Deactivating/activating ESP®
Observe the "Important safety notes" section ().
WARNING
ESP® should not be deactivated during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP® when the emergency or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations:
- when using snow chains
- in deep snow
- on sand or gravel
WARNING
Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the previously stated conditions is no longer met. Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
When you deactivate ESP®:
- ESP® no longer improves driving stability.
- the engine's torque is no longer limited 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.
If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the
ESP® warning lamp in the instrument
cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

- To deactivate: press button 1. The
ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
WARNING
When the
ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the
ESP warning lamp and the
ESP OFF warning lamp are on continuously,
ESP is not operational due to a malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational, the vehicle's stability during standard driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road conditions/weather conditions and to the non-operating status of ESP.
Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
- To activate: press button 1. The
ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
See also:
Important safety notes
WARNING
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wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-boar ...
Checking the coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
Turn the SmartKey to position
2 in the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press th ...
Additives
Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine. ...
