wheel, it may be because it is
locked. Turning on/switching off the ignition, glow
plug
s reheating
● Switch ignition on: Turn the key to the 2 position.
●
Switch ignition off. Turn the key to the 1 position.
●
Diesel vehicles : The glo
w plugs reheat
when the ignition is switched on
Starting the engine
● Manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal all
the wa
y down and move the gearbox lever in-
to neutral.
● Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal
and mov
e the selector lever to the P position
or into N.
● Turn the key to the 3 position. The key au-
t om
atically returns to the 2 position. Do not
pr e
ss the accelerator.
Start-Stop System*
When you stop and release the clutch pedal,
the Start-Stop system* turns off the engine.
The ignition remains switched on.
››› in Switching the ignition on and
starting the engine with the key on
page 166
››› page 165 Lights and visibility
Light sw
itch Fig. 35
Dash panel: light control. ●
Turn the switch to the required position
› ›
› Fig. 35.
Sym-
bolIgnition switched
offIgnition is
switched on
Fog lights, dipped
beam and side lights
off.Daylight running
lights switched on.
The “Coming home”
and “Leaving home”
guide lights may be
switched on.Automatic control of
dipped beam and
daytime running
light.
Side light on.Daylight running
lights switched on.
Dipped beam head-
light offDipped beam
switched on.»
23
The essentialsMenuFunction
Audio
Station display on the radio.
Track name on the CD.
Track name in Media mode
››› Booklet Ra-
dio or ››› Booklet Navigation system.
Tele-
phoneInformation and possible configurations
of the mobile phone preinstallation
››› Booklet Radio or ››› Booklet Navigation
system.
Vehicle
statusDisplay of the current warning or informa-
tion texts and other system components,
depending on the equipment
››› page 108. Outside temperature display
When the outside temperature is below +4°C
(+39°F), the “ic
e c
rystal” symbol (warning of
risk of freezing) is also displayed. At first, this
symbol flashes and then it remains lit until
the outside temperature rises above +6°C
(+43°F) ››› in Indications on the display on
p ag
e 105.
When the vehicle is at a standstill or when
travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be higher than the true
outside temperature as a result of the heat
produced by the engine.
The temperatures measured range from
-40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F). Gear-change indicator
Fig. 45
Instrument panel: gear-change indica-
t or (m
anual gearbox). A gear change will be recommended if the
g
e
ar you are in is not the most economical
choice. If no gear-change is recommended, it
means that you are already in the most eco-
nomical gear.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The following display symbols ››› Fig. 45
mean:
● Ch an
ge to a higher gear: the suggested
gear appears to the right of the current gear
when a higher gear is recommended .
● Chan
ge to a lower gear: the suggested
gear appears to the left of the current gear
when a lower gear is recommended .
The gear recommendation may occasionally
skip a gear (2nd 4th). Vehicles with an automatic gearbox*
The di
s
play is only visible in tiptronic mode
››› page 179.
The following display symbols mean:
● Shif tin
g up a gear
● Shiftin
g down a gear CAUTION
The gear-change indicator is intended to help
s av
e fuel, but it is not intended to recom-
mend the right gear for all driving situations.
In certain situations, only the driver can
choose the correct gear (for instance when
overtaking, driving up a steep gradient or
towing a trailer). Note
The display disappears from the instrument
p anel
when you press the clutch pedal. 31
The essentials
● Pr e
ss the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● Move the gearbox lever to the required po-
sition.
● R
elease the clutch.
Selectin
g reverse gear
● Press the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right do
wn.
● With the gearbox lever in neutral, push it
upw
ards, move it to the left as far as it will go
and then forwards to select reverse ››› Fig. 52
R .
● Release the clutch.
››› in Changing gear on page 176
››› page 176 Automatic gearbox*
Fig. 53
Automatic gearbox: selector lever po-
s ition
s. Parking lock
R
ev
erse gear
Neutral (idling)
Drive (forward)
Tiptronic mode: pull the lever forwards
(+) to go up a gear or backwards ( –) to
go down a gear.
››› in Selector lever positions on
page 177
››› page 177
››› page 41 P
R
N
D/S
+/–
Manual release of the selector lever Fig. 54
Selector lever: manual release from
po s
ition P. Should the power supply be interrupted,
ther
e i
s a manual unlocking device located
under the console of the selector lever, on
the right. Releasing the selector lever re-
quires a certain degree of practical skill.
● Unlocking: use the flat part of a screwdriver
bl
ade.
Removing the cover from the selector lever
● Apply the handbrake ››
› to ensure that
the c ar doe
s not move.
● Carefully pull the corners of the selector
lev
er boot and twist it upwards above the lev-
er handle. » 41
The essentials
Check that they are correctly seated after
driv in
g for a few yards; correct the position if
necessary, in accordance with the manufac-
turer's fitting instructions. Keep your speed
below 50 km/h (30 mph).
If there is a danger of being trapped despite
having mounted the chains, it is best to disa-
ble the driving wheels (ASR) in the ESC
››› page 174, Switching on/off the ESC
and ASR.
Snow chains will improve braking ability as
well as traction in winter conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only
be used with the following wheel rim/tyre
combination.
215/60 R16Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
215/55 R17Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
215/50 R18Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
Other dimensions do not allow chains Remove any central wheel trims and the rim
rin
g bef
ore fitting snow chains.
Remove the chains when roads are free of
snow. Driving characteristics worsen, and the
wheels become damaged quickly and may
even be rendered unusable. Emergency towing of the vehi-
cl
e
Towing Fig. 74
Right side of the front bumper: tow-
line anc hor
age screwed in. Fig. 75
Right side of the rear bumper: towline
anc hor
age screwed in. Towline anchorages
Att
ac
h the bar or rope to the towline ancho-
rages.
The towline anchorages are located under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment,
next to the vehicle tools ›››
page 83.
Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection ››› Fig. 74 o ››› Fig. 75 and tighten
it with the wheel brace.
Tow rope or tow bar
The tow bar offers increased safety and a
lower risk of damage.
The tow rope is recommended when there is
no tow bar. It must be elastic so that it does
not damage the vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● The tow rope must be taut before you drive
off.
● R
elease the clutch very carefully when start-
ing the
vehicle (manual gearbox), or acceler-
ate gently (automatic gearbox).
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
realise how difficult it is to tow a vehicle. In-
experienced drivers should not attempt to
tow. » 57
The essentials
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle
and t ak
e care to avoid jerking the tow rope.
When towing on an unpaved road, there is al-
ways a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
Switch on the ignition so that the turn sig-
nals, windscreen wipers and windscreen
washer can work. Ensure that the steering
wheel is unlocked and moves freely.
Place the gear lever in neutral on vehicles
with a manual gearbox. With an automatic
gearbox, place the lever in N.
To brake, press the brake pedal firmly. The
brake servo does not work when the engine
is switched off.
The power steering only works when the igni-
tion is switched on and the vehicle is moving,
provided that the battery is sufficiently charg-
ed. Otherwise, it will need more force.
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all
times.
››› in Introduction on page 86
››› page 86 Tow-starting
If the engine will not start, first try starting it
u
s
ing the battery of another vehicle
››› page 58. You should only attempt to tow-
start a vehicle if charging the battery does
not work. This is done by leveraging wheel
movement.
When tow-starting a vehicle with a petrol en-
gine, do not tow it more than a short dis-
tance, otherwise unburned fuel can enter the
catalytic converter.
● Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
● Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Once both vehicles are moving, release the
c lut
ch.
● As soon as the engine has started, press
the clut
ch and move the gear lever to neutral.
How to jump start Jump le
ads The jump lead must have a sufficient wire
c
r
oss section.
If the engine fails to start because of a dis-
charged battery, the battery can be connec-
ted to the battery of another vehicle to start
the engine. Jump leads must comply with standard
DIN
72553 (see cab
le manufacturer's instruc-
tions). The wire cross section must be at least
25 mm 2
for petrol engines and at least
35 mm 2
for diesel engines. Note
● The v
ehicles must not touch each other,
otherwise electricity could flow as soon as
the positive terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly
connect
ed to the on-board network.58
Safe driving
● Belt
tensioners for the front seats
● Front airbags
● knee airbags,
● Side airbags in the front seat backrests
● Head-protection airbags
● “ISOFIX” anchor points for child seats in
the re
ar side seats with the “ISOFIX” system,
● Height-adjustable front head restraints
● Rear head restraints with in-use position
and non-use po
sition
● Adjustable steering column
The saf
ety equipment mentioned above
works together to provide you and your pas-
sengers with the best possible protection in
the event of an accident. However, these
safety systems can only be effective if you
and your passengers are sitting in a correct
position and use this equipment properly.
Safety is everyone's business! Correct position for passengers
Corr
ect sitting position for driver Fig. 81
The proper distance between driver
and s t
eering wheel Fig. 82
Correct head restraint position for the
driv er
. For your own safety and to reduce the risk of
injur
y
in the event of an accident, we recom- mend the following adjustments for the driv-
er:
– Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a
dis
tance of at least 25 cm between the
steering wheel and the centre of your chest
››› Fig. 81.
– Move the driver's seat forwards or back-
war
ds so that you are able to press the ac-
celerator, brake and clutch pedals to the
floor with your knees still slightly angled
››› .
– Ensure that you can reach the highest point
of the s
teering wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper
edge i
s at the same level as the top of your
head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ››› Fig. 82.
– Move the seat backrest to an upright posi-
tion so that
your back rests completely
against it.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ››
› page 68.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you
hav
e the vehicle under control at all times.
Adjustment of the driver's seat ››› page 143. WARNING
● An inc orr
ect sitting position of the driver
can lead to severe injuries. » 63
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Safe driving
Rear head restraints – The rear head restraints have 2 positions:
use
and non-use.
– One position for use
(head restraint raised)
››› Fig. 84. In this position, the head re-
straints are used normally, protecting pas-
sengers along with the rear seat belts.
– And one position for non-use
(head re-
straint lowered).
– To fit the head restraints in position for use,
pu
ll on the edges with both hands in the
direction of the arrow. WARNING
● Under no c ir
cumstances should the rear
passengers travel while the head restraints
are in the non-use position. See the warning
label located on the rear side fixed window
››› Fig. 85.
● Do not swap the centre rear head restraint
with either of
the outer seat rear head re-
straints. Risk of injury in case of an accident! CAUTION
Note the instructions on the adjustment of
the he a
d restraints ››› page 143. Pedal area
P ed
als –
Ensure that you can always press the accel-
er at
or, brake and clutch pedals unimpaired
to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unim-
pair
ed to their initial positions.
– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened durin
g the trip and do not obstruct
the pedals ››› .
On ly
use floor mats which leave the pedals
clear and which are secured to prevent them
from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor
mats from a specialised dealership. Fasten-
ers* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must
be pressed down thoroughly in order to stop
the vehicle.
Wear suitable footwear
Always wear shoes which support your feet
properly and give you a good feeling for the
pedals. WARNING
● Re
stricting pedal operation can lead to crit-
ical situations while driving. ●
Nev er l
ay or fit floor mats or other floor cov-
erings over the original floor mats. This
would reduce the pedal area and could ob-
struct the pedals. Risk of accident.
● Never place objects in the driver footwell.
An ob
ject could move into the pedal area and
impair pedal operation. In the event of a sud-
den driving or braking manoeuvre, you will
not be able to operate the brake, clutch or ac-
celerator pedal. Risk of accident! 67Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Self-help
–
Ac
celerate with particular care and cau-
tion.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake earlier than usual and more
smoothly. CAUTION
● To av
oid damaging the vehicle, for example
the paint, remove and replace the lid and
towing eye carefully.
● Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic con-
ver
ter and damage it during towing. Indications for tow-starting
Vehicle's should not generally be tow-star-
t
ed.
The jump start should be used instead
››› page 58.
For technical reasons, towing the following
vehicles is not allowed:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is discharged, be-
cau
se in vehicles with the Keyless Access
locking and ignition system the steering re-
mains locked and the electronic parking
brake cannot be deactivated nor can the elec-
tronic lock of the steering column be re-
leased if they are activated. ●
If the b
attery is flat, it is possible that the
engine control units may not operate correct-
ly.
However, if the vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (in the case of manual gearbox-
es):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights.
● Onc
e both vehicles are moving, release the
clut
ch.
● Once the engine starts, press the clutch
and disen
gage the gear to avoid colliding
with the towing vehicle. CAUTION
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel could enter
the c at
alytic converter and damage it. Note
The vehicle can only be tow-started if the
el ectr
onic parking brake and, if appropriate,
the electronic lock of the steering column are
deactivated. If the vehicle has no power sup-
ply or there is an electric system fault, the
engine must be tow-started to deactivate the
electronic parking brake and the electronic
lock of the steering column. Indications for towing
Tow rope or tow bar
It
i
s safer for the vehicle to be towed using a
tow bar, avoiding damage to the vehicle. A
tow rope should only be used if a tow bar is
not available.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid
damage to both vehicles. It is advisable to
use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or sim-
ilarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the
towing eyes provided or a towing bracket.
If the vehicle is factory-equipped with a tow-
ing bracket, it is only allowed to tow with a
tow bar if this has been specially designed to
be installed with a tow hitch ›››
page 257.
When the vehicle needs to be towed:
Check whether the vehicle may be towed
››› page 88, Cases where towing a vehicle
is not allowed .
● Switch the ignition on.
● Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the se-
l ect
or lever in the N position ›››
page 176.
● Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at
speed
s of over 50 km/h (30 mph).
● Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at
s peed
s of over 50 km. »
87
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety