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:
Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments
•► Briefly press the cruise control lever beyond the pressure point, up 1 for a higher speed or down 2 for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or reduced. ...
Activating/deactivating the radar
sensor system
The following systems are switched off when
the radar sensor system is deactivated:
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• BAS PLUS
• PRE-SAFE® Brake
• Blind Spot Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
USA on ...
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
WARNING
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if one of the following conditions
occurs:
• the indi ...
