Important safety notes

If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating See the "Important safety notes" section.

If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.

If ESP® intervenes, the warning ESP® warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.

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 possible.
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.
• adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

vehicle is being towed with the front or rear The ignition must be switched off if the vehicle is being towed with the front or rear axle raised. Otherwise, ESP® may intervene and damage the brake system.

front or rear axle raised. Do not tow vehicles with 4MATIC with the front or rear axle raised.

tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function Only use wheels with the recommended tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly.

    See also:

    Automatic anti-glare mirrors
    WARNING   If incident light from headlamps is prevented from striking the sensor in the rear-view mirror, for instance, by luggage piled too high in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic a ...

    Window curtain air bags
    The window curtain air bags enhance the level of protection for the head, but not chest or arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. The window curta ...

    Fastening seat belts
    WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed ...