Function of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS controls the brake pressure in critical situa‐
tions:
R
The wheels are prevented from locking when
braking, e.g. during maximum full-stop brak‐
ing or when there is insufficient tire traction
R
The steerability of the vehicle in terms of
physical possibilities is ensured when braking
If ABS intervenes, you will feel pulsations in the
brake pedal. The pulsating brake pedal may be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and func‐
tions as a reminder to take extra care while driv‐
ing.
Function of BAS (Brake Assist System)
BAS supports you with additional braking force in
an emergency braking situation.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS is
activated:
R
BAS automatically boosts the braking force of
the brakes
R
BAS can shorten the braking distance
R
ABS prevents the wheels from locking
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function as usual again. BAS is deactivated.
Function of ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Pro‐
gram)
ESP
®
can, within physical limits, monitor and
improve driving stability and traction in the fol‐
lowing situations:
R
When driving and pulling away on wet or slip‐
pery road surfaces
R
When braking
If the vehicle is deviating from the direction
desired by the driver, ESP
®
can stabilize the vehi‐
cle by performing the following actions:
R
One or more wheels are braked
R
The engine output is adapted according to the
situation
%
Only use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP
®
function properly.
If the
÷
warning lamp flashes in the instru‐
ment cluster, one or more wheels have reached
their traction limit:
R
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions
R
Do not deactivate ESP
®
under any circum‐
stances
R
Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
is necessary when pulling away
If the
÷
warning lamp lights up continuously,
ESP
®
is not available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps and
display messages (
/
page 260).
If the
å
warning lamp in the instrument clus‐
ter is permanently lit, ESP
®
is deactivated.
Observe the following points when ESP
®
is deac‐
tivated:
R
Vehicle stabilization is delayed and is signifi‐
cantly reduced in the lower speed range
R
The drive wheels may start to spin
R
Traction control is still active
%
If ESP
®
is deactivated, ESP
®
will still support
you when braking.
Switching ESP
®
off or on via the on-board
computer (vehicles without steering wheel
buttons)
&
WARNING Risk of skidding if ESP
®
is
deactivated
If you deactivate ESP
®
, ESP
®
cannot carry out
vehicle stabilization.
#
ESP
®
should only be deactivated in the
following situations.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
®
in the following
situations:
R
When using snow chains.
R
In deep snow.
R
On sand or gravel.
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting action,
which enhances traction.
Adjusting settings using the on-board computer is
only available on vehicles without the
å
but‐
ton on the center console.
Driving and parking 111
