Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 68)

"ESP ® OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP
® .
Do not switch off the ESP ® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ® is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
® in the
following situations:
R
when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
G
WARNING
Switch on ESP ® immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP
® cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
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 traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ® is no longer available; it is also
not activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ® Brake is no longer available; it
is also not activated if you brake firmly and
ESP
® intervenes.
R ESP ® still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ® is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP ® warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP
® will not stabilize the vehicle.
X To deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP
® OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷
OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.
G
WARNING
When the å ESP ® OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ® is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP ® warning lamp and the
å ESP ® OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ® is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP
® .
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ® deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP
® OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
66
Driving safety systems
Safety