technical data MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2008 Owners Manual

Thank you for choosing Mercedes-Benz.
Before you drive off, familiarise yourself with
your vehicle and read the Owner's Manual.
This will help you to obtain the maximum
pleasure from your vehicle and to avoid
endangering yourself and others.
Items of optional equipment are marked with
an asterisk *.
The equipment in your vehicle may vary,
depending on the model, the ordered items,
the country specifications and availability.
The illustrations in this Owner's Manual show
a left-hand-drive vehicle. The arrangement of
the switches, levers, stowage compartments,
etc. will differ accordingly in a right-hand-
drive vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art and therefore
reserves the right to introduce changes in
design, equipment and technical features at
any time. You cannot, therefore, base any
claims on the data, illustrations or descrip-
tions in this Owner's Manual.
Please consult a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre if you have any questions.
The Owner’s Manual, Brief Instructions,
service booklet and supplements related to
vehicle equipment belong with the vehicle.
You should always keep them in the vehicle and pass them on to the new owner if you sell
the vehicle.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
i
You can get to know the important fea-
tures of your vehicle in German and in Eng-
lish in the interactive Owner's Manual on
the Internet at:
www.mercedes-benz.de/betriebsanlei-
tung
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2Index........................................................
3Introduction..........................................
15At a glance............................................
19Safety....................................................
35Controls................................................
59Operation............................................
167Practical advice.................................
199Technical data....................................
273Contents
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3A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).......... 55
Display message ............204, 205, 206
Warning lamp.................................. 224
Acceleration
Technical data. ............................... 281
Accident
Notes. ............................................. 231
Active head restraint........................... 42
Active Park Assist Display messages ........................... 210
Active parking assist......................... 123
Trailer towing. ................................. 127
Active Service System PLUS
see Service indicator
Adaptive brake lamps.......................... 56
Airbag Activation.......................................... 37
Control unit....................................... 37
Driver's ............................................. 40
Front. ................................................ 40
Front passenger ................................ 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp .............................................. 223
Sidebags. .......................................... 41
System.............................................. 39
Windowbags. .................................... 42
Airbags
Head/thorax airbags. .......................41Air conditioning
Activating/deactivating ..................135
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode. ................................ 141
Air-conditioning system ..................132
Controlling automatically. ...............136
Convenience opening/closing
(air-recirculation mode). .................141
Cooling with air dehumidification ...136
Demisting the windscreen ..............139
Heatmatic. ...................................... 131
Malfunction indicator lamp. ............222
Misted-up windows. ........................140
Rear window heating ......................140
Setting the air distribution. .............138
Setting the airflow .......................... 139
Setting the air vents .......................137
Setting the temperature .................136
Switching the residual heat func-
tion on/off ...................................... 142
Thermotronic .................................. 134
Air-conditioning system
see Air conditioning
Antifreeze concentration................... 299
Anti-lock braking system see ABS
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft systems................................ 57 Armrest
Front seat (adjusting)........................ 67
Rear seat (adjusting).. .......................68
Removing/fitting. ........................... 148
Ashtray................................................ 162
ASSYST PLUS see Service interval display
ASSYST PLUS service indicator........ 191
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)............. 57
Switching off the alarm. ....................57
Audible warning signal...................... 230
AUTO lights Display message ............................. 216
Automatic car wash........................... 193
Automatic engine start Using the ECO Start-Stop function ...91
With ECO start/stop function ...........89
Automatic transmission
Changing gear yoursel f..................... 95
Display message ............................. 209
Driving tips ....................................... 96
Emergency running mode ...............235
Malfunction..................................... 235
One-touch gearshifting. ....................95
Program selector button ...................96
Trailer towing. ................................... 96
Working on the vehicle .....................96
AUTOTRONIC
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually. ............................................... 243 Index
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6
Driving safety systems
ESP ®
................................................ 56
Driving system................................... 115
Active parking assist. ......................123
Cruise control. ................................ 115
ECO start/stop function .................127
Parktronic. ...................................... 120
Speedtronic. ................................... 117
Driving tip
Braking ........................................... 183
Trailer towing. ................................. 188
Winter ............................................. 182
Driving tips
Driving abroad ............................... 185
Driving on wet roads ......................185
Fording .......................................... 185
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer). .....104
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer). .....105 E
Easy-entry feature ................................ 67
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system................. 149
EASY-VARIO system........................... 149
ECO start/stop function.................... 127
Electrical/electronic equipment Retrofitting ..................................... 275Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
e mark................................................. 275
Emergency key element Lost. ............................................... 239
Emergency locking
Vehicle............................................ 242
Emergency release
Fuel filler fla p.................................. 242
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission ..................235
Emergency starting............................ 270
Emergency unlocking
Vehicle............................................ 241
Engine
Display message ............................. 212
Running irregularl y.......................... 234
Starting problems ........................... 233
Starting with ECO start/stop
function ............................................ 89
Starting with the key......................... 87
Switching off ..................................... 91
Switching off using the ECO Start-
Stop function .................................... 91
Technical data. ............................... 278
Engine diagnostics warning lamp
............................................................. 227
Engine electronics.............................. 275
Malfunction..................................... 233
Engine number................................... 277Engine oil
........................................... 296
Capacities.. ..................................... 174
Checking the oil level (dipstick). .....174
Checking the oil level (on-board
computer). ...................................... 173
Consumption ................................. 172
Display message
....................................... 173, 219, 220
Filler neck. ...................................... 174
Topping up. ..................................... 174
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)... 56
Display messages ...........207, 208, 209
Warning lamp. .......................... 56, 226
Exterior lighting
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer). ...................................... 110
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting .......................................... 71
Folding in/out (automatically). .........72
Folding in/out (electrically). .............72
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer). ...................................... 111
Malfunction..................................... 238
Resetting. ......................................... 72
Exterior view
Overview. .......................................... 20Index
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9
Malfunction memory
see Message memory menu
Manual transmission........................... 92
Maximum speed Technical data. ............................... 280
Memory card...................................... 104
Operating (on-board computer). .....104
see separate operating instructions
Menu (on-board computer)............... .101
Audio. ............................................. 103
DVD. ............................................... 105
Message memory. .......................... 106
Navigation. ..................................... 105
Operating........................................ 102
Resetting to factory settings........... 106
Settings .......................................... 106
Submenu overview. ........................107
Telephone. ...................................... 113
Trip computer. ................................ 112
Messages
see Display messages
see Message memory menu
see Warning and indicator lamps
Minispare emergency spare wheel
Technical data. ............................... 285
Mirrors
Sun visor......................................... 162
Mobile phone...................................... 164
Display message..................... 210, 220 Installation.
..................................... 275
Telephone menu (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 113
Modifying the programming
Key. .................................................. 60
MOExtended run-flat system*.. 178, 262
MP3..................................................... 104
Operating (on-board computer)
....................................................... 104
see separate operating instructions
Multi-contour backrest........................ 69
Multi-function display ..................97, 100
Multi-function steering wheel............. 98
Overview. .......................................... 30 N
Navigation........................................... 105 Navigation menu (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 105
see separate operating instructions O
Odometer Total distance recorder. ....................26
Trip meter. ........................................ 26
Oil
Consumption. ................................. 172
Topping up. ..................................... 174Oil level
Checking (dipstick). ........................174
Checking (on-board computer). ......173
On-board computer.............................. 98
Audio menu. ................................... 103
Convenience submenu. ..................108
Display messages ........................... 202
DVD menu ...................................... 105
Factory settings .............................. 106
Instrument cluster submenu ...........107
Lighting submenu. ..........................108
Message memory menu.................. 106
Navigation menu. ............................ 105
Operation menu. ............................. 102
Settings menu ................................ 106
Standard display menu. ..................103
Telephone menu. ............................ 113
Time/date submenu. ......................107
Trip computer menu. ......................112
Vehicle submenu. ........................... 108
On-board computer language ...........108
One-touch gearshifting........................ 95
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature display .............98
On-board computer. .......................103
Override feature
Rear side windows ............................ 54 Index
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11S
Seat Adjusting. ................................... 63, 65
Correct driver's seat position. ..........76
Folding the rear bench seat
forward. .......................................... 150
Removing/fitting the front-
passenger seat. .............................. 156
Removing/fitting the rear seat
backrest. ........................................ 152
Removing/fitting the rear seat
cushion. .......................................... 151
Seat belt
Adjusting the height.......................... 75
Display message .......................76, 212
Fastening. ......................................... 73
Warning lamp. .......................... 75, 228
Seat cushion
Removing (rear bench seat). ...........151
Seat heating......................................... .69
Seat ventilation Malfunction indicator lamp. ............222
Securing a load................................... 146
Selector lever Positions. .......................................... 94
Service indicator................................ 191
Service products................................ 292
Brake fluid. ..................................... 300Coolant.
.......................................... 297
Windscreen washer fluid. ................300
Settings
Factory (on-board computer). .........106
Setting the unit (on-board computer)
Speedometer. ................................. 108
Sidebags................................................ 41
Side window
Fault. .............................................. 238
Side windows
Cleaning. ........................................ 194
Opening/closing. .............................. 84
resetting ........................................... 85
Ski rack............................................... 144
Snow chains....................................... 182
Socket Cockpit. .......................................... 163
Luggage compartment. ...................164
Spare wheel
Fitting ............................................. 259
Storage location. ............................ 200
Technical data. ............................... 285
Speed
Technical data. ............................... 280
Speed limiter
Speedtronic. ................................... 117Speedometer
Digital speedometer (on-board
computer). ...................................... 103
Setting the unit (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 108
Speedtronic ........................................ 117
Display message ............................. 220
Permanent. ..................................... 120
Variabl e.......................................... 118
SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem)....................................................... 37
Display message ............................. 211
Warning lamp. .......................... 37, 226
Standard display (on-board com-
puter) ................................................... 103
Station see Radio
Status line (on-board computer)....... 100
Selecting the display....................... 108
Steering
Display message ............................. 215
Steering assistant STEER CONTROL ...56
Steering wheel Adjusting .......................................... 70
Buttons (on-board computer)............ 98
Stowage compartment...................... 159
Armrest (front) ................................ 160
Armrest (under) .............................. 161
Boxes under the driver's seat/
front-passenger seat....................... 161 Index
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12Centre console.
.............................. 160
Glove compartment. .......................160
Luggage compartment. ...................161
Stowage space
Cup holder ...................................... 144
Submenu (on-board computer)......... 107
Convenience ................................... 108
Instrument cluster .......................... 107
Lighting........................................... 108
Time/date. ..................................... 107
Vehicle............................................ 108
Summer opening
see Convenience opening
Sun visor............................................. 162
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround lighting
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 110
Switching off the alarm
ATA. .................................................. 57T
Tailgate Display message ............................. 212
Opening/closing. .............................. 62
Tail lamps
changing. ........................................ 250Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank capacity..................................... 292
Technical data Acceleration. .................................. 281
Engine............................................ .278
Speed. ............................................ 280
Trailer loads .................................... 291
Tyres. .............................................. 283
Vehicle dimensions. ........................286
Vehicle weights............................... 286
Wheels. ........................................... 283
Telephone
see Mobile phone
Telephone compartment................... 160
Temperature Coolant. ............................................ 97
Outside temperature......................... 98
Thermotronic
Malfunction indicator lamp. ............222
Third brake lamp
Display message ............................. 217
Through-loading................................. 147
Tightening torque............................... 262
Time Setting (on-board computer).......... .109
Setting the time (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 109
TIREFIT kit
Using. ............................................. 253TopTether..............................................
49
Total distance recorder............... 26, 100
Tow-away protection........................... 58
Towing................................................. 269
Towing eye Fitting ............................................. 269
Removing....................................... .270
Tow-starting ........................................ 270
Trailer 7-pin connector .............................. 191
Display message ............................. 216
Power supply. ................................. 190
Trailer loads
Technical data. ............................... 291
Trailer tow hitch
Notes on care ................................. 196
Trailer towing
Active parking assist .......................127
Driving tips ..................................... 188
Malfunction..................................... 240
Mounting dimensions .....................290
Parktronic. ...................................... 123
Transmission
Display message ............................. 209
Transmission output (maximum)
Telephone/two-way radio ...............275
Transport (vehicle)............................. 270
Trip computer Menu (on-board computer). ............112 Index
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13
Trip meter.............................
26, 100, 102
Resetting. ......................................... 98
Turn signal lamps
Display message ............................. 217
Two-way radio
Installation. ..................................... 275
Tyre grip.............................................. 184
Tyre pressure ..................................... 178
Display message ............................. 211
see Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure loss warning system.1 79
Tyres Direction of rotatio n....................... 177
General notes. ................................ 176
Technical data. ............................... 283
Tyre tread............................................ 178 U
Unladen weight.......................... 287, 288
Unlocking Emergency unlocking...................... 241
From the inside (central unlocking
button) .............................................. 61 V
Variable Speedtronic .........................118
Vehicle Emergency unlocking .............241, 242
Individual settings (on-board com-
puter). ............................................. 106
Leaving parked up. .........................240
Towing. ........................................... 269
Tow-starting .................................... 270
Transporting ................................... 270
Vehicle battery................................... 263
Vehicle dimensions............................ 286
Vehicle electronics............................ 275
Vehicle identification number (VIN).2 77
Vehicle identification plates............. 276
Vehicle tool kit................................... 200
Vehicle weights.................................. 286 W
Warning and indicator lamp ABS (yellow).................................... 224
LIM (cruise control)......................... 116
LIM (variable Speedtronic). .............118
Warning and indicator lamps
ESP ®
......................................... 56, 226
Warning signal
Audible. .......................................... 230
Warning triangle................................. 200 Washer fluid
Display message ............................. 221
Washer fluid reservoir....................... 300
Filling capacity. ............................... 300
Wearing seat belts............................... 73
Wheel bolts Tightening torque............................ 262
Wheel chock
Use. ................................................ 201
Wheels
General notes. ................................ 176
Interchanging.................................. 181
Technical data. ............................... 283
Windowbags......................................... 42
Windows Cleaning. ........................................ 194
Cleaning the windscreen ...............194
see Side windows
Windscreen
Cleaning ......................................... 194
Windscreen washer fluid................... 300
Topping up. ..................................... 175
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir.. 175
Windscreen washer system.............. 300
Windscreen wipers.............................. 83
Cleaning. ........................................ 194
Malfunction..................................... 237
Replacing the wiper blades .............251
Winter diesel...................................... 170
Winter driving............................. 181, 182 Index
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Operating safety
16 Operating safety
Safety notes
G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have work on the vehicle carried out
by a qualified specialist workshop. In par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems as well as maintenance
work must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. The workshop must have
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose. G
Risk of accident and injury
Some safety systems only function while
the engine is running. Therefore, do not
switch the engine off when driving. Other-
wise, the safety systems in your vehicle
may no longer function correctly and
thereby not provide you or others with the
intended degree of protection. There is also
a risk that you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident. G
Risk of accident and injury
Work carried out incorrectly or impermissi-
ble modifications to the vehicle, for exam-
ple cables laid under trim, can impair the
function of the safety systems. The safety
systems may no longer be able to protect
you or others as they are designed to do.
There is also a risk that you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Have all work on and modifications to the
vehicle, such as installations or conver-
sions, carried out at a qualified workshop. G
Risk of accident
A heavy impact to the underbody, tyres or
wheels, for example when bottoming out on
rough terrain or driving over an obstacle at
high speed, could damage your vehicle. As
a result, you could cause an accident. This
also applies to vehicles which are equipped
with underbody protection.
For this reason, drive slowly over obstacles,
avoid bottoming out the vehicle in rough
terrain and, if necessary, have your vehicle
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. G
Risk of accident
If work on electronic equipment and its
software is carried out incorrectly, the equipment could stop functioning. The
electronic systems are networked via inter-
faces. Tampering with these electronic sys-
tems could cause malfunctions in systems
which have not been modified. Such mal-
functions can seriously compromise the
vehicle’s operating safety and your own
safety as well.
Have all work on and modifications to elec-
tronic components carried out at a qualified
workshop. Vehicle registration
Mercedes-Benz may ask its Service Centres
to carry out technical inspections on certain
vehicles to improve their quality or safety.
If you did not purchase your vehicle from an
authorised specialist dealer and your vehicle
has never been inspected at a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre, it is possible that your
vehicle is not registered in your name with
Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz can only
inform you about vehicle checks if it has your
registration data.
It is advisable to register your vehicle with a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Introduction
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Operating safety
17
Inform Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible
about any change in address or vehicle own-
ership. Correct use
Observe the following information when using
your vehicle:
R The safety notes in this manual
R The "Technical data" section in this manual
R National road traffic regulations
R National road traffic licensing regulations G
Risk of injury
Various warning stickers are affixed to your
vehicle. Their purpose is to draw your atten-
tion, and the attention of others, to various
dangers. Therefore, do not remove any
warning stickers unless the sticker clearly
states that you may do so.
If you remove the warning stickers, you or
others could be injured by failing to recog-
nise certain dangers. Introduction
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