Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2008 COMAND Manual - Manual (Page 75)

74
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP ®
(except S 63 AMG)
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP
® in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
ț when driving with snow chains
ț in deep snow
ț in sand or gravel
When you switch off the ESP ®
ț the ESP ® does not stabilize the vehicle
ț the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for better grip
ț the electronic traction system will still
apply the brakes to a spinning wheel
ț the ESP ® continues to operate when
you are braking
ț you cannot activate the cruise control
or the DISTRONIC Plus*
1 ESP ® off/on
̈ Press ESP ® switch 1 until the ESP ®
warning lamp v in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The ESP ® is switched off.
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 stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
Warning!
G
Switch on the ESP ® immediately if the afore-
mentioned circumstances do not apply any-
more. Otherwise the ESP ® will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
i When the ESP ® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ® warn-
ing lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes.
However, the ESP ® will then not stabilize the
vehicle.