Mercedes-Benz 2008 ML 350 Automobile User Manual


 
103
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching on the ESP
®
̈ Press ESP
®
switch 1.
The ESP
®
warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving
mode.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 399).
Off-road – ESP
®
With the off-road driving program switched
on (
page 253), the ESP
®
designed for
off-road use is automatically activated. At
speeds below 27 mph (45 km/h), the
ESP
®
assists in over-/understeering, thus
improving vehicle traction.
ESP
®
Trailer Stabilization
If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help
to stabilize the rig.
ESP
®
will assist you in such situations.
ESP
®
recognizes when the trailer starts
swaying and will apply the brakes to re-
duce the vehicle speed to a non-critical
speed that allows the vehicle-trailer combi-
nation to stabilize.
The ESP
®
Trailer Stabilization is functional
at vehicle speeds above approximately
40 mph (65 km/h) when the ESP
®
is
switched on.
Warning! G
When the ESP
®
warning lamp v is
illuminated continuously, the ESP
®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP
®
.
!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an ex-
tended period of time with the ESP
®
switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning G
The system will not be able to assist when
the trailer jackknifes
ț on wet or icy roads
ț on roads with slippery surface
ț in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying
of the trailer.
i
If the ESP
®
has switched off due to a mal-
function, ESP
®
cannot stabilize the rig.