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Driving safety systems
60
For more information, see “What to do
if …?” (Y page 298).
BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 58.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS automatically provides
full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
X
Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from lock-
ing.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
G
Warning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system
still functions, but without the additional
brake boost available that the BAS would
normally provide in an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
ESP
®
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 58.
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 ESP
®
warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster comes on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
The ESP
®
warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP
®
is
engaged.
G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP
®
when you see the
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) 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.
Safety and security