Doors
Push the locking lever on the rear doors up. The door can now be opened from the outside only.
Safety Switch for the Rear
Press the button on the driver's door if children are being transported in the rear. This locks various functions so they cannot be operated from the rear: safety switch, refer to page 52.
Driving
This chapter describes all standard, country-specific, and optional features offered with the series. Some features may not be available in your vehicle due to options or country versions. Safety-related functions and systems must be used according to applicable laws and regulations.
Start/Stop Button
Concept: Pressing the Start/Stop button switches the ignition on or off and starts the engine.
- Steptronic transmission: Engine starts in selector lever position P or N with brake pedal pressed when the Start/Stop button is pressed.
- Manual transmission: Engine starts with clutch pedal pressed when the Start/Stop button is pressed.
Ignition On
Manual transmission: press Start/Stop button without stepping on the clutch. Steptronic: press Start/Stop button without pressing brake. All vehicle systems are ready for operation. Most indicator/warning lights light up briefly. To save battery, switch off ignition and unnecessary electronic systems when engine is off.
Ignition Off
Manual transmission: press Start/Stop button again without stepping on clutch. Steptronic: shift to P, press Start/Stop button without pressing brake. All indicator lights go out. To save battery, switch off ignition and unnecessary electronics.
Safety Measures
- Ignition switches off automatically in the following situations while stationary: locking the vehicle with low beams on, battery nearly discharged, opening/closing driver door with unbuckled seat belt, front doors opened without occupants, low beams switch to parking lights after inactivity.
- Steptronic with tap-operated selector lever: selector lever automatically engages P if D or R is selected when switching off ignition.
Radio-Ready State
General Information: Certain power consumers remain ready for operation when radio-ready state is active.
- Activate: With engine running, press Start/Stop button. If engine is off and ignition switched on, radio-ready activates automatically when door opens with lights off or daytime running lights on.
- Switching off automatically: occurs when driver's/front passenger door opened while engine off, Start/Stop pressed manually, after ~8 minutes, when vehicle locked via central locking, or battery nearly discharged.
Starting the Engine
DANGER: Blocked exhaust or insufficient ventilation can allow harmful exhaust gases into the vehicle. Keep exhaust pipe free and ensure sufficient ventilation.
WARNING: Unsecured vehicle can move or roll away. Set parking brake, turn wheels toward curb, and secure with wheel chock on slopes.
NOTE: Repeated starting attempts can cause fuel to burn inadequately, overheating the catalytic converter. Avoid quick repeated starts.
Steptronic Transmission
- Depress brake pedal.
- Engage selector lever in P or N.
- Press Start/Stop button.
Manual Transmission
- Depress brake pedal.
- Press clutch pedal and shift to neutral.
- Press Start/Stop button.
Engine Stop
WARNING: Unattended children or animals can cause vehicle to move and endanger themselves. Do not leave children or animals unattended. Take remote control and lock vehicle.
WARNING: Unsecured vehicle can roll away. Set parking brake, turn wheels toward curb, and secure with wheel chock on slopes.
Steptronic Transmission - Switching Off
- Vehicle stationary: apply parking brake.
- Engage selector lever in P.
- Press Start/Stop button. Engine switches off. Radio-ready state activates.
Manual Transmission - Switching Off
- Vehicle stationary: press Start/Stop button. Engine switches off. Radio-ready state activates.
- Shift into first gear or reverse.
- Set parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop Function
Concept: Helps save fuel by switching off engine during stops (traffic, lights). Ignition remains on; engine restarts automatically. Function active above ~3 mph / 5 km/h depending on selected driving mode.
Engine Stop - Functional Requirements
- Manual: Neutral engaged, clutch not pressed, driver's seat belt buckled or door closed.
- Steptronic: Selector lever in D, brake pressed while stopped, driver's seat belt buckled or door closed. To release brake, shift lever to P. Engine remains off until brake pressed; engine starts automatically when gear engaged.
Displays in Instrument Cluster
- Indicates Auto Start/Stop ready for automatic engine start.
- Indicates conditions for automatic engine stop not met.
Functional Limitations
- Engine not switched off automatically if external temperature too low/high, interior not at required temperature, engine not at operating temperature, wheels angled or steering turned, after reversing, fogging, low battery, high elevation, hood unlocked, parking assistant active, stop-and-go traffic, selector lever in R/N/M/S.
Starting the Engine
- Manual: clutch pedal pressed.
- Steptronic: release brake pedal.
After engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety Mode
- After auto stop, engine will not restart automatically if driver's seat belt unbuckled and door open, or hood unlocked.
- Some indicators light up briefly. Engine can only start via Start/Stop button.
Functional Limitations (continued)
- Engine may start automatically in unintended situations: excessive interior warming/cooling, steering wheel turned, selector lever changes, vehicle begins rolling, fogging, low battery, low brake vacuum (manual transmission).
Switching the System On/Off
Press the corresponding button to activate or deactivate Auto Start/Stop.
