X
Start the engine.
X Switch on the turn signal in the direction in
which you are pulling away.
X Shift the transmission to position h or k.
The display shows the message Start
Park Assist? Yes: OK No: %.
X To cancel the process: press the % but-
ton on the steering wheel or drive off.
or
X To exit the parking space using active
parking assistance: press the a button
on the steering wheel.
The display shows the message Park
Assist Active: Accelerate and Brake
Obs. Surroundings.
X Let go of the steering wheel.
X Pull away, being ready to brake at all times.
Exit the parking space slowly and do not
drive faster than
6 mph (10 km/h). Other-
wise parking assistance is canceled and
Active Parking Assist is stopped.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches a
border of the parking space.
X While the vehicle is stationary, shift the
transmission to position h or k as
required or according to the message.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction. The display shows the
message Park Assist Active: Acceler‐
ate and Brake Obs. Surroundings.
i You will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete
before pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steering
wheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
X Drive forwards and reverse as prompted by
the PARKTRONIC warning displays, several
times if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space com-
pletely:
R The display shows the Park Assist Fin‐
ished message.
R A tone sounds.
R The steering wheel is moved to the straight-
ahead position
The parking assistance function of Active Park-
ing Assist is stopped. You will then have to
steer and merge into traffic on your own.
PARKTRONIC is still available. You can take over the steering before the vehi-
cle has exited the parking space completely.
This is useful, for example when you recognize
that it is already possible to pull out of the
parking space.
Canceling active parking assistance X
Stop the movement of the steering wheel or
steer yourself.
or X Press the f button and deactivate
PARKTRONIC
(Y page 158).
Parking assistance is canceled immediately
and Active Parking Assist is stopped. The
display shows the Park Assist Canceled
message.
Active parking assistance is canceled automat-
ically in the following cases:
R you apply the parking brake.
R parking using Active Parking Assist is no
longer possible.
R you are driving faster than
6 mph
(10 km/h).
R a wheel spins and ESP ®
intervenes or fails.
The ÷ warning lamp in the instrument
cluster then lights up.
R you unfasten your seat belt.
R you open a door or the tailgate/rear-end
door.
R you shift the transmission to position j.
A warning tone sounds, the parking symbol in
the display goes out and the Park Assist
Canceled message appears.
Once active Parking Assist has been canceled,
you must steer and brake again yourself.
If a system malfunction occurs, vehicles are
automatically braked down to a standstill. To
continue driving, you must depress the accel-
erator pedal again. Rear view camera
General notes On vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view cam-
era is next to the tailgate handle
(
Y page
267).
On vehicles with rear-end doors, the rear view
camera is in the top of the license plate mold-
ing ( Y page 267). Driving systems
163
Driving and parking Z
The rear view camera is a visual parking aid. It
shows you the area behind the vehicle in the
audio display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirrored fashion, as in the rear-view mirror or
the exterior mirrors. The guide lines displayed
assist you in backing up.
The message displays depend on the language
setting of the audio system. The following rear
view camera displays are examples.
Important safety notes !
Objects that are not at ground level appear
further away than they actually are, for
example:
R the bumper of the vehicle parked behind
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the tail-end of a truck
R slanted posts
Only use the camera guide lines for orienta-
tion. Do not get any closer to objects than
the lowest horizontal guide line. You may
otherwise damage your vehicle and/or the
object.
The rear view camera is only an aid. It cannot
replace your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering and parking. Make sure that
there are no persons, animals or objects in the
maneuvering area while maneuvering and
parking in parking spaces.
The rear view camera may show obstacles in
perspectival distortion, incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera cannot display all
objects located very near and/or under the
rear bumper. It does not warn you of a colli-
sion, persons or objects.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate or rear-end door is open.
R if it is raining very heavily or snowing, or it is
foggy.
R at night or in very dark places.
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light.
White lines may appear in the camera image
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light, e.g.
from fluorescent lamps or LED lighting.
The camera image may flicker. R
if the camera lens fogs up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a
rapid change in temperature.
R the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning.
(Y page
267)
R if the rear of the vehicle is damaged.
In this case, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
R the display has pixel errors.
Have the display repaired or replaced if usa-
bility is significantly reduced due to pixel
errors.
Do not use the rear view camera in these sit-
uations. You could otherwise injure others or
damage objects and the vehicle while parking
and maneuvering.
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, rear-mounted
bicycle rack).
Guide lines are always shown at road level. In
trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the
level of the trailer coupling.
If you change wheel size, make sure they cor-
respond to the correct wheel size category
( Y page 278). If the category is changed with-
out recoding the control units in the vehicle,
the rear view camera cannot be precisely cali-
brated. The guide lines at road level or at the
level of the trailer tow hitch will not be dis-
played correctly.
In vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view cam-
era is protected from raindrops and dust by
means of a flap. When the rear view camera is
activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when:
R you have finished the maneuvering process
R you switch off the engine
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the rear view camera has
been deactivated. 164
Driving systems
Driving and parking
Switching the rear view camera on or
off
X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.
X Shift the transmission to position k.
On vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view
camera flap opens. The audio display shows
the area behind the vehicle. The rear area
shown is divided by guide lines.
In vehicles with a trailer coupling installed, the
function mode of the rear view camera can be
switched over when the trailer is reached. The
rear view camera then changes the viewing
angle and shows a locating aid for the ball cou-
pling of the trailer tow hitch to help reach the
drawbar.
X To switch function mode: select and con-
firm "Reverse parking" function : or "Cou-
pling up a trailer“ function ; using the
audio system control knob.
Information on the audio system control
knob can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
X To switch off: shift the transmission to
position i or h.
The dynamic guide lines are hidden and
after about 15 seconds the rear view cam-
era switches itself off.
or X Drive forwards more than about 30 ft
(10 m).
or X Drive forwards faster than 6 mph
(10 km/h
).
or X Shift the automatic transmission to position
j. In vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the rear
view camera remains switched on after the ini-
tial shift to reverse gear for the whole duration
of active parking assistance. You can find
information on active parking assistance under
"Active Parking Assist“
(Y page 159).
Messages in the multimedia system
display :
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
; White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the exte-
rior mirrors (static)
= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the cur-
rent steering angle (dynamic)
? Yellow lane marking the course the tires
will take at the current steering angle
(dynamic) A
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
B Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
C Bumper
D Vehicle center axis (locating aid) Driving systems
165
Driving and parking Z
The guide lines are shown when the transmis-
sion is in position k.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level. PARKTRONIC warning displays for vehicles with
Active Parking Assist
E
Front warning displays
F Vehicle symbol as PARKTRONIC measure-
ment operational readiness indicator
G Rear warning displays
On vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the
PARKTRONIC is activated and operational,
(Y page
158), the camera image shows vehicle
icon F. When the PARKTRONIC warning dis-
plays go on, warning displays E and G light
up accordingly as red or yellow brackets
around vehicle icon F.
"Reverse parking" function Backing up straight into a parking space
without turning the steering wheel
:
White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the exte-
rior mirrors (static)
; Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the cur-
rent steering angle (dynamic) =
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
? Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
X Make sure that the rear view camera is
switched on (Y page
165).
The lane and the guide lines are shown.
X With the help of white guide line :, check
whether the vehicle will fit into the parking
space.
X Using white guide line : as a guide, care-
fully reverse until you reach the end posi-
tion.
Red guide line ? is then at the end of the
parking space. The vehicle is almost parallel
in the parking space.
Backing up into a perpendicular parking
space with the steering wheel at an
angle :
Parking space marking
; Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the cur-
rent steering angle (dynamic)
X After driving past the parking space, stop
the vehicle, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
X Make sure that the rear view camera is
switched on (Y page
165).
The lane and the guide lines are shown.
X While the vehicle is at a standstill, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the park-
ing space until yellow guide line ; reaches
parking space marking :.
X Maintain the steering angle and reverse
carefully.166
Driving systems
Driving and parking
;
Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the cur-
rent steering angle (dynamic)
X Stop the vehicle when it is almost exactly in
front of the parking space.
The white lane should be as close to parallel
with the parking space marking as possible. =
White guide line at current steering angle
: Parking space marking
X Turn the steering wheel to the center posi-
tion while the vehicle is stationary. ?
End of parking space
A Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
X Back up carefully until you have reached the
end position.
Red guide line A is then aligned with the
marking at the end of parking space ?. The vehicle is almost parallel in the parking
space.
"Coupling up a trailer" function :
Trailer drawbar
; Locating aid – vehicle center point on the
yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch attached.
X Before coupling up the trailer, set the height
of trailer drawbar : so that it is slightly
higher than the ball coupling.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar :. :
Trailer drawbar
; Trailer drawbar locating aid
= "Coupling up a trailer" function selected
? Ball coupling
A Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately
12 in (0.30 m) from the ball cou-
pling
X Select and confirm "Coupling up a trailer"
function = with the audio system control
knob. Driving systems
167
Driving and parking Z
Information on the audio system control
knob can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
Symbol
= is highlighted. The distance
specifications now only apply to objects that
are at the same level as the ball coupling.
X Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ; points approx-
imately in the direction of trailer draw-
bar :.
X Back up carefully until trailer drawbar :
reaches red guide line A.
The distance between trailer drawbar :
and ball coupling ? is now approximately
12 in (0.30 m
).
X Couple the trailer (Y page
168).Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
overload the trailer tow hitch and the rear
axle. This is particularly likely in the case of
longer or differently angled ball couplings.
Consequently, the driving characteristics
may be significantly impaired and the trailer
may detach. This presents the risk of an
accident or even fatal injuries!
Install only a ball coupling that adheres to
the permissible dimensions and is designed
for your intended purpose for towing a
trailer. Do not make any changes to the ball
coupling or the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the
one delivered with the vehicle, the trailer
tow hitch and the rear axle may be overloa-
ded. This applies especially if the ball cou-
pling in question is longer or angled differ-
ently. This could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident. Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is
designed to meet your trailer towing require-
ments. Do not modify the ball coupling or
the trailer tow hitch.
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driv-
ing and endanger other road users. There is
a risk of accident and injury, possibly even
fatal injuries.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufactur-
er's installation instructions. Make sure that
the ball coupling is correctly installed and
secured before every journey. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even roll-
over. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 165 lb (75 kg
) applies when using carrier
systems on the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle. 168
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R Practice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traf-
fic. This enables you to gain experience and
get used to the new handling characteris-
tics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer is equipped with a separate
functional braking system, check before
each journey whether the brakes are func-
tioning correctly.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 244).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and a
longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine. R
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to
a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun
brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Towing a trailer
171
Driving and parking Z
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle that were available at the time of
going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions rel-
evant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page
32).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the
vehicle when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also
lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of
an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that
this is possible, park the vehicle paying
attention to traffic conditions and operate
the equipment when the vehicle is station-
ary. G
WARNING
If you are driving and reach through the
steering wheel to operate the adjustment
knob, you could lose control of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Only operate the adjustment knobs when
the vehicle is stationary. Do not reach
through the steering wheel when driving.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
The on-board computer display only shows
messages and warnings from certain systems.
You should therefore make sure your vehicle is
operating safely at all times. If the operating
safety of your vehicle is impaired, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions. Then consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
The accuracy of the speedometer and odome-
ter displays is legally prescribed. Determining
the speed is dependent on the wheel size or
the rolling circumference of the wheels. If you
change the wheel size on your vehicle, make
sure it is assigned to the correct wheel size
category ( Y page
278). If you change wheel
size category without recoding the control
unit, the speedometer indication will be inac-
curate. Driving safety and driving systems may
be impaired or detect a malfunction and shut
down.
An overview of the instrument cluster can be
found under "Instrument cluster":
R for vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Y page 38)
R for vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 40) Display and operation
Instrument lighting
Brightness control knob (example: vehicle with
steering wheel buttons)174
Display and operation
On-board computer and displays