CONCLUSIONES

ESP

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 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 ap- plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slip- pery road surfaces.

The ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster flashes when the ESP is en- gaged.

The warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on when you turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position2 or press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button twice. It goes out when the engine is running.

Warning!

G

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that af- forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following an- other vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Warning!

G

Never switch off the ESP when you see the ESP warning lamp v flashing in the in- strument cluster. In this case, proceed as follows:

앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.

앫 While driving, ease upon the accelera- tor.

앫 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.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄page 305).

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:

앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in deep snow in conjunction with snow chains

앫 sand or gravel

The switch is located on the center con- sole.

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.

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Distronic* is switched off when ESP is activated.

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Because of the ESP’s automatic opera- tion, the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position0

or1 or KEYLESS-GO* start/stop but- ton in position0 or1) when

앫 the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer

앫 the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised

Active braking action through the ESP may otherwise seriously damage the brake system.

The ESP will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size.

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.

Driving safety systems

1ESP off

2ESP on

왘 Press upper half₁ of the ESP switch until the ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on.

The ESP is deactivated.

If one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster flashes, regardless of the speed.

Traction control brakes a spinning wheel even when the ESP is deactivated. The ESP always operates when you are braking, even when it has been deactivat- ed.

Switching on the ESP

왘 Press lower half₂ of the ESP switch until the ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster goes out.

You are now again in normal driving mode.

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Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Warning!

G

When the ESP warning lampv is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP.

왔Anti-theft systems

The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle.

Activating

앫 With the SmartKey: Removing the SmartKey from the starter switch acti- vates the immobilizer.

앫 With KEYLESS-GO*: Turning off the en- gine by means of the start/stop button on the gear selector lever activates the immobilizer.

Deactivating

앫 With the SmartKey: Inserting the SmartKey in the starter switch deacti- vates the immobilizer.

앫 With KEYLESS-GO*: Starting the en- gine by means of the start/stop button on the gear selector lever deactivates the immobilizer.

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In case the engine cannot be started (yet the vehicle’s battery is charged), the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

Anti-theft systems