
Lights and visibility
reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or
m ak
e it
react more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone
wil
l trigger a single wipe cycle with the rain
sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the
reduction in the sensitive surface area and
adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sen-
sor will vary with the size of the damage
caused by the stone. WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain
to sw it
ch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the w
indscreen obstructs visi-
bility. Note
● Cle
an the sensitive surface of the rain sen-
sor regularly and check the blades for dam-
age ››› Fig. 148 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recom-
mend a window c
leaner containing alcohol.Mirror
Anti-d azz
l
e rear view mirrorIt is dangerous to drive if you cannot see
c
l
e
arly through the rear window. Rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle
function*
The anti-d
azzle function is activated every
time the ignition is switched on.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the
interior rear vision mirror will darken auto-
matically according to the amount of light it
receives. The anti-dazzle function is cancel-
led if reverse gear is engaged. WARNING
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
re ar
vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This could cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs. If you
come into contact with this liquid, it must be
rinsed with large quantities of water. If neces-
sary, get medial help. CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
re ar
vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces.
Clean it with a wet sponge as soon as possi-
ble. Note
● If the light inc
ident in the interior rear vi-
sion mirror is obstructed (e.g. with the sun
blind*), the anti-dazzle rear vision mirror with
automatic setting will not operate perfectly. ●
When the interior light s
are on or reverse
gear engaged, the mirrors do not darken with
automatic adjustment for anti-dazzle posi-
tion. Adjusting the exterior rear-view mir-
ror
s Fig. 149
Driver door: control for the exterior
mirr or
. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 20
Synchronized regulation of the exterior mir-
rors
● In the Settings - Convenience menu,
select whether or not
the exterior mirrors
should move in synchronisation. »
155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Air outlets Fig. 174
On the dash panel: air vents Air vents
T
o en
s
ure proper heating, cooling and venti-
lation in the vehicle interior, air vents
››› Fig. 174 1 should remain open.
● Turn the corresponding thumbwheel (de-
t ai
l) in the r
equired direction to open and
close the air vents. When the thumbwheel is
in the position, the corresponding air vent
is closed.
● Change the air direction using the ventila-
tion grill
e lever.
There are other additional, non-adjustable air
vents in the dash panel 2 , in the footwell
and in the r ear ar
ea of the interior. Note
Food, medicine and other heat or cold sensi-
tive o b
jects should never be placed in front of
the air outlets as they may be damaged or
made unsuitable for use by the air coming
from the air vents. Air recirculation mode
Basic points
Air recirculation:
Manual recirculation
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient
air fr
om ent
erin
g the interior. When the outside temperature is very high,
selecting m
anual air recirculation mode for a
short period refreshes the vehicle interior
more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is
switched off when the button is press-
ed or the air distributor turned to .
Switching the manual air recirculation mode
on and off
To switch system on: press the button un-
til the warning lamp lights up.
To switch system off: press the button un-
til the warning lamp goes off.
174

Operation
WARNING
Never programme the auxiliary heater so that
it sw it
ches itself on and is running in an en-
closed space or an area with no ventilation.
The auxiliary heater exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colour-
less toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
people to lose consciousness. It can also
cause death. Operating instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located
belo
w the
v
ehicle must be kept clear of snow,
mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes
must be able to exit freely. The emissions
generated by the auxiliary heater are re-
moved via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath
the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on
the outside temperature, the warm air is first
directed at the windscreen and then to the
rest of the vehicle interior through the air
vents. Directing the diffusers – towards the
windows for example – can affect air distribu-
tion.
When will the auxiliary heater not be activa-
ted?
● The auxiliary heater requires about as
much po w
er as the dipped beam headlights.
If the 12-volt battery charge is too low, the auxiliary heater switches off automatically
and cannot
be sw
itched on. This avoids prob-
lems when starting the engine.
● The heating must be activated every time
you want
to set off. Similarly, the departure
time must reactivate each time.
● The control lamp (fuel l
evel indicator)
lights up. Note
● Noise s
will be heard while the auxiliary
heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the in-
side temper
ature low, condensation from the
heating and ventilating system may evapo-
rate when the auxiliary heater is switched on.
In this case, steam may be released from un-
derneath the vehicle. This does not mean
that there is a vehicle malfunction.
● If the vehicle is tilted, e.g. if parked on a
slope, the operation of
the auxiliary heater
may be restricted if the fuel tank level is low
(just above the reserve level).
● If the auxiliary heater is used a number of
times f
or a long period of time, the 12-volt
battery will lose its charge. To recharge the
battery, the vehicle must be driven for a num-
ber of kilometres from time to time. As a
guideline: The journey should last approxi-
mately as long as the heater was connected.
● At temperatures below +5°C (+41°F), the
auxili
ary heater may switch itself on automat-
ically when the engine is switched on. The auxiliary heater is switched off again after a
cer
t
ain time.180

Driving
can cause the system to reduce engine power
when this
i
s not desired.
● The regulating processes of the systems
can mak
e noises when they intervene.
● If the warning lamp lights up
, or alter-
natively, there could be a fault ››› page 119. Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
The ESC is switched on automatically when
the engine i
s
started, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.
The ASR function should only be switched off
in situations in which traction is insufficient,
including:
● When driving in deep snow or on surfaces
that ar
e not very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then switc
h the ASR function back on.
Depending on the finishes and versions,
there is the possibility of disconnecting only
the ASR or activating the ESC Sport mode. Disable ASR
The Easy
Connect system menu is used to
switch off the ASR ››› page 120. The traction
control system will be disabled.
The control lamp lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is disabled.
Activate ASR
The Easy Connect system menu ››› page 120
is used to switch on the ASR. The traction
control system will be enabled.
The control lamp switches off. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is enabled.
ESC in “Sport” mode
Sport mode can be connected via the Easy
Connect ››› page 120 system menu. In front-
wheel drive vehicles, the interventions by the
ESC and the ASR are limited. In four-wheel
drive vehicles, the interventions by the ESC
are limited and the ASR is switched off com-
pletely ››› .
The c ontr
o
l lamp lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that: Electronic Stability Control
(ESC): sport. Warning! Limited
stability
Disab
le ESC “Sport” mode
Through the Easy Connect system menu
››› page 120. The warning lamp will switch
off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem* the driver will be informed that:
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC): On
ESC in “Offroad” 1)
mode
Turn the Driving Experience button to select
the Offroad mode and connect it
››› page 243. The interventions of the ESC, as
well as of the ASR, EDS and the ABS, adapt to
irregular terrain.
In the following exceptional situations it may
make sense to activate the Offroad mode to
allow the wheels to spin:
● When “swinging” the vehicle to get it un-
stuc
k.
● Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When driving on rough terrain with much of
the car's w
eight is lifted off the wheels (axle
articulation). »1)
Only for 4Drive models.
191
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

Driving
Catalytic converter 3 Applies to vehicles with petrol engine
The v
ehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter 3 App
lies to vehicles with diesel engine
The die
sel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at
ap
proximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem.
Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
ag
ement
sy
stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* Control lamp
fla
she
s:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked. The control lamp
lights up:
If
a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow p
lug
s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
205
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

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