Starting the engine
The selector lever must be in position P or N.
Driving away from a standstill
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Start the engine Link. The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in P or N.
Press the button on the selector lever and move the selector lever to position D, S or R Link.
Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight movement can be felt).
Release the brake and press the accelerator WARNING!.
Stopping briefly
Press the brake pedal to stop the vehicle (for instance at traffic lights). Do not press the accelerator.
Driving away on a slope (vehicles with hold assist)
Move the selector lever to position D.
Release the footbrake and press the accelerator Link.
Stopping/parking the car
If you open the driver's door while the selector lever is not in position P, the vehicle can roll away. The message Shift to P and switch off ignition, otherwise vehicle can roll away appears on vehicles with convenience key*.
Press and hold the brake pedal WARNING!.
Apply the parking brake.
To apply the parking lock, press the button on the selector lever and move the selector lever to position P Link.
In some situations (such as on mountain roads or when towing a trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to the manual shift programme so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to suit the driving conditions Link.
When parking on level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to P. On a gradient, apply the parking brake before moving the selector lever to P Link. This reduces the load on the locking mechanism and makes it easier to move the selector lever out of position P.
- In all selector lever positions except P the vehicle must always be held with the foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to "creep".
- The accelerator pedal must on no account be pressed inadvertently when the vehicle is stationary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an accident.
- Do not press the accelerator before selecting a gear with the vehicle stationary and the engine running, as this could cause an accident.
- The driver should never get out of the vehicle when the engine is running and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is running, you must apply the parking brake and engage the parking lock P.
- To avoid rolling back on gradients always hold the vehicle with the footbrake or parking brake if you have to stop.
- Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving at normal speeds, as this could cause an accident.
- Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce the speed and select a lower gear (in tiptronic mode).
- Never allow the brake to drag when driving downhill and do not use the brake pedal too often or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will considerably reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. It will increase the braking distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
- When you have stopped on a gradient, do not try to stop the vehicle rolling back by accelerating when a gear is engaged. This could cause the automatic gearbox to overheat and become damaged. Apply the parking brake or press the brake pedal in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
- If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N and the engine switched off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be lubricated Link.
- In certain driving and traffic conditions, for instance in stop-and-go traffic, if you have to pull away frequently or if the vehicle creeps forwards over a long distance, the gearbox can overheat and become damaged. If the warning lamp
lights up, stop the vehicle at the first opportunity and let the gearbox cool down Link.