Press the button in the air conditioning block.
Touch the Air Care function button.
Touch the Active function button to switch the Air Care function on or off.
– Synchronising the temperature settings
Press the button to adopt the temperature settings of the driver side for the front passenger
side.
– Automatic mode
The automatic mode ensures constant temperatures in the vehicle interior. The air temperature, air
quantity and air distribution are regulated automatically. Automatic mode switches off if ventilation
is adjusted manually.
– Cooling mode
Press the button in the air conditioning block to switch cooling mode on or off.
In cooling mode, the air is dehumidified.
– Maximum cooling
Manual air conditioning system: turn the left rotary control to position . Air
recirculation mode is switched on automatically.
Climatronic: press the button. Air recirculation mode is switched on automatically
and the air distribution is set to the position.
/ – Temperature
Manual air conditioning system: turn the left rotary control ⇒ Fig. 91 .
Climatronic: turn the outer rotary controls ⇒ Fig. 92 to adjust the temperatures for the driver
and front passenger sides.
The set temperatures are displayed above the rotary controls for Climatronic.
– Seat and steering wheel heating
Press the buttons or to switch the seat heating on and off ⇒ Seat heating .
To operate the seat heating and steering wheel heating at the same time with the button, link
the two functions via the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system ⇒ Switching the
steering wheel heating on or off together with the seat heating (only for Climatronic) .
/ – Auxiliary heater
If the air distribution regulator of the manual air conditioning system is turned to position.
WARNING
Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and affect their concentration, which in turn can cause
collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period as no fresh air will enter the vehicle
interior.
If the cooling system is switched off, condensation can form on the windows very quickly in air
recirculation mode and reduce visibility considerably.
Switch off the air recirculation mode when it is no longer required.
NOTICE
In vehicles with an air conditioning system, do not smoke when the air recirculation mode is
switched on. The smoke can leave a residue on the cooling system evaporator and the dust and
pollen filter with pollution filter insert, producing a lasting unpleasant odour.
When reversing the vehicle, or when the wash and wipe system is being used, the air recirculation
mode will switch on to prevent odours from entering the vehicle interior.
Climatronic
If the outside temperature is very high, the manual air recirculation mode can be activated for a
short time to help cool the vehicle interior more quickly.
Seat heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The seat cushions and backrests can be heated electrically when the engine is running.
Operating the seat heating
Press the or button in the air conditioning block in order to switch the seat heating to the
highest temperature setting.
Press the or button repeatedly until the desired setting is reached.
To switch the seat heating off, press the or button repeatedly until no LEDs are lit.
Operating noises can be heard if the auxiliary heater is switched on.
The 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge if the auxiliary heating or ventilation is run several times
over an extended period. Drive the vehicle for an appropriate distance in between in order to
recharge the 12-volt vehicle battery.
The fuel gauge indication may not be accurate (just above the reserve quantity) when the vehicle is
parked on a slope; this may restrict the function of the auxiliary heater.
The auxiliary heater may switch on automatically when the engine is started at temperatures below
+5°C (+41°F) in order to provide additional hea ng power. The supplementary heating function will
switch off again automatically after a short time.
Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Opening the Auxiliary heater menu
The auxiliary heater is programmed in the Infotainment system.
Manual air conditioning system
Press the button on the Infotainment system.
Touch the Vehicle and function buttons.
Climatronic
Open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system.
Touch the function button.
Changing operating mode
Open the Auxiliary heater menu.
Press the Heating or Ventilation function buttons to change mode.
At high outside temperatures, the auxiliary ventilation system directs fresh air into the vehicle and
prevents the accumulation of heat.
Programming the auxiliary heater
Activation is always for one heating or ventilation operation only. The departure time must be
activated again for every start.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control .
Avoid driving at full throttle
Never drive the vehicle at its top speed. The drag coefficient increases at excessively high speeds.
This in turn increases the force needed to move the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Pull away immediately with low engine speeds. 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 can switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel moderately
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half or two thirds of the way
full is sufficient for journeys in urban traffic in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached only
after driving a few kilometres. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 97 . Plan journeys economically and combine short journeys.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service life
of the vehicle.
Observe the tyre pressures
Low tyre pressures does not just mean greater wear, but also increase the rolling resistance of the
tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the 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 system .
Use low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and are
distributed better and more quickly, especially during 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.
To keep the vehicle's air resistance as low as possible, remove any add-on parts and equipment such
as ski racks, bicycle racks and roof carriers once you have finished using them.
Save electrical energy
WARNING
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km and must first be run
in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the brake pedal.
In order to reduce the risk of accidents, serious injuries and the loss of control over the vehicle, you
must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads.
Never drive too close to other vehicles during the run-in time for the new brake pads and never
create a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.
When driving downhill, the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very quickly.
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear (with manual
gearboxes or in Tiptronic mode with the automatic gearbox). This will make use of the engine
braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes.
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause them to
overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer braking
distances.
Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious applications of the
brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus cause
accidents and serious injuries.
Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system.
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 have to drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any carriers and the loads attached to
them from the boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior when 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 exhaust fumes 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 air conditioning system.
Open all vents in the dash panel.
Switch the blower for the heating and fresh air system or for the air conditioning system to the
highest setting.
NOTICE
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
Driving through water
Please follow these points in order to prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water,
for example on flooded streets:
Check how deep the water is before driving through it. The water may be no higher than the lower
edge of the 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 .
WARNING
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking distance
will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in winter.
Dry and de-ice the brakes using careful braking manoeuvres. Make sure that you do not endanger
any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
NOTICE
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, gearbox, running gear and
vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Immediately rinse all components that
have been exposed to salt water with fresh water.
Running in the engine
A new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. This enables all the moving parts to
bed in together. During the first few operating hours, the engine has higher internal friction than it
does later.
Do not depress the accelerator fully.
Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the maximum engine speed.
Gradually increase speed and engine speed.
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after this
time – and especially with a cold engine – drive the vehicle at moderate engine speeds in order to
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover.
Do not drive at engine speeds which are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running
smoothly.
New tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres and brake pads ⇒ Notes on driving must be run in carefully.
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.
Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
The vehicle is produced at the factory specifically for a certain country and complies with this
country's registration regulations valid at the time of vehicle production.
Start/stop system
Fig. 102 In the upper 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.
Switching on the start/stop system
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display will show information about the current status.
Further information on start/stop mode can be accessed in the Infotainment system using the
button or function button and the Vehicle, Selection, Vehicle status function buttons. This
information also applies to coasting.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp lights up, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is
active.
If the indicator lamp lights up, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has
started the engine automatically ⇒ Conditions for an automatic restart .
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.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
The driver is wearing their seat belt.
The driver door is closed.