Mercedes-Benz 2009 ML63 AMG Automobile User Manual


 
101
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 413).
Off-road – ESP
®
With the off-road driving program switched
on (
page 268), 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.
EBP
The EBP enhances braking effectiveness
by allowing the rear brakes to supply a
greater proportion of the braking effort
without a loss of vehicle stability.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 416) and
(
page 448).
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.
Warning! G
If the EBP is malfunctioning, the brake sys-
tem is still functioning. However, the rear
wheels may lock during hard braking, caus-
ing you to lose control over the vehicle and
possibly causing an accident. Adjust your
driving style to the non-operating status of
the EBP.