Activating/deactivating SPORT handling mode
WARNING
The SPORT handling mode should not be
switched on during normal driving.
Switching on the SPORT handling mode will
result in the following:
- no restriction to the engine torque
- system supported traction control is
limited
The SPORT handling mode is designed for driving on closed tracks when the vehicle's own 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 on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling when a spare wheel is mounted.
ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
- when using snow chains
- in deep snow
- on sand or gravel
WARNING
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
- ESP® only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
- the engine's torque is restricted only to a
limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning of the wheels results in
a cutting action, which provides better grip.
- traction control is still activated.
- ESP® still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the
ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP® only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.

•► To activate: briefly press button 1.
The
SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message appears in the multifunction display.
•► To deactivate: briefly press button 1.
The
SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
See also:
2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
The last time I was in a Mercedes-Benz diesel I was 9 years old. My mom drove
one. From inside my school classroom, I could hear her driving up the road; I
could smell it from across the street. I ...
Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
Do not drive in the overrevving
range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the ...
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
The residual heat function is only available in
Canada
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the ...
