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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
୴ page 303).
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have the drive wheels
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better
grip such as:
ț starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains
ț in sand or gravel
Warning! G
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.
!
The ESP will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
୴ page 384).
i
Distronic* is switched off when ESP is
activated.
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
tion, 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:
ț the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front/rear axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
For information on vehicles with
4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic
traction system (4MATIC) with the
ESP” (
୴ page 82).
Warning! G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
i
Distronic* cannot be activated when
the ESP has been deactivated.