Mercedes-Benz 2008 CL550 Automobile User Manual


 
71
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
section (
page 614) and ( page 622).
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.
i
DISTRONIC Plus* and cruise control are
switched off when the ESP
®
engages.
i
The ESP
®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
(
page 727).
!
Because the ESP
®
operates automatically,
the engine and 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 electronic parking brake is being tested
on a brake test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front/rear axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake system.