– Reverse gear
Reverse gear is selected. May be selected 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 reserves. The timing of the gear shift is determined
by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
To change between positions D and S, move the selector lever to the rear ⇒ Fig. 105 .
The selector lever will always return to selector lever position D/S. That also works in the Tiptronic
gate ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic .
Selector lever lock
P
N
To release the selector lever lock, switch on the ignition and depress the brake pedal. Then press the
lock button in the selector lever handle in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 105 .
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 lever is
in position N for more than approximately one second without the brake being pressed and when
the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
WARNING
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 when selecting a position.
When the engine is running and a position is engaged, the vehicle will start moving as soon as the
brake pedal is released.
Never shift 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 by 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 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.
NOTICE
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.
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the accelerator. Wait for the
engine to reach idling speed in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
If the selector lever is left in any position other than P for long periods when the engine is switched
off, the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, Tiptronic allows the gears to be shifted up and down manually.
After manual unlocking, carefully press the cover into the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle toolkit, carefully push the release lever in the
direction of the arrow and keep it in this position ⇒ Fig. 109 .
Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever and move the selector lever into position N.
After manual unlocking, carefully press the cover into the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG® dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced speed
and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases, you should have the DSG® dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Vehicle does not move even though position is engaged
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly.
Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
WARNING
Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not switched on.
Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an uphill or downhill gradient,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
NOTICE
If the vehicle rolls for an extended period or at high speed with the engine switched off and the
selector lever in the position N, the DSG® dual clutch gearbox will be damaged, e.g. when being
towed.
NOTICE
If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle must either be
parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The steering assistance provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to
the vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
functions only when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with steering assistance in critical driving situations.
Additional steering forces assist the driver when counter steering ⇒ .
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the steering response in a
driving situation. Progressive steering functions only when the engine is running.
In urban traffic, less steering input is required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to
steer the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the power steering functions only when the engine is
running.
Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock
may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with assistance when
steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at all times. Counter steering
assistance does not steer the vehicle.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is towed, the ignition must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be used.
Troubleshooting
Steering requires increased force
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Setting a driving profile
⇒ Individually adapting a driving profile
⇒ Troubleshooting
By selecting different driving profiles, the driver can adapt the characteristics of the vehicle systems
to the current driving situation, the desired ride comfort and an economical driving style. The
adaptable vehicle systems include the running gear, engine management system or the air
conditioning system.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles varies according to the vehicle equipment.
The Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control (DCC).
The setting options available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with front-wheel drive have
onroad driving profiles, while vehicles with all-wheel drive have additional offroad driving profiles
⇒ Setting a driving profile .
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving ⇒ . After
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new
driving profile immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator
to activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine also.
WARNING
Selecting a driving profile while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and cause
accidents.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and therefore
change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation .
Setting a driving profile
Fig. 110 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
WARNING
Always avoid traversing a slope ⇒ Traversing a slope .
Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill when stopped
sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (vehicle
occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll over and roll down the incline. Always
leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which open up the incline ⇒ Traversing a slope .
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise control
system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the cruise control
system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious injuries.
Never use the cruise control system when driving offroad.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on surfaced roads only. The area
monitoring system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the area
monitoring system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious
injuries.
Never use the area monitoring system when driving offroad.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down offroad,
accidents and serious injuries.
When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially when
driving up or down hills and inclines.
The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if the engine
sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and breaking
down.
NOTICE
You can drive the vehicle carefully through water with a depth reaching to the bottom edge of the
body, for example puddles or shallow water. Never stop in the water, do not reverse, and never
switch off the engine.
Observe further information on driving through water on roads ⇒ Driving through water .
WARNING
Flowing water can develop enormous power and sweep the vehicle away. This can lead to very
dangerous situations which can cause accidents and serious or even fatal accidents.
Never stop the vehicle when in water.
Water in the engine compartment can cause the vehicle to break down in the water.
Soft ground surfaces, underwater obstacles and shallows can cause accidents and can cause the
vehicle to breakdown in the water. This could lead to critical situations.
NOTICE
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running gear and
vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
When driving through water, always select a section where the ground is solid and where the depth
of the water does not exceed the maximum permitted fording depth of the vehicle.
Never drive through salt, salty surfaces or salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse off all
components that have been exposed to salt or salt water immediately with fresh water.
Offroad driving in snow
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Fit snow chains to the front wheels only before driving on snow-covered terrain.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. This is particularly true of sections
where there are no visible tyre tracks or other tracks.
WARNING
Driving in snow-covered terrain is very dangerous.
Both shallow and deep potholes, hollows, ditches, precipices, frozen surfaces and other obstacles
can be fully or partially covered by snow.
Dangers concealed by snow can cause an accident, serious injuries, or cause the vehicle to break
down in extreme weather conditions.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, suspension struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system, on the
wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as branches, leaves or
pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a qualified workshop or seek
expert assistance.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting engine operation In the engine
compartment.
Deselecting the Offroad driving profile Setting a driving profile.
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
WARNING
Objects caught underneath the vehicle underbody pose a danger. The vehicle underbody must
always be examined for trapped objects after every journey offroad.
Never drive if objects are trapped in the underbody, brake system, wheels, running gear, exhaust
system and engine.
Inflammable materials, e.g. dry leaves, could ignite on hot vehicle components. A fire can cause
serious injuries.
Trapped objects could damage the fuel lines, brake system, seals and other running gear
components. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause accidents.
Driver assist systems
Speed limiter
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects: