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101
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
୴ page 379) and
(
୴ page 400).
Warning! G
Never switch off the ESP
®
when you see the
ESP
®
warning lamp v flashing in the in-
strument cluster. In this case proceed as fol-
lows:
ț While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
ț While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
ț Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed.
Warning! G
The ESP
®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP
®
equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.
!
The ESP
®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
(
୴ page 480).
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP
®
operates automatically, the
engine and the ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button* in position 0
or 1) when:
ț the parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the front axle
raised
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake system.
For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see
“Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC)
with the ESP
®
” (୴ page 104).