Troubleshooting
If there is a malfunction in the proactive occupant protection system, the message Proactive
occupant protection unavailable or Proactive occupant protection: function restricted is
shown permanently on the instrument cluster display.
Go to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.
Airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system
⇒ Indicator lamp
⇒ Description and function of the airbags
⇒ Front airbags
⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off
⇒ Side airbags
⇒ Curtain airbags
⇒ Knee airbags
The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can
provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head
restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must
always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.
The intelligent technology of the proactive occupant protection system cannot overcome
the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra
convenience afforded by the proactive occupant protection system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. The system cannot prevent a collision. The system is not a
substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•The system cannot detect objects in all situations.
•The proactive occupant protection system does not react to people, animals, objects
crossing in front of the vehicle, or objects which are hard to make out.
•Reflective objects such as safety barriers, tunnel entrances, heavy rain and ice can
impair the function of the proactive occupant protection system and thus prevent it
from detecting a collision risk.
•Incorrect system activation can occur.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never change settings in the Infotainment system when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
being damaged.
NOTICE
Mechanically adjusting the front seat
Always adjust the front seats to their correct position before any journey and ensure that
any passenger has fastened their seat belt.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the
hub of the steering wheel. Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards
so that you are able to press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly bent
and so that the distance from the dash panel to your knees is at least 10 cm. If your
build makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement then you must contact a qualified
workshop so they can make any necessary modifications.
•Never travel with the backrest tilted far back. The further back the backrest is tilted, the
greater the risk of injury caused by incorrect seat belt routing or an incorrect sitting
position.
•Never travel with the backrest tilted far forwards. When a front airbag is triggered it
could force the seat backrest backwards and injure vehicle occupants on the back
seats.
•Adopt and maintain the greatest possible distance from the steering wheel and dash
panel.
•You should always sit upright with your back against the seat backrest with the front
seats properly adjusted. Do not position any body part too close where the airbags are
fitted.
•The risk of serious injury is increased for passengers on the rear seat if they are not
sitting upright because the seat belts are incorrectly positioned.
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Only adjust the seats when the vehicle is stationary. The seats could change position
unexpectedly if you attempt to reposition them while the vehicle is in motion, leading
to a loss of control of the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is
adopted while adjusting the seat.
•Only adjust the height and tilt of the seat or move it forwards and backwards when the
area around the seat is clear.
•To be able to make adjustments to the seats, the area around them must not be
restricted by any items.
•Only adjust the height of the rear seat or move it forwards and backwards when the
area around the seat is clear.
•The areas for adjusting and locking the seats must not be soiled.
WARNING
Improper use of seat covers or protective covers may lead to the electrical seat controls
being operated accidentally and the front seats moving unexpectedly while the vehicle is
moving. You could lose control over the vehicle. This could result in serious injury and
accidents. Furthermore, this may result in damage to the electrical components in the
front seats.
•Never attach or secure seat covers or protective covers to the electrical controls.
•Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been
expressly approved for use in the vehicle.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to
serious burns and other injuries.
•Before adjusting the seats always ensure that there is no lighter on or near the
moveable parts of the seat.
•Before closing stowage areas or compartments always ensure that there is no lighter
in the way.
•Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the
vehicle. High surface temperatures, especially in summer, may cause cigarette lighters
to self-ignite.
WARNING
Convenience turn signal
To operate the convenience turn signal, push the turn signal and main beam lever up or down to
the point where you meet resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal flashes 3 times.
To cancel the convenience turn signal, immediately move the lever in the opposite direction up to
the pressure point and then release it.
The convenience turn signal can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system in
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system:
The hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ In an emergency.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Vehicle lighting
Switching lights on and off
Fig. 97 Next to the steering wheel: light switch (one variantyf .
Switching lights on
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the light switch to the appropriate position.
Automatic headlights: the dipped beams are switched on or off automatically depending on
the brightness level and the weather ⇒, ⇒ Automatic headlights .The side lights
and daytime running lights are switched on. The symbol in the light switch lights up green.The
dipped beam headlights are switched on.
Switching off the lights
•Switch off the ignition.
•Turn the light switch to the appropriate position.
The lights are switched off.Leaving Home function (orientation lightingyf P D \ E H V Z L W F K H G
on ⇒ Coming Home and Leaving Home function (orientation lightingyf.Side lights or
continuous parking light on both sides of the vehicle switched on ⇒ Switching the parking lights on
and off. The symbol in the light switch lights up green.Dipped beam switched off – the side
lights remain on while the vehicle key is in the ignition lock and while the driver door is closed in
vehicles with Keyless Access.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights (dependent on equipment levelyf F D Q L Q F U H D V H W K H Y L V L E L O L W \ R I \ R X U
vehicle in traffic during the day.
The daytime running lights are switched on every time the ignition is switched on when the light
switch is in position , or (when brightness is detectedyf .
The daytime running lights cannot be switched on or off manually.
Incorrect use of turn signals, a failure to use turn signals, or forgetting to switch off a turn
signal can confuse other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always activate the turn signal in good time when changing lanes and performing
overtaking or turning manoeuvres.
•Always switch off the turn signal once the lane change or overtaking or turning
manoeuvre has been completed.
WARNING
Switching on the Coming Home function
m/k/a999MKNot in China
•Switch off the ignition.
•Operate the headlight flasher for approximately one second.
The Coming Home lighting is switched on when the driver door is opened. The switch-off delay
starts when the last vehicle door or the boot lid has been closed.
Switching on the Coming Home function
m/k/a999MKOnly in China
•Switch off the ignition.
The Coming Home lighting is switched on when the light switch is in position and the
rain/light sensor detects that it is dark.
The switch-off delay starts when the last vehicle door or the boot lid has been closed.
Switching off the Coming home function
•Automatically after the set switch-off delay has elapsed.
•OR: automatically if a vehicle door or the boot lid is still open approximately 30 seconds after
switching on.
•OR: turn light switch to position .
•OR: switch on the ignition.
Switching on the Leaving home function
•Unlock the vehicle when the light switch is in position and the rain/light sensor detects
that it is dark.
Switching off the Leaving home function
•Automatically after the switch-off delay.
•OR: lock the vehicle.
•OR: turn light switch to position .
•OR: switch on the ignition.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Headlights
Headlight range control
Fig. 100 Next to steering wheel: headlight range control ①.
Headlight range control can be used to adjust the light cone in the dipped beam to the vehicle load
level. This gives the driver the best visibility possible and means that oncoming traffic will not be
dazzled ⇒.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, the headlight range can be adjusted with the control
⇒ Fig. 100 or in the Vehicle settings⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system
menu in the Infotainment system.
•Turn the control ⇒ Fig. 100① or the slide control in the Infotainment system to the necessary
position (example of the vehicle's load levelyf :
Setting in the
Infotainment
system
Setting with
the control
Setting with
the control
with sports
running gear
Front seats occupied and luggage compartment
empty.
ayf
ayf
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever must be in the
Tiptronic position ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
No recommended gear is indicated if the most suitable gear is already selected. The currently
selected gear is displayed.
Information on cleaning the particulate filter
The engine management system recognises when the particulate filter is becoming saturated and
supports regeneration of the particulate filter by recommending the most suitable gear when driving.
Compared with normal driving, this may mean driving with an increased engine speed ⇒ Particulate
filter.
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.
Gear-change indicator display goes out when the clutch is depressed in vehicles with a
manual gearbox or when Tiptronic position is deselected in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch
gearbox.
Driving economically
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The fuel consumption, pollution and
wear of the engine, brakes and tyres
are reduced by an appropriate driving
style. A few tips are provided below
which will help you protect the
environment and also save money.
Fig. 116 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures.
Think ahead when driving
The fuel consumption will increase if you do not adopt a steady driving style. Keeping a close eye
on the traffic can help to avoid frequent acceleration and braking. Keeping a sufficient distance from
the vehicle in front will help you anticipate the driving situation.
Use the cruise control system where possible ⇒ Cruise control system (CCSyf.
With a gear engaged, allow the vehicle to come to a halt by itself to make use of the engine braking
effect, e.g. when approaching traffic lights.
Using freewheeling
m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: When the selector lever is in
position D/S and neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle will roll
(coastyf Z L W K S U D F W L F D O O \ Q R H Q H U J \ E H L Q J F R Q V X P H G .
With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged, but is also switched off.
Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox ⇒ Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox.
Change gears in an energy-saving way
Shifting up early at an engine speed of 2,000 rpm will save energy. Do not drive gears to the limit
and avoid high revs.
The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the
driver's own judgement.
•The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations (e.g.
when overtaking, driving up and down hills ⇒ Trailer towingand when towing a traileryf .
CAUTION
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®®
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
Selector lever positionDisplay
PP
RR
NN
D/SE, D or S ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control
Tiptronic gateM ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic
– Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically. Select only when the vehicle is stationary. To disengage
this selector lever position while the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and press the
lock button in the selector lever.
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear is selected. Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
– Neutral
The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect
of the engine is not available.
– Standard forward driving position
Position : Normal programme.
All forward gears are shifted up and down automatically. The timing of the gear shift is determined
by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
Position : Sport programme.
The forward gears are automatically changed up later and down earlier than in selector lever
position D. This exploits the engine’s full power. The timing of the gear shift is determined by the
engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
– Changing driving modes
The change between positions D and S is carried out by tapping the selector lever once to the rear
out of selector lever position D/S⇒ Fig. 123. The selector lever will always return to selector lever
position D/S.
Using this function it is possible to access the Tiptronic option from both the Sport programme S
and from the Normal programme D⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in selector lever position P or N prevents gears from being engaged
unintentionally, which would cause the vehicle to move.
To release the selector lever lock, switch on the ignition and press the brake pedal. Then press the
lock button in the selector lever handle in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 123.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through position N, e.g.
when shifting from reverse to D/S. This makes it possible, for instance, to rock the vehicle
backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically
if the brake pedal is not depressed and the lever is in position N for more than approximately
1 second and the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mphyf .
If the selector lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the
accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
Tiptronic allows the gears to be shifted
up and down manually with a DSG
dual clutch gearbox.
Fig. 124 Selector lever in Tiptronic position (left-hand driveyf 7 K H F R Q W U R O V D U H P L U U R U H G I R U U L J K W -
hand drive vehicles.
Fig. 125 Steering wheel with paddles for Tiptronic.
The gear that is currently selected will be maintained when the Tiptronic programme is selected.
This remains the case as long as the system does not automatically carry out a change of gear due
to the current driving situation.
Operating Tiptronic with the selector lever
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate.
Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.
•When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a selector lever
position is engaged and the brake pedal is released.
•Never switch to reverse or selector lever position P while the vehicle is moving.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position
has been selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always
switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P.
•If the engine is running and the selector lever is in position D/S or R, the vehicle must
be held on the foot brake. The vehicle will creep forward even when the engine is
idling, as power transmission is even then not fully interrupted.
•Never select reverse gear or selector lever position P when the vehicle is in motion.
•Never leave the vehicle in selector lever position N. The vehicle will roll downhill
irrespective of whether or not the engine is running.
WARNING
If the electronic parking brake is not switched on when the vehicle is stationary and the
brake pedal is released when the selector lever is in position P, the vehicle may move a
few centimetres forwards or backwards.
NOTICE
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