m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
WARNING
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop
system .
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the boot lid closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE
Automatic ignition switch-off
The ignition switches off automatically after a short time if the driver moves away from the vehicle
with the vehicle key when the ignition is switched on. If the dipped beam headlights were switched
on at the time, the side lights will remain switched on for approximately 30 minutes. The side lights
can be switched off manually ⇒ Lights or by locking the vehicle ⇒ Central and manual locking.
Once the vehicle detects that the driver is absent when the engine stop is active, the ignition will
switched off automatically after a certain period of time.
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched
off automatically when engine stop is active and when the vehicle is stationary:
•The driver removes their seat belt.
•No pedals are depressed.
•The driver door is opened.
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on ,
the side lights remain switched on for around 30 minutes.
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked.
Engine restart function
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the
engine can be restarted within approximately 5 seconds. A corresponding message appears on the
instrument cluster display.
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any
information shown in the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge
the 12-volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started.
The engine cannot, for example, be started with the starter button if the button cell in the
vehicle key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ Emergency start
function.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 118①.
The ignition is switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button once. The ignition is
switched on.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with a diesel engine: During the diesel engine preheating phase,
the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it
until the engine has been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to
position P or N.
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when switching on the ignition as the engine
will then start immediately.
WARNING
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or third
parties could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate
electrical equipment such as the electric windows.
WARNING
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps light up
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Risk of engine overheating. The engine speed will be automatically
restricted. The engine speed is shown on the instrument cluster display. The engine speed control
is lifted when the engine is no longer in a critical temperature range and the foot is taken off the
accelerator. and Engine speed limitation is initiated due to a fault in the engine
management system. Make sure that you do not exceed the displayed engine speed. The engine
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Exhaust system fault. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Particulate filter has become saturated with
soot. Drive in fourth gear (manual gearbox) or in selector lever position D (DSG dual clutch
gearbox) at a speed of at least 70 km/h (44 mph) for approximately 15 minutes. Observe the valid
speed limits. Go to the nearest qualified workshop if the indicator lamp still does not go out.
m/k/a997MKVehicles with diesel engine
Indicator lamps flash.
Fault in engine management system. The engine should be checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.Engine management system has detected misfiring, which damages the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed immediately and drive carefully to the nearest qualified
workshop. Have the engine checked.
Unauthorised vehicle keys
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been inserted in the ignition lock it can be removed as follows:
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: press the lock button in the
selector lever and release. Pull the vehicle key out of the ignition lock.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a manual gearbox: remove the vehicle key from the ignition
lock.
Emergency start function
Use the emergency start function if no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior. A
corresponding display will appear in the instrument cluster. This could be the case, for example, if
the button cell in the vehicle key is weak or discharged:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Hold the vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim directly after pressing the starter
button ⇒ Fig. 120.
•The ignition is switched on automatically, and in some cases the engine is started.
Emergency deactivation
If the engine cannot be switched off by pressing the starter button briefly, an emergency switch-off
procedure is required:
•Press the starter button twice within a few seconds or press and hold once.
•The engine switches off automatically ⇒.
Immobiliser malfunction
A message will be displayed in the instrument cluster if an unauthorised vehicle key is used or there
is a fault in the system. The engine cannot be started. Use an authorised vehicle key or seek expert
assistance.
Start/stop system
Fig. 121 In the lower part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system.
The start/stop system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is coming to a stop
and when stationary. When required, the engine restarts automatically.
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Switching on start/stop
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display will show information about the current status.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox may be equipped with a start/stop system with engine-off
coasting function. The engine-off coasting function is deactivated and activated together with the
start/stop system.
Further information regarding start/stop mode is available in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation
and display in the Infotainment system. This information also applies to coasting.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp is lit, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is active.
If the indicator lamp is lit, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has
started the engine automatically. Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If
not, ensure that all technical requirements are met ⇒ Important preconditions for automatic engine
switch-off.
The display on the instrument cluster may show the status of the start/stop system.
In addition, start/stop information on the current status of the start/stop system can be displayed as
required in Infotainment systems with a navigation function. Touch the i in the start/stop
information to obtain further information on the status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
•Disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal when the vehicle is coming to a stop, or when
it is stationary. The engine is stopped.
•Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox
•To stop, press and hold the brake pedal. The engine switches off shortly before the vehicle
reaches a complete standstill or when the vehicle is stationary.
•Take your foot off the brake pedal, or depress the accelerator, to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with Climatronic: the temperature of the vehicle interior is within
the preset temperature range, and the humidity level is not too high.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the 12-volt vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•The windscreen heating is not switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the steering wheel is not turned
too sharply.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
•The Park Assist system is not active.
•The Off-road or Off-road Individual driving profile is activated.
When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are only fulfilled when the vehicle is stationary,
the engine can also switch off subsequently, e.g. by switching off the defrost function.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the temperature inside the vehicle substantially increases or decreases.
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the electric voltage of the 12-volt vehicle battery drops.
•If the steering wheel is moved.
As a general rule, the engine always starts again automatically when required by the detected
situation and the vehicle.
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Fig. 122 Gear shift pattern of a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Select a forward gear
The positions of the individual driving gears are shown on the gearshift lever ⇒ Fig. 122.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
•Move the gear lever to the required position ⇒.
•Release the clutch to engage.
In some countries, the clutch pedal will have to be depressed fully in order to start the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
•Reverse gear should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal ⇒.
•Move the gear lever to the neutral position and push down.
•Push the gearshift lever fully to the left and then to the front in the reverse gear position
⇒ Fig. 122Ⓡ.
•Release the clutch to engage.
Shifting down
You should always select the next immediate gear when shifting down a gear whilst the vehicle is in
motion. The engine revs should not be too high when doing this ⇒. Damage to the clutch and
the gearbox could occur if at high speeds or high engine revs one or more gears are skipped when
shifting down gear, even if the clutch is not released when doing this ⇒.
Kickdown
On vehicles with speed limiter ⇒ Speed limiter, the kickdown function allows the stored speed limit
to be intentionally exceeded, e.g. when overtaking.
When the accelerator is fully depressed, the speed limiter regulator is temporarily switched off when
the vehicle exceeds the stored speed.
Once the vehicle returns to a speed below the stored speed and the accelerator is no longer fully
depressed, speed limiter regulation becomes active again.
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile
selection and 4MOTION Active Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Troubleshooting
Clutch does not transmit the entire engine torque. If necessary, remove foot from clutch pedal.
The clutch can overheat, for example if the vehicle pulls off regularly, travels at a crawl for long
periods, or in stop and go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases
by additional warning lamps and a text message in the instrument cluster display. An acoustic
warning may also be given ⇒.Clutch is defective. Drive on carefully! Seek expert
assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the clutch.
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. This also applies when the electronic park brake has been
switched on.
•Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Shifting gears incorrectly to a lower gear can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, which
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced
speed and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases you should have the DSG dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
The DSG dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle pulls off
frequently, drives at crawling speed for long periods, or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is
indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster
display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down ⇒
.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Downhill speed control
If the vehicle is being held on the Auto Hold function, the green indicator lamp lights up.
Switch off Auto Hold if necessary ⇒ Auto Hold function.
The Hill Descent Control system in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox helps when braking
and travelling downhill ⇒. This system uses the braking power of the engine, rather than the
brakes directly.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox selects the best gear for the circumstances, depending on the
steepness of the hill and the current speed. The selector lever must be in position D/S. The downhill
speed control is not active in Tiptronic mode.
As the downhill speed control system can shift down only as far as third gear, it may be necessary
to activate the Tiptronic mode when driving down particularly steep inclines. When in Tiptronic
mode, select second or first gear manually in order to make use of the braking effect of the engine
and to relieve the load on the brakes.
The start/stop system is automatically deactivated as long as downhill speed control is active.
Activating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient is greater than approximately 6%.
•AND: if the selector lever is in position D/S.
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Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not
switched on. Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an incline,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will become damaged if the vehicle is allowed to roll for a
long period of time or at a high speed (for example while being towed) with the selector
lever in position N and the engine switched off.
NOTICE
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•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the text message and signal tone are repeated every ten seconds, the vehicle must be
parked safely immediately and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic
warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while
the gearbox is overheated.
NOTICE
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Driving in sand and mud
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always drive at a steady speed through sand or mud and, if you have a manual gearbox, do not
change gear.
•Check whether ESC is active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster display
should not light up ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Keep the vehicle moving constantly.
•Use the Off-road driving profile ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
•Select a suitable gear and remain in this gear until you have reached more solid ground
⇒ Changing gear.
If the tyres have lost their grip, turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly. This can briefly give
the tyres on the front wheels better grip for this ground surface condition.
Driving through sand
Do not under any circumstances reduce the tyre pressure to drive through sand ⇒. If however
the tyre pressure has been reduced for driving through sand, the correct tyre pressure must always
be reset before driving on. Driving with reduced tyre pressure can lead to a loss of control over the
vehicle and increase the risk of serious and fatal injuries.
Driving through mud
Do not change speed or direction. The tyres can lose their traction when driving through mud. If the
vehicle slides, steer in the direction needed to get the vehicle under control.
Driving in steep terrain
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving up and down hills
Get out of the vehicle and assess the situation before you attempt to drive up or down a hill:
•Walk along the section and check the firmness of the ground. Look out for obstacles and other
hidden dangers ⇒.
•Check the section beyond the hill.
•You should not follow the route if it is too steep, uneven or if the ground surface is too loose.
Select another route.
•Drive slowly and at constant speed straight up or down a slope.
Driving through snowy terrain is very dangerous.
•Both shallow and deep potholes, hollows, ditches, precipices, frozen surfaces and
other obstacles can be fully or partially covered by snow.
•Dangers concealed by snow can cause an accident, serious injuries, or cause the
vehicle to break down in extreme weather conditions.
•Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and off-road,
visibility and weather conditions.
WARNING
Driving through mud, sand and slush can be dangerous. The vehicle can slide
uncontrollably. This increases the risk of injury. Always drive carefully through sand, mud
and slush.
•Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your
passengers. If you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and
choose another way.
WARNING
Incorrect tyre pressure can cause severe or even fatal accidents.
•Incorrect tyre pressures will increase the levels of wear on the tyres and will negatively
affect the vehicle's driving response.
•An incorrect tyre pressure can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage including tyre
bursts and ripping of the tread surface and thus to a loss of control over the vehicle.
WARNING