Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2007 Owners Manual User Manual
Page 336
335
Operation
Driving instructions
Off-road driving rules
ț
Engage the off-road driving program
(
page 268) before driving under
off-road conditions.
ț
Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Make sure you select a vehicle level
(
page 270) appropriate to the topo-
graphical conditions. Always make
sure the vehicle has enough ground
clearance.
ț
Fasten items being carried as securely
as possible (
ț
Always navigate gradients with the en-
gine on and with the transmission en-
gaged in a gear. Switch on the DSR
(
page 265) to help maintain a preset
speed.
!
Observe the following during off-road
driving:
ț
Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and
tilt/sliding sunroof* closed whenever driving
off-road.
ț
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain.
The more uneven, rutty and steeper the ter-
rain, the lower the speed should be. Drive
through water slowly at an even speed,
avoiding a bow wave.
ț
Be especially careful when driving in un-
known territory. It may be necessary to get
out of the vehicle and scout the path you in-
tend to take.
ț
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and ruts.
ț
Before driving through water, determine its
depth.
ț
Do not stop vehicle while immersed in water,
and do not shut off the engine.
ț
In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as al-
lowed by conditions. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
ț
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.
ț
Always drive onto slopes with the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
ț
Do not shift automatic transmission to
position N.
Warning!
G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.