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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
̄ Driving safety systems
This section contains information about
Adaptive Brake Lights as well as the follow-
ing driving safety systems:
ț ABS (Antilock Brake System)
ț Adaptive Brake
ț BAS (Brake Assist System)
ț BAS Plus* (Brake Assist System Plus*)
ț EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
ț ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
ț ETS (Electronic Traction System)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
୴ page 28) comes on when you
switch on the ignition (
୴ page 315). It goes
out when the engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
̈ Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
Warning! G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:
ț Excessive speed, especially in turns
ț Wet and slippery road surfaces
ț Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, BAS Plus*, EBP, ESP
®
and
ETS cannot reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
i
In winter operation, the maximum effective-
ness of the ABS, Adaptive Brake, BAS,
BAS Plus*, EBP, ESP
®
and ETS is only achieved
with winter tires (
୴ page 530), or snow chains
as required.
Warning! G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.