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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:
ț ABS (Antilock Brake System)
ț BAS (Brake Assist System)
ț ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
ț EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
ț 4-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
respond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
୴ page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. 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 ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Warning! G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
ț Excessive speed, especially in turns
ț Wet and slippery road surfaces
ț Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP
®
and 4-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, the BAS, the ESP
®
, the EBP, and
the 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires
(
୴ page 399) 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.