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:
Cockpit
...
Overview
The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets new benchmarks in the
SUV world with its leading-edge automotive technology. The new M-Class boasts
optimum energy efficiency, leading standa ...
Servicing the brakes
If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning me ...
