Operation Manual

246 Roof racks, Caravan and trailer towing
When driving downhill, the brakes are
under considerably more load when towing
a caravan/trailer. For this reason, drive in
the same gear as if driving uphill and drive
at a similar speed.
Automatic transmission 3 or Easytronic 3
in automatic mode will automatically
select the driving programme with the
optimum engine braking effect.
Gear position 3, 2 or 1 can also be
manually selected if required.
The cooling fan is electrically operated. Its
cooling power is therefore independent of
the engine speed.
Since a considerable amount of heat is
generated at high engine speeds and less
at slower speeds, do not shift down when
climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping
with the gradient in the higher gear.
Starting on inclines
For vehicles with manual transmission, the
most favourable engine speed when
starting off on an incline is between 2500
and 3000 rpm for petrol engines and
between 2000 and 2200 rpm for diesel
engines. Hold engine speed constant,
engage clutch gradually (let slip), release
hand brake and open throttle. If possible,
the engine speed should not drop during
this procedure.
For vehicles with automatic transmission 3
or Easytronic 3 in automatic mode, apply
full throttle.
Before starting off under extreme
conditions (high combination weight,
mountainous terrain with steep inclines),
switch off all unnecessary electrical loads
(e.g. heated rear window, air conditioning
system 3 , heated front seats 3 ).