Driving
When stationary, apply footbrake
while selecting a gear.
L ev
el
lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary and at speeds of up to 5 km/h
(3 mph). At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph)
the lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position N.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to rock the
vehicle “backwards and forwards” if it is
stuck. The selector lever lock engages auto-
matically if the brake pedal is not depressed
and the lever is in position N for more than
about two seconds.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever
handle prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging certain gears. Press the button in
to disengage the selector lever lock.
Safety interlock for ignition key
Depending on the country, once the ignition
has been turned off, the key may be removed
only if the gear selector is in position P. While
the key is not in the ignition, the selector lev-
er is locked in position P. Note
● If the sel ect
or lever lock does not engage,
there is a fault. The transmission is interrup-
ted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally
moving. Follow the procedure below in order
for the selector lever lock to engage again:
–With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal and release it again.
– With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal. Move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and subsequently engage a
gear.
● Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle
does not
move forwards or back. Proceed to
the next mode:
– When the vehicle does not move in the
required direction, the system may not
have the gear range correctly engaged.
Press the brake pedal and engage the
gear range again.
– If the vehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system mal-
function. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked. Engaging gears with the triptonic
mode*
Fig. 182
Centre console: changing gear with
tiptr onic Fig. 183
Steering wheel: automatic gearbox
l ev
er
s The tiptronic gives the driver the option to
c
h
an
ge gears manually. »
195
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Driving down hills: in some s it
uation s (on
mountain roads or when towing a trailer or
caravan) it can be advantageous to switch
temporarily to the manual gearbox pro-
gramme so that the gear ratios can be selec-
ted manually to suit the driving conditions
››› .
On l ev
el
ground it is sufficient to move the
selector lever to position P. On slopes, first
engage the parking brake and then put the
selection lever into the P position. This
avoids overloading the locking mechanism
and it will be easier to move the selector lev-
er from position P. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Selector
lev er po
sitions on page 194.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use
the brake ped
al too often or for long periods.
Constant braking causes overheating in the
brakes. This could significantly reduce brak-
ing power, increase braking distance or even
result in the total failure of the brake system.
● To avoid rolling back on gradients always
hold the
vehicle with the footbrake or hand-
brake if you have to stop. CAUTION
● If y
ou stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not
attempt to stop it from rolling by depressing
the accelerator when a gear has been selec-
ted. This could cause overheating and dam- age the automatic gearbox. Apply the hand-
brak
e firm
ly or press the brake pedal in order
to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
● If you allow the car to roll with the selector
lever in po
sition N with the engine switched
off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be lubricated.
● In certain driving situations or traffic condi-
tions, suc
h as frequently starting, prolonged
“creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with
continuous stoppages, the gearbox could
overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and wait for the gearbox to cool
››› page 200. Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
c
el
er
ation to be reached.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down past the point of resistance at full throt-
tle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine
speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is
delayed until the engine reaches maximum
rpm. WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slip-
pery or w
et, the kick-down feature could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
re
s
ult in skidding. Launch control program
3 Valid for vehicles: with Launch-Control/6-Speed
D SG w
ith diesel engines superior to 125 kW and pet-
rol engines superior to 140 kW.
The Launch control programme enables maxi-
mum acceleration.
Important: the engine must have reached op-
erating temperature and the steering wheel
must not be turned.
The engine speed for launch-control is differ-
ent on petrol and diesel engines. To use the
launch-control you must disconnect the anti-
slip regulation (ASR) through the Easy Con-
nect system menu ››› page 120. The warning
lamp will stay switched on or will flash
slowly depending on whether or not the vehi-
cle has a driver information system*.
On vehicles with the driver information sys-
tem, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability
control deactivated (temporary) ap-
pears on the instrument panel to indicate the
deactivation status. »
197Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Gearbox malfunctions Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-
hicle and place the lever in the
position P.
Ther e is
a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.
Gearbox: System fault! You
may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner. Gearbox: press the brake and
engage a gear again.
If the fau
lt was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
Address Electromec
hanical steering Electro-mechanical power steering assists
the driv
er when s
t
eering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts
electronically to the speed of the car, torque
and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time
or the engine is switched off (for instance
when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort than normal
will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages (in red) Faulty steering! To
park the vehicle
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver
indication appears, the power steering could
be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist as-
sistance. (in yellow) Steering: System
fault! You may continue driving.
If the warnin
g lamp comes on, the steering
could react with more difficultly or more sen-
sitivity than normal. In addition, when driving
in a straight line the steering wheel may be
off-centre.
Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired.
(in yellow) Steering lock:
fault! Go to an Official Service
The electronic steering lock is malfunction-
ing.
Go to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the fault repaired. WARNING
Take it immediately to a specialised work-
shop and hav e the f
ault repaired: risk of acci-
dent! Note
If the lamp (in red) or el se
(in yellow)
lights up briefly, you may continue driving. 200
Operation
Driver assistance systems
St ar
t
-Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce C
O
2 emi
ssions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops or is
stopping; for example when stopping at traf-
fic lights. The ignition remains switched on
during the stopping phase. The engine auto-
matically switches back on when required. In
this situation, the light of the START ENGINE STOP button stays on
1)
.
As soon a
s
the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Further information about the Start-Stop sys-
tem can be found in the Easy Connect sys-
tem: by pressing the button in the Vehi-
cle status menu.
B a
s
ic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened. ●
The bonnet mus
t be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
servic
e temperature.
● The reverse gear must not be engaged.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop sys
tem is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 210. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
swit c
hed off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 210. Stopping/Starting the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– Before stopping the vehicle or when it is
stop
ped, put it into neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will switch off. The
warning lamp will appear on the instru-
ment panel display. The engine may stop
before the vehicle comes to a halt in the
deceleration phase (at 7 km/h).
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine wil
l start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox – Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and k
eep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp will appear in the
display. The engine may stop before the ve-
hicle comes to a halt in the deceleration
phase (at 7 km/h or 2 km/h, depending on
the vehicle’s gearbox).
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wi
ll start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off. In vehicles with the Au-
to Hold* system, when the system is active,
the engine will not start if you remove your
foot from the brake pedal. The car starts
when you press the accelerator pedal. 1)
Only in vehicles with Keyless Access.
208
Driver assistance systems
Additional information related to the auto-
m atic
g
earbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R.
Additional information about vehicles with
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
In vehicles with ACC function, the engine will
start up again in certain operating conditions
if the radar sensor detects that the vehicle
ahead drives off again. Note
● In v ehic
les with an automatic gearbox, you
can control whether the engine should switch
off or not by reducing or increasing the brake
force applied. While the vehicle remains stop-
ped, the engine will not stop if the brake ped-
al is slightly pressed, in traffic jams with fre-
quent stopping and starting for example. As soon as strong pressure is applied to the
brak
e ped
al, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during
the stop
ping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual g
earbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
fr
equently
f
or different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine does not switch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum required t
emperature for the Start-Stop
mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air
conditioner ha
s not yet been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated
›› ›
page 51.
● The parking aid* is switched on. ●
The batt er
y is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-
ing turned.
● If
there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication
is shown on the instrument
panel display, and in addition, the driver in-
formation system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the
value select
ed on the air conditioner.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
page 51.
● The brake has been pressed several times
consec
utively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption. Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
select or l
ever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (6 » 209
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
Fig. 204
On the instrument panel display: In-
dic ation on the Lane As
s
ist system display
(example 2). Status display
The sy s
t
em is active, but not available,
either because the minimum speed has
not been reached or because the lane
lines are not recognised ››› Fig. 203 A.
The system is active and available, both
lane lines are recognised. The steering
angle is not being corrected at this mo-
ment ››› Fig. 203 B.
–
– The system is operational, the highligh-
ted line
A indicates that there was a
ri sk
of
involuntarily crossing the lane
line and that the steering is being adjus-
ted to correct the angle ››› Fig. 204 C.
The two highlighted lines A light up si-
mu lt
aneou
sly when both lane lines are
recognised and the Lane Assist function
is active ››› Fig. 204 D.
Control lamps
It lights up yellow: Lane Assist active
but not available.
The system can not accurately recognise the lane.
Please see page 232, the Lane Assist system is not
available (the control lamp is lit up yellow).
It lights up green
Lane Assist system active and available.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and contr o
l lamps on page 119. Operating mode
Steering wheel vibration
The f
ol
lowing situations can cause vibration
in the steering wheel and require the driver
to take active control of driving: –
– ●
When the steerin
g angle assist value re-
quired to keep the vehicle in the lane is high-
er than the system’s maximum operating val-
ue.
● If the system ceases to display the lane
lines whi
le assisting with steering.
Switching the Lane Assist system on or off
Through the Easy Connect system
● Press the Easy Connect button ●
Press the S
ET
TINGS function button
● Press the function button Driv
er a
s
sistance to
open the menu.
OR: U s
in
g the Driving Assist button on
the turn signal lever* ›››
page 37.
Lane Assist with lane centring guide
The Lane Centring Guide function is in-
tended to keep the vehicle in the centre of
the lane.
If the driver has a tendency to veer slightly off
centre in the lane, the system adapts to driv-
er preferences.
The Lane Centring Guide function is ac-
tivated/deactivated in the Easy Connect sys-
tem using the button and the
S
ET
TINGS function button
›
››
page 120. »
231
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Self-deactivation: the Lane As s
i st system can
be automatically deactivated if there is a sys-
tem malfunction. The control lamp
disappears.
Hands-Off Function
In the absence of steering wheel activity the
system alerts the driver with acoustic signals
and a text message on the dash panel asking
to actively take over the steering.
If the driver does not react to this, the system
also alerts the driver with a little shaking mo-
tion through the brakes and, if the vehicle
has it, activates the Emergency Assist func-
tion ››› page 234.
In vehicles without Emergency Assist, the
adaptive lane guidance function will be disa-
bled after the corresponding warnings to the
driver.
The lane assist system is active but it is not
available (the control lamp is lit up yellow)
● When driving at speeds below 65 km/h (38
mph).
● When the Lane Assist system does not de-
tect the div
iding lines of the road. For exam-
ple, in the event warnings indicating road
works, and snow, dirt, moisture or reflec-
tions.
● When the radius of a curve is too small.
● When no road markings can be seen. ●
When the dist
ance to the next marking to
too great.
● When the system does not detect any clear
and active st
eering movement during a long
period of time.
● Temporarily, in the event of very dynamic
driving s
tyles.
● If a turn signal is activated.
● With the stability control system (ESC) in
Sport
mode or switched off.
BSD Plus (Lane Assist with Blind Spot Detec-
tor)*
The BSD Plus function is achieved by activat-
ing the Lane Assist and BSD functions
››› page 237. In this case, the Lane Assist
function expands its functions in the follow-
ing way:
If the driver tries to change lane and there is
a vehicle in the blind spot:
● The lamp flashes in the corresponding
re
ar-view mirror even though the turn signal
has not been activated.
● The steering wheel vibrates to warn the
driver of the ri
sk of collision.
● torque is applied to correct the steering
and return the
vehicle to its lane. Switching off the Lane Assist system in the
fol
lowing situations
Due to the limits of the Lane Assist system,
switch it off in the following situations:
● When more attention is required of the
driver
● When drivin
g in a sporty style
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● On roads in poor condition
● In areas of road works WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Lane Assist
sys t
em cannot change the limits imposed by
the laws of physics and by the very nature of
the system. Careless or uncontrolled use of
the Lane Assist system may cause accidents
and injury. The system is not a replacement
for driver awareness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance
to the v
ehicles ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so it c
an be turned at any time.
● The Lane Assist system does not detect all
roa
d markings. The road surfaces, road struc-
tures or objects in poor condition can be in-
correctly detected as road markings under
certain circumstances by the Lane Assist sys-
tem. In such situations, switch the Lane As-
sist system off immediately. 232
Operation
Traffic Jam Assist is not active (the Lane As-
s i
s
t control light turns yellow)
● If any of the conditions mentioned on
page 233, T
echnical requirements for using
Traffic Jam Assist are no longer met.
● If any of the conditions required for opera-
tion of the Lane Ass
ist are not met
››› page 230.
● If any of the conditions necessary for the
adaptiv
e cruise control (ACC) to work are no
longer fulfilled ››› page 221.
Situations in which Traffic Jam Assist must
be switched off
Due to the limitations of the system, Traffic
Jam Assist must always be switched off in the
following situations:
● When more attention is required by the
driver.
● When driv
ing in a very sporty style.
● In adverse weather conditions, e.g. in case
of sno
w or heavy rain.
● When driving on roads in poor condition.
● In sections with roadworks.
● In city journeys. WARNING
The smart technology incorporated into Traf-
fic Jam As s
ist cannot defy the laws of phys-
ics; it only works within the limits of the sys- tem. Accidents and severe injury may occur if
Tr
affic
Jam Assist is used negligently or invol-
untarily. The system is not a replacement for
driver awareness.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit the
visibility, weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
● Do not use Traffic Jam Assist in city jour-
neys.
● Do not u
se Traffic Jam Assist if there is poor
vis
ibility, for example, in case of snow, ice,
rain or loose gravel, or on steep or slippery
sections or flooded roads.
● Do not use Traffic Jam Assist offroad or on
roa
ds where the surface is not firm. Traffic
Jam Assist has been designed for use on
paved roads only.
● Traffic Jam Assist does not react to people
or animal
s or vehicles crossing your path or
that approach you head-on down the same
lane.
● If Traffic Jam Assist does not reduce speed
sufficiently
, brake the vehicle immediately by
applying the pedal.
● If the vehicle continues to move when you
wish it
to stop after a driver intervention
prompt, brake the vehicle by applying the
pedal.
● If driver intervention is requested on the
da
sh panel display, immediately resume con-
trol of the vehicle.
● Keep your hands on the wheel at all times
to be re
ady to intervene in the steering at any time. The driver is always responsible for
keepin
g the
vehicle in its own lane.
● Always be prepared to take charge of driv-
ing (acc
elerating or braking) yourself. Note
● If T
raffic Jam Assist does not work as de-
scribed in this chapter, stop using it and con-
tact a specialised workshop.
● If the system is faulty, take it to a special-
ised work
shop and have it checked. Emergency Assist
D es
cription and operation Emergency Assist detects whether there is in-
activ
ity
b
y the driver and can automatically
keep the car within the lane and stop it alto-
gether if necessary. This way the system can
actively help avoid an accident.
Emergency Assist is an additional function of
Lane Assist ››› page 230 and combines Lane
Assist functions with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) ››› page 221. Therefore, it is essential
that you read these two chapters carefully
and note the limitations of the systems and
the information about them.
234