Mercedes-Benz 2004 E 320 - Manual (Page 78)

78
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have 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
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1 ESP off/on switch
̈ Press ESP switch 1 until the
ABS/ESP warning lamp
v in the in-
strument cluster comes on.
The ESP is deactivated.
If one or more drive wheels are spinning,
the ABS/ESP warning lamp
v in the in-
strument 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.
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 driving
maneuvers.
!
Turn on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore.
i
DISTRONIC* cannot be activated when
the ESP has been deactivated.
!
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.