
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.

To save fuel, switch the seat heating off as quickly as possible.
Steering wheel heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The steering wheel heating works when the engine is running.
Switching the steering wheel heating on and off via the Infotainment system
Manual air conditioning system: press the button on the Infotainment system and
touch the Vehicle and function buttons.
Climatronic: open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system.
Touch the function button to switch the steering wheel heating on and off.
Switching the steering wheel heating on or off together with the seat heating (only for Climatronic)
Open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system.
Touch the function button.
Touch the Link seat/steering wheel heating function button to link the steering wheel heating with
the seat heating.
Press the button to switch the steering wheel heating on or off together with the seat heating.
Selecting a temperature setting (only for Climatronic)
Open the air conditioning settings in the Infotainment system.
Touch the function button.
Touch the Setting function button to select a temperature setting.
Three temperature settings are available. The selected setting is saved when the ignition is switched
off. The temperature setting for the steering wheel heating is unrelated to the temperature setting
for the seat heating.
Switch-off conditions
The steering wheel heating will be switched off automatically if one of the following conditions is
met:
Seat heating for the driver seat is switched off (if Link seat/steering wheel heating is active).
Power consumption is too high.
There is a fault in the steering wheel heating system.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction

The cooling system cannot be switched on or its function is restricted
The cooling system functions only when the engine is running and at ambient temperatures above
+3°C (+38°F).
The cooling system is switched off when the engine is very warm.
Switch on the blower.
Check the fuse of the air conditioning system ⇒ Fuses in the dash panel .
Change the dust and pollen filter ⇒ Service .
If the fault persists, seek expert assistance.
The heating and fresh air system cannot be switched on or its function is restricted
The heating and defrost function are more effective when the engine is warm.
If the fault persists, seek expert assistance.
Condensation on the windows
Keep the air intake in front of the windscreen free of ice, snow or leaves in order to improve heating
and cooling performance ⇒ Vehicle care .
Do not cover the air vents in the rear of the luggage compartment to allow air to flow through the
vehicle from the front to the rear.
Press the button or turn the rotary knob to position in order to switch on the defrost
function ⇒ .
The wrong unit of temperature is set
Change the unit of temperature for all temperature displays in the vehicle using the Infotainment
system ⇒ Infotainment system controls and displays .
Change the unit of temperature in the instrument cluster menu ⇒ Instrument cluster .
Water under the vehicle
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the
evaporator of the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does
not indicate a leak!
If the outside humidity is high and the outside temperature low, condensation may evaporate when
the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation . If this is the case, steam may
appear underneath the vehicle. This is not a sign that the vehicle is damaged.
WARNING
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can cause
serious injuries.

Always ensure that all windows are free of ice, snow and mist to ensure good visibility.
Maximum heat output and the fastest possible defrosting of the windows are possible only when
the engine is running. Do not start your journey until you have good visibility.
To help ensure good visibility, make sure that you use the air conditioning system and the rear
window heating correctly.
Auxiliary heater and ventilation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and off
⇒ Programming the auxiliary heater and ventilation
⇒ Remote control
The auxiliary heater and ventilation system can be used to heat the vehicle interior in the winter and
ventilate it in the summer. It is able to clear ice, condensation and a thin layer of snow from the
windscreen. The auxiliary heater is supplied with fuel from the vehicle fuel tank and can be operated
when the vehicle is stationary with the ignition switched off. The auxiliary ventilation system is
powered by the 12-volt vehicle battery.
Auxiliary heater exhaust system
The emissions generated by the auxiliary heater are discharged via an exhaust pipe underneath the
vehicle. The exhaust pipe must not be blocked by snow, mud or other objects.
WARNING
Among other things, the emissions from the auxiliary heater contain carbon monoxide, which is an
odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death.
Never switch on the auxiliary heater when the vehicle is in unventilated or closed rooms nor let the
auxiliary heater run in unventilated or closed rooms.
Never program the auxiliary heater so that it is switched on and runs in unventilated or closed
rooms.
WARNING
Parts of the auxiliary heater exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.
Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable
material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.

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.

NOTICE
Free access to the pedals must be ensured at all times. For example, a larger brake pedal travel will
be necessary in order to stop the vehicle if a brake circuit fails. The brake pedal will have to be
depressed further and harder than normal.
Gear-change indicator
Fig. 96 On the instrument cluster display: gear-change indicator.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 96 :
Currently selected gear.
Recommended gear.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, the instrument cluster display may indicate a gear
which should be selected to reduce fuel consumption while the vehicle is in motion.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever must be in the Tiptronic position for
this ⇒ 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 filter by recommending the most suitable gear when driving. Compared
with normal driving, this may mean driving with an increased engine speed ⇒ Particulate filter .
CAUTION
The gear-change indicator is designed only 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
or when driving up and down hills.
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.

The 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
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and wear of the engine, brakes and tyres can be reduced
by adopting the correct driving style. A few tips are provided below which will help you protect the
environment and also save money.
Fig. 97 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at two different ambient 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 to think ahead when driving.
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.
Use coasting
Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: when the selector lever is in position D and neither
the accelerator nor the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle will roll (coast) with practically no
energy being consumed.
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.
Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately after setting off.
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 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