Lights and visibility
Fog lights with cornering function* This is an additional light source to dipped
beam he
a
dlights to light up the road as a
bend is taken.
The cornering light operates with the lights
switched on and when driving at less than
40 Km/h (25 mph). Ignition occurs by turning
the steering or connecting the turn signal.
Forward gear
● If the steering wheel is turned to the right,
or the right-h and t
urn signal operated, the
right-hand fog light turns on.
● If the steering wheel is turned to the left, or
the left
-hand turn signal operated, the left-
hand fog light turns on.
In reverse, both fog lights turn on. Note
When the fog lamps are on, the cornering
fu nction i
s activated and both headlights are
continuously on. Instrument and switch lighting, head-
light
r
an
ge control Fig. 127
Dash panel: headlight range control Instrument and switch lighting
The lightin
g l
ev
el of instruments, controls
and displays can be adjusted through the in-
fotainment system with the CAR button and
the S
ETUP function button
››
›
page 24.
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.
Headlight range control
By using the electrical headlight range con-
trol you can adjust the headlight range to the
load level that is being carried in the vehicle
››› Fig. 127. This way, it is possible to avoid
dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessa-
ry. At the same time, by using the correct
headlight settings, the driver has the best
possible lighting for the road ahead.
The headlights can only be adjusted when
the dipped beam is switched on. Turn the
wheel downwards to lower the headlight
beam from the basic setting 0.
Dynamic headlight range control
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs (xenon
bulbs) are equipped with dynamic headlight
range control. When you switch on the lights,
their range regulates itself according to the
vehicle load.
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs do not
have headlight range control.
Hazard warning lights Read the additional information carefully
› ››
page 22 »
121
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
The hazard warning lights are used to draw
the att ention of
other r
oad users to your vehi-
cle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from movin
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.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when
the hazard 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-
tionar
y
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 b atter
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
Int erior and r e
ading lights Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 23
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. Glove compartment light
When opening the glov
e compartment on the
passenger side, the glove compartment light
will automatically turn on and will turn off
upon closure.
Ambient light*
››› table on page 2
The ambient lighting lights up the central
console area and the footwell area.
They will switch on fully when the doors are
opened and will decrease in intensity while
driving when the dipped beam headlight is
on.
The intensity of the ambient light* can be ad-
justed using the Easy Connect menu (see
Adjusting Lights > Interior light-
ing ›››
page 24). 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. 122
Lights and visibility
Visibility He at
ed r
ear window Fig. 128
Centre console: heated rear window
sw it
c
h. 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
norma
l
operating conditions are re-establish-
ed. Sun visors
Fig. 129
Sun visor on the driver side. The sun visors for the driver and the front
p
a
s
senger can be pulled out of their central
supports and turned towards the doors in the
direction of the arrow ››› Fig. 129. Never pull
them downwards.
The driver sun visor has compartments for
cards, and the passenger sun visor has a
vanity mirror with a cover*. Note
Incorrect use of the sun visor (e.g. pulling
them down w
ards once they are open) may re-
sult in broken hinges. This damage is not cov-
ered by the vehicle warranty. Windscreen wiper and rear win-
do
w w
iper sy
stems
Control lamp*
It lights up
Windscreen wiper fluid level too low
This serves as a reminder to fill up the reser-
voir at
the e
arliest opportunity ››› page 207.
Windscreen wipers Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 23 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
could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and
obscure your view of the road.
● Always note the corresponding warnings
›››
page 54. » 123
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
It is possible, however, to set the blower
s peed t
o s
uit requirements.
● Turn control 10
› ››
Fig. 155
c
ounter-clock-
wise (to lower the speed) or clockwise (to in-
crease the speed).
Climatronic will switch off when the blower
switches off. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ›››
in
Genera l
notes on page 137. Windscreen defrost
Switching on windscreen defrosting
●
Press the button
12
› ›
›
Fig. 155.
Switching off windscreen defrosting
● Press button
12
› ›
›
Fig. 155 several
times or press the AUTO button.
The t emper
at
ure is regulated automatically.
The air output is increased from vents 1 and
2 ›››
page 138. 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.
» 145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
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. Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
spondin g t
ext messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Information relating to different vehi-
cl
e pr
ocesses. In order to make the vehicle more difficult to
st
e
al, you should always lock the steering be-
fore leaving the vehicle.
Mechanical steering lock
The steering column is locked when the key
is removed from the ignition lock and the ve-
hicle is stationary.
Activating the steering lock
● Park the vehicle ››
›
page 149.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steerin
g lock has engaged.
Deactivating the steering lock
● Turn the steering wheel slightly to release
the lock.
● Inser
t the key in the ignition lock.
● Hold the steering wheel in this position
and switc
h on the ignition. Electromechanical steering
In vehic
les 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.
You should take into account that you will
need considerably more power than normal
to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
not working correctly or at all.
Power-assisted steering
Power-assisted steering helps the driver in
critical situations. In counter-steering, it as-
sists by applying additional torque ››› .
WARNING
Power-assisted steering, together with the
ESC, help s
the driver to control vehicle steer-
ing in critical situations. However, the driver
is ultimately responsible for steering the ve-
hicle at all times. Power-assisted steering
does not remove this responsibility. 146
Operation
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ic e
s
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). Thus, 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-
tanc
e w
ill 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 187, 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 206.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This w
arning 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 206, 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. 157
Handbrake between the front seats. 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.
150
Driving
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
› ›
›
Fig. 157.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lea
se knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 157 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
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the v ehic
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-
plied 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 vehicle is parked facing downhil
l,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb . ●
If the v
ehicle 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. 151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
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 153.
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 on
pres
sing the switch or if we 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. 152