Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2009 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 278)

Driving instructions
276
use only the service brake. For information
on driving downhill, see “Driving downhill”.
G Warning!
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.
G Warning!
Vehicles with air suspension program:
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises.
Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle
level is as low as possible. With higher ride
height the ESP
® may activate earlier in
certain situations.
Read this chapter carefully before you begin
off-road travel.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
characteristics and gear changing before you
attempt any difficult terrain off-road driving.
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:
R Off-road ABS ( Y page 77)
R Off-road ESP ® ( Y page 79)
R Off-road 4-ETS ( Y page 78)
R Hill start assist system ( Y page 133)
R Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
(
Y page 166)
R Off-road driving program ( Y page 169)
R Air suspension program ( Y page 170)
Off-road driving rules
R Engage the off-road driving program
(
Y page 169) before driving under off-road
conditions.
R Vehicles with air suspension program:
Make sure you select a vehicle level
(
Y page 171) appropriate to the
topographical conditions. Always make
sure the vehicle has enough ground
clearance.
R Fasten items being carried as securely as
possible (
Y page 208).
R Always navigate gradients with the engine
on and with the transmission engaged in a
gear. Switch on the DSR (
Y page 166) to
help maintain a preset speed.
! Observe the following during off-road
driving:
R Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and tilt/
sliding sunroof closed whenever driving
off-road.
R Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the speed
should be. Drive through water slowly at
an even speed, avoiding a bow wave.
R Be especially careful when driving in
unknown territory. It may be necessary
to get out of the vehicle and scout the
path you intend to take.
R Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and ruts.
R Before driving through water, determine
its depth.
R Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
Operation