Downhill gradients

reduce the load on the brakes by shifting On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overheating and excessive wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.

    See also:

    Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
    WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system unless the DISTRONIC PLUS ...

    Deactivating/activating ESP®
    WARNING Under no circumstances should you deactivate ESP® when the ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. Proceed as follows: • when driving off, apply as little throttle as ...

    Driving on wet roads
    Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if:  - you drive at low speeds.  - the tires have ad ...