Mercedes-Benz 2005 ML 500 Automobile User Manual


 
205
Operation
Driving instructions
Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available
for specific kind of operation:
ț LOW RANGE mode (page 127)
ț LOW RANGE – ABS ( page 77)
ț LOW RANGE – 4-ETS ( page 80)
ț LOW RANGE – ESP ( page 81)
Off-road driving rules
Engage the LOW RANGE mode before driv-
ing under off-road conditions
(
page 127).
Fasten items being carried as securely as
possible (
page 160).
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
ț Check the engine oil level
(
page 224). The display
OIL i.O
must appear via display in the speed-
ometer.
Only then can the vehicle obtain a trou-
ble-free oil supply, even on steep gradi-
ents.
i
We recommend keeping doors, liftgate,
windows, and tilt/sliding sunroof*
closed whenever driving in off-road
mode.
!
Observe the following during off-road
driving:
ț Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be.
ț Watch out for obstacles, such as
rocks, holes, tree stumps and ruts.
ț Be especially careful when driving
in unknown territory. It may be nec-
essary to get out of the vehicle and
scout the path you intend to take.
ț Before driving through water, deter-
mine is depth.
ț Do not stop vehicle while immersed
in water, and do not shut off the
engine.
ț In sandy soil, please drive at a
steady speed as allowed by condi-
tions. This helps overcome the vehi-
cle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking
into the ground.
ț Do not initiate jumps with the vehi-
cle. It interrupts the forward mo-
mentum of the vehicle.
ț Always drive onto slopes with the
the engine running and the vehicle
in gear.