
Self-help
WARNING
Driving with an unsealed tyre is dangerous
and can c au
se accidents and serious injury.
● Do not continue driving if the tyre pressure
is 1.3
bar (19 psi / 130 kPa) and lower.
● Seek specialist assistance. Changing the windscreen wiper
bl
a
des
Changing the windscreen and rear
window wiper blades Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 46.
The windscreen wiper blades are supplied as
standard with a layer of graphite. This layer is
responsible for ensuring that the wipe is si-
lent. If the graphite layer is damaged, the
noise of the water as it is wiped across the
windscreen will be louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades regu-
larly. If the wipers scrape across the glass
they should be changed if they are damaged,
or cleaned if they are dirty ››› .
Dam ag
ed w
iper blades should be replaced
immediately. These are available from quali-
fied workshops. WARNING
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce
vi s
ibility and increase the risk of accident
and serious injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn wind-
scr
een wiper blades or blades that no longer
clean the windscreen properly. CAUTION
● Damag ed or dir
ty windscreen wipers could
scratch the glass.
● If products containing solvents, rough
spong
es or sharp objects are used to clean
the blades, the graphite layer will be dam-
aged.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint
thinner or simil
ar products to clean the win-
dows. CAUTION
● To pr ev
ent damage to the bonnet and the
wiper arms, only leave them in the service
position.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper
arms. Note
If wax deposits, other cleaning products from
the autom atic
car wash, or other care prod-
ucts, are left on the windscreen and the rear
window, the blades can scratch the glass. Re- move wax deposits with a special product or
cl
e
aning cloths. Tow-starting and towing
Ins truction
s for tow-starting Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 42.
When towing or tow starting, respect the le-
gal requirements.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to
tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
In general, the vehicle should not be started
by towing. Jump-starting is much more pref-
erable ›››
page 43.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles
can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible
that the en
gine control unit does not operate
correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Put it into second or third gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down. »
75
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Emergencies
● Sw it
c
h on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are
movin
g.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the
clutc
h and move the gear lever into neutral.
This helps to prevent a collision with the tow-
ing vehicle. WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be
to w
ed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
lock. Otherw
ise, the steering wheel lock
could suddenly lock. The vehicle would not
be controlled and a serious accident could
ensue. WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and
brak in
g efficiency change considerably.
Please observe the following instructions to
minimise the risk of serious accidents and in-
jury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake mu
st be depressed must hard-
er as the brake servo does not operate.
Always remain aware to avoid collision
with the towing vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering
wheel as the power steering does not op-
erate when the engine is switched off. ●
As the driv er of
the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and
brake gently. CAUTION
● When t ow-
starting, fuel could enter the cat-
alytic converter and damage it.
● Carefully fit and remove the towline anchor-
age and its
cover to avoid damage to the ve-
hicle (e.g. paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic
conv
erter and cause damage! Note
Fitting a towline anchorage to the rear bump-
er is not
possible. The vehicle is not suitable
for towing other vehicles. Advice for towing the vehicle
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Not
e the f
o
llowing for a towed vehicle:
● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N
position.
● Do not
drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph)
when tow
ing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles). ●
If a bre
akdown truck is used, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels raised.
Situations in which a vehicle should not be
towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not
be towed but transported on a trailer or spe-
cial vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lu-
bricant due t
o a fault.
● If the battery is flat and the steering cannot
be unloc
ked as a result, the electronic steer-
ing lock and electronic parking brake cannot
be disengaged.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic
gearbo
x and the distance to be covered is
greater than 50 km (30 miles). Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the steering
lock el
ectronic gearbox lock is deactivated. If
the vehicle has no power supply or there is
an electric system fault, the engine must be
started using jump leads to deactivate the
steering column electronic gearbox lock. 76

Operation
Instruments V iew of
in
strument panelFig. 95
Instrument panel, on dash panel: variant 1 (A) and variant 2 (B). Details of the instruments
››
›
Fig. 95:
Speedometer. Depending on the
vehicle in km/h or in mph.
Displays on the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Reset knob for trip rec
order (trip).
– Press the button 0.0/SET bri
efly to
sw it
ch the trip odometer and od-
ometer.
1 2
3 –
Pr e
s
s the 0.0/SET for
5 seconds
t
o
r
eset the odometer to zero and,
where necessary, other indicators
on the multifunction display. . . . .23
Fuel reserve display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Rev counter (with the engine ru
n-
ning, in thousands of revolutions
per minute).
The beginning of the red zone of
the rev counter indicates the maxi-
4 5 mum speed in any gear after run-
nin
g
-in and w
ith the engine hot.
However, it is advisable to change
up a gear or move the selector lever
to D (or lift your foot off the acceler-
ator) before the needle reaches the
red zone ››› .
C loc
k
set button .
– If necessary, change the time dis-
play by pressing the top and
6
88

General instrument panel
bottom buttons of the rocker
sw it
c
h ›››
Fig. 33
B .
– Pr e
s
s the button to change the
hour, so that it is flashing.
– To continue setting the time,
press button 0.0/SET . Hold button
do wn t
o s
croll through the num-
bers quickly.
– Press the button again to
change the minutes, so that it
flashes.
– To continue setting the time,
press button 0.0/SET . Hold button
do wn t
o s
croll through the num-
bers quickly.
– Press the button again to end
the clock setting. CAUTION
● When the engine i s
cold, avoid high revs
and heavy acceleration and do not make the
engine work hard.
● To prevent damage to the engine, the rev
count
er needle should only remain in the red
zone for a short period of time. For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel con-
sumption and noi se. Indications on the display
A variety of information can be viewed on the
ins
trument
panel display ››› Fig. 95 2 , de-
pending on the v
ehicle equipment:
● Warning and information messages.
● Odometer.
● Time.
● Outside temperature.
● Selector lever positions ›››
page 142.
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
›› ›
page 142.
● Multifunction display (MFI) ›››
page 23
● Service interval display ›››
page 90 .
● Start-Stop system status display
›››
page 160.
● Fuel gauge ›››
page 183.
● Seat belt status display for rear seats
›››
page 52.
Warning and information messages
The system runs a check on certain compo-
nents and functions when the ignition is
switched on and while the vehicle is moving.
Faults in the operation are displayed on the
screen using red and yellow symbols on the
instrument panel display ( ›››
page 25)
and, in some cases, with audible warnings.
The display may vary according to the type of
instrument panel fitted.
Priority 1 warning (red symbols)
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with audible
warnings.
Stop the vehicle! It is dangerous ››› !
Check the function that is faulty and repair it. If necessa-
ry, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Priority 2 warning (yellow symbols)
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with audible
warnings.
A faulty function, or fluids which are below the correct
levels may cause damage to the vehicle! ›››
Check the faulty function as soon as possible. If neces-
sary, request assistance from specialised personnel. Odometer
The odomet
er
r
egisters the total distance
travelled by the car.
The odometer (trip ) shows the distance
travelled since the last odometer reset. The
last figure indicates 100 m.
Outside temperature indicator!
When the outside temperature is below +4°C
(+39°F), the “ice crystal” symbol (warning of
risk of freezing) is also displayed next to the
temperature. At first this symbol flashes and
then it remains lit until the outside tempera-
ture rises above +6°C (+43°F) ››› .
When the v
ehic
le is stationary or travelling at
very low speeds, the temperature displayed
may be slightly higher than the actual »
89
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
outside temperature as a result of heat com-
in g fr
om the en
gine.
The temperatures measured range from
-40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F).
Selector lever position
The range of engaged gears of the selector
lever is shown on the side of the lever, and
on the instrument panel display. In positions
D and M, and with the Tiptronic, the corre-
sponding gear is also indicated on the dis-
play.
Recommended gear* (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear to save fuel can be
displayed on the instrument panel display
while you are driving ››› page 142.
Seat belt status display for the rear seats*
The seat belt status display on the instru-
ment panel display informs the driver, when
the ignition is switched on, whether any pas-
sengers in the rear seats have fastened their
seat belts ››› page 52.
Start-Stop system status display
The instrument panel display shows informa-
tion on the current status ››› page 160. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of acci-
dent for the driv
er and for other road users. If
necessary, switch on the hazard warning
lamps and put out the warning triangle to ad-
vise other drivers.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at no highly flammable materials are
under the vehicle that could come into con-
tact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry grass,
fuel). WARNING
Even though outside temperatures are above
freez in
g, some roads and bridges may be icy.
● At outside temperatures above +4°C
(+39°F), even when the “ice c
rystal” symbol
is not visible, there may still be patches of ice
on the road.
● Do not rely on the outside temperature in-
dicator! CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Note
● Differ ent
versions of the instrument panel
are available and therefore the versions and
instructions on the display may vary.
● When several warnings are active at the
same time, the symbol
s are shown succes-
sively for a few seconds and will stay on until
the fault is rectified. Service interval display
The inspection message appears on the in-
s
trument
p
anel display ›››
Fig. 95 2 .
S EA
T di
stinguishes between services with en-
gine oil change (Oil Change Service) and
services without engine oil change (Inspec-
tion Service). The service interval display only
gives information for service dates which in-
volve an engine oil change. The dates of the
remaining services (e.g. the next Inspection
Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on
the label attached to the door strut, or in the
Maintenance Programme.
The set service intervals have been specified
with the service dependent on time/distance
travelled.
Inspection reminder
If the inspection period is due to expire
shortly, Inspection reminder appears when
starting the ignition abbreviated to
and a
90

Operation
●
If an y
of both turn signals fails, the warning
lamp will start flashing twice faster than nor-
mal.
● The main beam headligh
ts can only be
switched on if the dipped beam headlights
are already on. Hazard warning lights
Fig. 110
Dash panel: Button for switching the
h az
ar
d lights warning system on and off. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 22
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken down vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest ››› page 70.
If your vehicle breaks down: Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on s
uitable ground ››› .
T urn on the h
az
ard warning lights with
the button ››› Fig. 110.
Apply the handbrake firmly
››› page 135.
Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the
selector lever in position N ››› page 142.
Switch off the engine and remove the
key from the ignition.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a
specialist is required.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
If the hazard warning lights are not working,
you must use an alternative method of draw-
ing attention to your vehicle. This method
must comply with traffic legislation. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of
acc ident
for the driver and for other road
users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park the
vehicle a safe distance from sur-
rounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of
an emergency. Turn on the hazard warning
lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the v
ehicle if the doors are to be
locked. In case of an emergency, passengers
will be trapped inside the vehicle. Individuals
locked in the vehicle can be exposed to very
high or very low temperatures. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass or
fuel). Note
● The v ehic
le battery will discharge and run
down if the hazard warning lights remain on
for too long (even with the ignition turned
off). 106

Lights and visibility
The driver should always adjust the rear vi-
s ion mirr
or t
o permit adequate visibility
through the rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear
vision mirror
● Basic position: point the lever at the bot-
tom of the mirr
or forwards.
● Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzl
e function ››› Fig. 116.
Exterior mirrors Fig. 117
In the front doors: button to adjust
the mec h
anic
al exterior rear vision mirror Fig. 118
In the driver door: rotary control for
the ext erior el
ectric mirrors Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 13
Adjust the exterior mirrors by pressing the
adjust button ››› Fig. 117 or the rotary con-
trol* ››› Fig. 118.
Folding in the exterior mirrors and returning
them to their original position is possible
through a mechanical system. Carefully fold
the exterior rear vision mirror casing towards
the side window or pull it away from the win-
dow until it clicks into place. WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking
car e t
o avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when
there is
no-one in the way of the mirror. ●
When mov in
g the mirror, take care not to
trap fingers between the mirror and the mir-
ror bracket. WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of
the vehic
le behind could lead to serious acci-
dent.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors in-
cre
ase the field of vision, however objects ap-
pear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the
dist
ance to the next vehicle when changing
lane is imprecise and could result in serious
accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to es-
timate di
stances to vehicles behind you or in
other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is ade-
quate. 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. Note
In the event of a fault, the electric exterior
mirror s
can be adjusted manually by pressing
the edge of the mirror surface. 111
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Seats and head restraints
Seat functions Se at
he
ating* Fig. 120
In the centre console: Front seats
he atin
g sw
itch With the engine on, the seat cushion and the
se
at
b
ackrest can be heated electrically.
● Switching on: Pres
s the or button at
the top of the centre console. Seat heating
operates at full power. All the control lamps
light up.
● Adjust: press the or butt
on repeatedly
to adjust it to the required level.
● Switching off: Pres
s the or button as
many times as necessary until no control
lamp remains on.
When heat seating is at maximum level, after
approximately 15 minutes, it automatically
adjusts to the first level. Cases in which the heat seating should not
be switc
hed on
Do not switch the seat heating on if any of
the following conditions are met:
● The seat is not occupied.
● The seat has a cover.
● A child seat has been installed on the seat.
● The seat cushion is wet or damp.
● The outdoor or indoor temperature is great-
er than +25°C (77°F). WARNING
People whose pain or temperature threshold
ha s
been affected by some kind of medicine,
paralysis or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes)
could sustain burns to the back, buttocks or
legs. These burns could take a long time to
heal or never fully heal. Seek medical advice
if you have any doubts regarding your health.
● People with a limited pain or temperature
thresho
ld should never use the seat heating. WARNING
If the upholstery gets soaked, the heat seat-
ing c ou
ld stop working properly and the risk
of burns could increase.
● Before using the seat heater, make sure
that the se
at cushion is dry.
● Do not sit on the seat if your clothes are
damp or wet
. ●
Do not l e
ave wet or damp objects or cloth-
ing on the seat.
● Do not spill liquid on the seat. CAUTION
● To av oid d
amaging the heating elements,
refrain from kneeling on the seat or applying
sharp pressure at a single point to the seat
cushion or backrest.
● If liquids are spilled on the seats, sharp ob-
jects
are left on them or insulating materials
are fitted (such as a cover or a child seat) on
them, the heating could get damaged.
● If you notice any odour, switch off the seat
heating immedi
ately and have the unit in-
spected by a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should be switched off
when it i s
no longer needed. Otherwise, it is
an unnecessary fuel waste. 113
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety