Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC, Operator'S Manual

Page: 276 / 424

Driving instructions
274
!
Because the ESP
®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position
0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
G
Warning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
Y
page 77).
High-performance brake system
The high-performance brake system is only
available on ML 63 AMG.
G
Warning!
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may
take several hundred miles of driving until
they provide optimum braking efficiency.
Until that time, you may need to use
increased brake pedal pressure while
braking. Please be aware of this and adjust
your driving and braking accordingly during
this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it
is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed to operate under the extremely high
operating demands required to
accommodate the performance capabilities
of the vehicle.
The brakes may produce a squeaking-type
noise depending on the
R
vehicle speed
R
brake force applied
R
ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity
As with any brake system, the wear of
individual brake system components such as
brake pads or disks strongly depends on your
driving style and the conditions under which
you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driving style
calling for high demand braking will cause
your vehicle’s brakes to wear more quickly.
Parking brake
When driving on wet roads or dirt covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt can get into
the parking brake.
To prevent corrosion and a reduction in the
braking power of the parking brake, observe
the following:
X
From time to time, lightly engage the
parking brake before driving off.
X
Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds
(100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
Operation