Mercedes-Benz 2003 S 500 4MATIC Automobile User Manual


 
196
Controls in detail
Driving systems
Driving systems
The driving systems of your vehicle are de-
scribed on the following pages:
ț Cruise control and Distronic*, with
which the vehicle can maintain a preset
speed
ț AIRMATIC adjusts the vehicle suspen-
sion characteristics automatically and
controls the vehicle level.
ț ABC* with vehicle level control sys-
tems, with which you can change vehi-
cle suspension characteristics
ț Parktronic*, which serves as a parking
assistant
For information on the BAS, ABS, and ESP
driving systems, see “Driving safety sys-
tems” (
page 76).
Cruise control
Cruise control automatically maintains the
speed you set for your vehicle.
Use of cruise control is recommended for
driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time. You can set any speed
above 20 mph (30 km/h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever found on the left-hand side of the
steering column (
page 20).
Warning! G
Cruise control is a convenience system de-
signed to assist the driver during vehicle op-
eration. The driver is and must remain at all
times responsible for the vehicle speed and
for safe brake operation.
Only use cruise control if the traffic, road
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a steady speed.
ț The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.
ț The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
ț Deactivate cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.