Mercedes-Benz Cls 500, Operator'S Manual

Page: 84 / 475

83
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have drive wheels spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
such as:
앫
starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains
앫
in sand or gravel
When you switch off the ESP
앫
the ESP does not stabilize the vehicle
앫
the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for better grip
앫
the traction control will still brake a
spinning wheel
앫
the ESP continues to operate when you
are braking
앫
you cannot activate Distronic*
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1
ESP switch
왘
Press ESP switch
1
until the
ABS/ESP warning lamp
v
in the
instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP is deactivated.
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in driving
maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP when a Minispare
or collapsible tire is mounted.
!
Turn on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore.
i
When the ESP is switched off and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the
ABS/ESP warning lamp
v
in the
speedometer flashes. However, the
ESP will then not stabilize the vehicle.