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 is lit,
ESP® is deactivated.
If the
ESP® warning lamp and
the
ESP® OFF warning lamp remain
lit,
ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP® is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the 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:
Problems with the seat ventilation
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
ventilation button are flashing, the seat
ventilation has switched off automatically.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage is too
low because ...
PRE-SAFE® Brake
PRE-SAFE® Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
Observe the "Important safety
notes"
section.
PRE-SAFE® Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal col ...
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• BAS (Brake Assist System)
• BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
• ESP® ( ...
