Mercedes-Benz E 300 1996 Emergency Operation - Manual (Page 13)

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Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Model E 420 (optional)
The ESP enhances directional control
and reduces driving wheel spin of the
vehicle under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is
counteracted by applying brakes to the
appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement.
The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash.
Important!
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt
your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
Index), the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp
comes on with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected. It is
possible that now only partial engine
output is available.
Have the ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is
also switched off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the ESP may
activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in
speedometer dial comes on). For this
reason, all wheels, including the spare
wheel, must have the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off. Otherwise, the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will
apply the rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ESP is only
achieved with Mercedes-Benz
recommended M+S rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.