Mercedes-Benz 2003 M-Class - Manual (Page 186)

186
Operation
Driving instructions
Off-road driving
Read this chapter carefully before you be-
gin off-road travel.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle char-
acteristics and gear changing before you
attempt any difficult terrain off-road driv-
ing. We recommend that you start out with
easy off-road travel.
Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available
for specific kind of operation:
ț LOW RANGE mode ( ୴ page 118)
ț LOW RANGE – ABS ( ୴ page 72)
ț LOW RANGE – 4-ETS ( ୴ page 74)
ț LOW RANGE – ESP ( ୴ page 76)
Off-road driving rules
Engage the LOW RANGE mode before driv-
ing under off-road conditions
(
୴ page 118).
Fasten items being carried as securely as
possible (
୴ page 139).
Warning!
G
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected ob-
stacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehi-
cle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope (dan-
ger of vehicle rollover). The vehicle might
otherwise rollover. If in doing so the vehicle
begins to show a tendency to roll, immedi-
ately steer into a line of gravity (straight up
or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle
or when the clutch is disengaged. You may
lose control of the vehicle if you use only the
service brake.
Warning!
G
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having
friction property can cause exceptional wear
and tear as well as brake failure.
Have the brakes checked for dirt build-up
and cleaned. There is otherwise a risk that
full braking power may not be available in an
emergency.
i
We recommend keeping doors, liftgate,
windows, and sliding/pop-up roof*
closed whenever driving in off-road
mode.