Deactivating/activating ESP® (except AMG vehicles)

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.

If 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 lamp in ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

The  ESP® OFF warning lamp in the To deactivate:

The instrument cluster lights up. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

WARNING
When the
lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated. ESP® OFF warning lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated.
If the
the ESP® warning lamp and the lit, 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®.

for an Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

The  ESP® OFF warning lamp in the To activate: The instrument cluster goes out. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

    See also:

    Snow chains
    For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use snow chains which have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding standard of quality. ...

    BAS (Brake Assist System)
    Observe the "Important safety notes" section. BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking force, th ...

    Warning and indicator lamps
    1 ABS 2 The lamp lights up briefly, but has no function. 3 Brakes (USA only) 4 ESP® 5 Distance warning signal On vehicles without DISTRONIC, the lamp lights up briefly but has no functi ...