Automatic car wash
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried.
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an
automatic car wash.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the very start.
Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless Automatic Car Wash as these use special cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
In car washes with a towing mechanism, make sure that the automatic transmission is in transmission position N, otherwise the vehicle could be damaged.
• Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Do not open the driver's door or front-passenger door when the engine is switched off. Otherwise, the automatic transmission selects park position P automatically and locks the wheels. You can prevent this by shifting the automatic transmission to N beforehand.
RVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or frontpassenger door when the engine is switched off. Otherwise, the automatic transmission selects park position P automatically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the automatic transmission stays in position N:
Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is switched off.
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Shift the automatic transmission to position N.
Release the brake pedal.
Release the electric parking brake.
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Make sure that:
• the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
• the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
• the windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax from the windshield and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises caused by residue on the windshield.
See also:
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tires
WARNING
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If ...
Climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
- Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
- To increase/reduce: turn controls 1 and
6 clockwise or c ...
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
The tires should always be inflated to the recommended tire pressure.
Remove unnecessary loads.
Remove roof racks when they are not needed.
Warm up t ...