•Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle battery
providing assistance ⇒ Fig. 217②.
•On the vehicle with the flat 12-volt battery, connect the other end of the black jump lead
⇒ Fig. 217③ preferably to the jump lead connection point (earth connection), or otherwise to a
solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder block itself ⇒
.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
Connecting jump leads (vehicles with 12-volt battery in the luggage
compartment)
The jump leads should only be connected in the order A – B – C – D⇒ Fig. 218.
•Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
•Fold open the cover of the jump lead connection point in the engine compartment ⇒ Jump lead
connection point (positive terminal).
•Connect one end of the red jump lead to the jump lead connection point (positive terminal) (+)
of the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 218①⇒.
•Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal (+) of the vehicle battery
providing assistance ⇒ Fig. 218②.
•On the vehicle with the 12-volt battery providing assistance, connect one end of the black jump
lead ⇒ Fig. 218③ preferably to the jump lead connection point (earth connection), or
otherwise to a solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder
block itself.
•On the vehicle with the flat 12-volt battery, connect the other end of the black jump lead
⇒ Fig. 218③ preferably to the jump lead connection point (earth connection), or otherwise to a
solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder block, or to the cylinder block itself ⇒
.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
Starting the engine
•Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.
•Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery and wait two or three
minutes until the engine is running smoothly.
Removing the jump leads
•Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights if they are switched
on.
•Turn on the blower of the air conditioning system or the heating and fresh air system and the
rear window heating in the vehicle with the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. This helps to
minimise voltage peaks which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
•When the engine is running, the jump leads should be removed only in the order
D – C – B – A⇒ Fig. 217 or ⇒ Fig. 218.
•Close the battery cover or fold back the cover of the jump lead connection point ⇒ Jump lead
connection point (positive terminal).
•Go to a qualified workshop and have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Tow-starting or towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing
⇒ Fitting the rear towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
⇒ Driving notes when towing
Tow-starting is where a vehicle is started from it being set in motion by a vehicle that is hitched up
to it.
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled away with the aid of another vehicle.
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged 12-volt battery must not be towed.⇒ Jump
starting
Vehicles with Keyless Access must only be towed with the ignition switched on.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the 12-
volt vehicle battery. Depending on the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery, the drop in voltage
can be large enough after just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer
function, e.g. the hazard warning lights.
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode,
which can lead to serious injuries. Please observe the following in order to reduce the risk
of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:
•All work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12-
volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by
the negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump
lead attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery must not touch
electrically conductive parts of the vehicle.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with battery in the engine compartment: check the battery
window on the 12-volt vehicle battery. Use a torch for this if necessary. If the display is
light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery. The explosive
gas emitted from the 12-volt vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not carry out jump starting if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has
ever been frozen.
WARNING
Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, go to a qualified workshop and have
the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
NOTICE
Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed
to fit a ball head ⇒ Trailer towing.
Tow-starting
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Instead have the vehicle jump-started
⇒ Jump starting or collected by a recovery vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started:
•Engage second or third gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•The vehicle gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. The steering system is still locked and the electronic
parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
•The distance to be towed is further than 50 km.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the
starter button during towing. This could cause the mechanical steering column lock
(steering lock) or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no
longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change
significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the
brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is
pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE
•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) may be towed with a tow bar or tow rope. If the vehicle
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
®
®
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE
When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or after a
successful jump start, you may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings
and programming) have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary
once the 12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.
Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Fig. 232 In the engine compartment: folding open the 12-volt vehicle battery cover.
Fig. 233 Battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt vehicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance-free.
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work:
•Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the
12-volt vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the 12-volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the 12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in
particular are protected from acid spillages.
•Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
•When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and
electrostatic charge.
•Never short circuit the battery poles.
•Never use a damaged 12-volt vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged 12-volt vehicle
batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Damaged or frozen 12-volt vehicle batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.
Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around
0°C (+32°F).
•In vehicles with the 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, ensure that the
breather hose is connected properly to the 12-volt vehicle battery.
WARNING
•Do not expose the 12-volt vehicle battery to direct daylight for an extended period as
the UV rays could damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the 12-volt
vehicle battery from frost. If it freezes, it will be destroyed.
NOTICE