!
The depth of water must not exceed the
value specified in the table. Note that the
possible fording depth is less in flowing
water.
R
Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R
Select the highest possible vehicle level.
R
Restrict the shift range to 1 or 2.
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
!
Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and neighbouring
assemblies.
R
Drive slowly and at a constant speed
through the water.
R
Do not stop.
!
Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior equip-
ment.
R
Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R
Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R
Clean any mud from the tyre tread after
fording.
R
Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Winter driving
General notes
G
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise, poi-
sonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness and
even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle win-
terproofed at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package: if
driving in snow or with snow chains, select
the snow program (
Y
page 219) with the off-
road program selector wheel in the centre
console.
Driving with summer tyres
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y
page 357).
Slippery road surfaces
G
WARNING
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X
Shift the transmission to position N.
X
Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (
Y
page 358).
Driving tips
165
Driving
and
pa
rk
ing
Z
