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:
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend.
Halogen headlamps
1 Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 W
2 High-beam headlamp: H7 55 W
3 Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W B ...
Preparing the vehicle
WARNING
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characte ...
Activating/deactivating Blind Spot
Assist
You can use the Blind Spot Asst. function
to activate or deactivate Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist.
•► Press on the steering wheel
to select the DriveAssist menu.
•► ...
