The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided
when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).›
Therefore, always determine the depth of the water before driving through
water. The water level must not go above the web of the lower beam
» Fig. 114 .
›
Drive at no more than walking pace, otherwise a wave may form in front of
the vehicle, which could cause the water to enter into the vehicle’s systems
(e.g. the air intake system for the engine).
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
CAUTION
■ If water gets into the vehicle’s systems (e.g. the air intake system for the en-
gine) it can cause serious damage to the vehicle!■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. A vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Assist systems
General information
Introduction
WARNING■
The assistance systems only serve to support the driver and do not re-
lieve the driver of the responsibility for driving the vehicle.■
The increased safety provision, as well as the increased occupant protec-
tion provided by the assistance systems must not tempt you to take risks -
risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
■
The assistance systems have physical and system-related limitations. For
this reason, the driver may experience some undesired or delayed system
responses in certain situations. You should therefore always be alert and
ready to intervene!
■
Only enable, disable or set the assistance systems so that you have the
car fully under control in every traffic situation - risk of accident!
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
97
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
97
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
97
Traction control (TCS)
97
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
98
Brake Assist (HBA)
98
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
98
Multi collision brake (MCB)
98
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
98
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
The error display is in Chapter » page 29, Warning lights .
96Driving
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 96, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 97 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability when driving at the limit (e.g. if the vehicle
starts to skid) by braking individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
If there is a TCS intervention, the warning light flashes in the instrument
cluster.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 97 first.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking. Thereby, it helps the
driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres- sure on the brake pedal.
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
Read and observe
on page 97 first.
MSR counteracts the tendency of the drive wheels to lock during downshifts
or sudden deceleration (e.g. on icy or an otherwise slippery road surface).
If the drive wheels should lock, then the engine speed is automatically in-
creased. This reduces the braking effect of the engine and the wheels can ro-
tate freely again.
Traction control (TCS)Fig. 115
Button for the TCS system
Read and observe on page 97 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces the
drive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thereby,
for example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
The deactivation/activation of TCS can be carried out, depending on equip-
ment, in one of the following ways. ▶ Infotainment » Owner's Manual - Infotainment .
▶ By pressing the
» Fig. 115 button.
With deactivation , the warning light
lights
up in the instrument cluster and
an appropriate message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
With activation , the warning light
is
extinguished and an appropriate mes-
sage is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example. ▶ When driving with snow chains.
▶ When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
▶ When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
97Assist systems
Operation descriptionFig. 125
Cruise control system controls
Read and observe on page 103 first.
Overview of the CCS controls » Fig. 125AActivate CCS (control deactivated) Interrupt control (sprung position) Deactivate CCS (delete set speed)BTake control again a)
/ Increase speedCStart control / reduce speedDSwitching between CCS and speed limitera)
If no speed is set the current speed is adopted.
Once the controls are activated, the CCS maintains the vehicle at the set
speed; the warning light lights up in the instrument cluster.
Controls are automatically interrupted if any of the following occur.
▶ The brake pedal is operated.
▶ When one of the brake assist systems (e.g. ESC) intervenes.
▶ Through an airbag deployment.
▶ By pressing the
D
button.
WARNING■ Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-
tem being switched on unintentionally.■
Control may only be resumed if the set speed is not too high for the cur-
rent traffic conditions.
Note■ During control, speed can be increased by pressing the accelerator pedal. Re-
leasing the accelerator pedal will cause the speed to drop again to the set
speed.■
By pressing the
D
button during the regulation, this is cancelled and the
speed limiter is activated.
Speed limiter
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
104
Description of operation
105
The speed limiter limits the maximum driving speed to the set speed limit.
This limit can only be exceeded by depressing the accelerator pedal fully.
The condition in which the Speed Limiter monitors a potential set speed limit
excess is referred to as regulation.
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 96, in section Introduction .
Operation
Fig. 126
MAXI DOT display: Examples of speed limiter status displays
104Driving
The Front Assist (hereinafter referred to as the system) warns you of the dan-
ger of a collision with a vehicle or another obstacle in front of the vehicle, and
tries to avoid a collision or mitigate its consequences by automatically applying
the brakes where necessary.
The area in front of the vehicle is monitored by a radar sensor » Fig. 129 on
page 106 .WARNING■
The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 96, in section Introduction .■
The system does not respond to crossing or oncoming objects.
CAUTION
In case of failure of more than one brake light on the vehicle or on the electri-
cally connected trailer, the system becomes unavailable.
Radar sensor
Fig. 129
Installation location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
The radar sensor » Fig. 129(hereinafter referred to as the sensor) may detect
objects by emitting and receiving electromagnetic waves.
The sensor function may be impaired in the events of one of the following. ▶ The sensor cover is soiled (e.g. with mud, snow and the like).
▶ The area in front of and around the sensor cover is obscured (e.g. by labels,
auxiliary headlights and the like).
▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
If the sensor is dirty or covered, the corresponding message appears on the
display of the instrument cluster » page 108, Malfunctions .
WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the system. Have
the sensor checked by a specialist garage.■
A collision or damage in the front or lower area of the vehicle could affect
the sensor function - there is risk of accident! Have the sensor checked by
a specialist garage.
■
Do not cover the area in front of and around the sensor cover. This can
lead to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accidents!
CAUTION
Remove the snow with a brush and the ice with a solvent-free de-icer.
Operation
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
The system support is provided in the following manner.▶ Alerts you about a dangerous proximity to the vehicle ahead.
▶ Warns you of an impending collision.
▶ Assists with a brake action triggered by the driver.
▶ If the driver fails to respond to a detected danger, an automatic braking ac-
tion is performed.
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met. The system is activated.
TCS is activated » page 97.
The vehicle is travelling forwards at a speed of more than approx. 5 km/h.
Note
The system can be impaired or may not be available, for example when driving
in “sharp ”curves or with an ESC engagement » page 97.106Driving
Distance warningFig. 130
Instrument cluster display: Distance warning
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
The display of the distance warning is for vehicles with MAXI DOT display.
If a safe distance from the vehicle ahead is fallen short of, the warning light
» Fig. 130 appears in the display.
Immediately increase the proximity if the current traffic situation allows you
to do so!
The proximity at which the warning is displayed depends on the current speed.
The warning may occur when driving between about 60 km/h and 210 km/h.
Warning and automatic braking
Fig. 131
Instrument cluster display: Warning or emergency
braking at low speed
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
Emergency braking at low speed
If there is a risk of collision in a vehicle speed range of about 5 km/h to 30 km/h, the system triggers an automatic braking.
With automatic braking, the warning light
» Fig. 131 appears in the display.
Advance warning
If the system detects a risk of collision, the warning light » Fig. 131 appears
in the display and you will hear an acoustic signal.
The pre-warning display can occur in the following situations.
▶ If there is a risk of collision with a moving obstacle at a driving speed range
of approx. 30 km/h to approx. 210 km/h.
▶ If there is a risk of collision with a stationary obstacle at a driving speed
range of approx. 30 km/h to approx. 85 km/h.
With a warning the brake pedal must be pressed or the moving obstacle is to
be avoided!
Acute alert
If the driver does not react to the advance warning when in danger of a colli-
sion with a moving obstacle, the system briefly applies the brake automatically
via an active brake intervention to draw attention to the potential danger of a
collision again.
Automatic Braking
If the driver does not respond to the acute warning, the system begins to au-
tomatically brake the vehicle.
If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the system, the pressure in
the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be operated with the
normal pedal stroke.
The automatic braking interventions can be cancelled by pressing the acceler-
ator pedal or by steering intervention.
Brake assist
If the driver brakes inadequate with an impending collision, the system auto-
matically increases braking force.
The braking assistance only occurs as long as the brake pedal is being firmly
pressed down.107Assist systems
Exterior mirrors
You should have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer using the standard rear-view mirrors.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer (accessory) is being towed
and the headlights may dazzle other road users. Set the range of the head-
lights » page 54 .
Power supply of the trailer / accessory power system
In the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory), the
trailer (accessories) is supplied with power from the vehicle (with ignition
switched on and off).
With the engine switched off, the vehicle battery is discharged by the connec-
ted consumers.
At low charge state of the vehicle battery, the power supply to the trailer (ac-
cessories) is interrupted.WARNING■ An improperly connected electrical installation of the trailer (accessories)
may result in an accident or serious injury from electrical shock.■
Do not make any adjustments to the electrical installation of the vehicle
and the trailer (accessories) - risk of an accident or serious injury from elec-
trical shock.
WARNING (Continued)■ After the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory)
the trailer / accessory lights should be checked for function.■
Never use the securing eye to tow - risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ An improperly connected electrical installation of the trailer (accessories) can
lead to the inoperability of the vehicle electronics.■
The total power consumption of all the connected consumers to the trailer
power supply must not exceed 350 watts, otherwise there is a risk of damage
to the electrical system of the vehicle.
Loading a trailer
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on the vehicle for “full load” » page 137.
Distribution of the cargo
Distribute the cargo in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the trailer axle as possible. Secure the load from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Nevertheless, maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot
avoid driving with this combination.
WARNINGA sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- there is a risk of accident!
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances.Permissible trailer loadEngineGearboxPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12 %Gradients of up to 8% a)1.2 l/66 kW TSIMG9001000580DSG90010005901.2 ltr./81 kW TSIMG110012005901.4 ltr./92 kW TSIDSG12001200600DSG (Green tec)12001200610
116Driving
EngineGearboxPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12 %Gradients of up to 8%a)1.6 l./81 kW MPIMG10001100580AG100011006001.4 l/66 kW TDI CRMG10001100610DSG100011006201.6 l/85 kW TDI CRMG12001200630a)
Only valid for some countries.
WARNINGThe maximum vertical load and the maximum trailer load must not be ex-
ceeded - there is risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive with the trailer any faster than 100 km/h
(when the towing vehicle is a passenger car of category M1) or 80 km/h (when
the towing vehicle is a truck of category N1).
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
With frequent towing, the vehicle is excessively loaded so this must also be
checked between service intervals.Anti-theft alarm system
The alarm is triggered if, with a vehicle with activated anti-theft alarm (herein-
after only warning system), the electrical connection to the trailer (accessory)
is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer (accessory) is
coupled or uncoupled » page 49.
Conditions for including a trailer (accessory) in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing
device.
The trailer (accessory) is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by
means of the trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer (accessory) is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
The trailer (accessory) is not equipped with LED taillights.117Towing device and trailer
Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 151
Opening the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Open flap
›
Ensure that the windscreen wipers are not raised away from the windscreen
- risk of damage to the bonnet.
›
Open the driver's door and pull the unlocking lever below the dashboard in
the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 151 .
›
Press the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
and the bonnet will be
unlocked.
›
Raise the bonnet in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow
4
from the holder.
›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection of arrow
5
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Drop down the bonnet lid from a height of about 20 cm applying light pres-
sure until it clicks safely into place.
WARNING■ Never drive with the bonnet lid not properly closed - risk of accident!■Make sure that when closing the bonnet, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 152
Arrangement (example) in the engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Coolant expansion reservoir
132
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
130
Engine oil dipstick
131
Engine oil filler opening
131
Brake fluid reservoir
133
Vehicle battery
133ABCDEF129Inspecting and replenishing