Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2013 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 79)

otherwise not be able to stabilize the
vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a
wheel starts to spin.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ® deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
X To switch off: press button :.
The å ESP
® OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch on: press button :.
The å ESP
® OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Characteristics when ESP ® is deactivated
If ESP ® is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP ® warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ® will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ® :
R ESP ® no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R ETS is still active.
R ESP ® still provides support when you
brake.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® (AMG
vehicles)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (
Y
page 73).
You can select between the following states
of ESP ® :
R ESP ® is activated.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
R ESP ® is deactivated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following.
G WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ® , ESP ® no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
® in the situations
described in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP ® :
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
R on designated roads when the vehicle's
own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP ® requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver.
i Activate ESP ® as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ® will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the
vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a
wheel starts to spin.
Driving safety systems
77
Safe
ty
Z