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:
Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
Cruise control (Y page 167) activated:
The segments light up from the stored speed
to the maximum speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS ...
Problems with PARKTRONIC
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and - Solutions
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately ...
Convenience
Activating/deactivating the EASYENTRY/
EXIT feature
You can use the Easy-entry Function to
activate or deactivate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature.
WARNING
You must make sure no one can b ...
