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Driving safety systems
65
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
ESP
®
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 63.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running
and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP
®
recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying
brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limit-
ing the engine output, the ESP
®
works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP
®
is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slippery
road surfaces. The ESP
®
also stabilizes the
vehicle during braking and steering maneu-
vers.
The ABS/ESP
®
warning lamp
v
in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ABS/ESP
®
warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP
®
is
engaged.
G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP
®
when you see the
ABS/ESP
®
warning lamp v flashing in
the instrument cluster. In this case proceed
as follows:
R
When driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
R
While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R
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 resulting from excessive
speed.
!
Because the ESP
®
operates automati-
cally, 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 the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or when the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the Mer-
cedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
The ESP
®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i
The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP
®
engages.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (Y page 256) and
(Y page 296).
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 63.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP
®
. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available trac-
tion, especially under slippery road condi-
tions by applying the brakes to a spinning
wheel.
When you switch off the ESP
®
, the ETS is still
enabled.
Safety and security
Z