Mercedes-Benz S 320 1999, Owner'S Manual

Page: 98 / 169

Brake Assist System (BAS)
Warning!
BAS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency
beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction
afforded. The BAS cannot
prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped
car must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous man­
ner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of
others.
The Brake Assist System is de­
signed to maximize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergen­
cy braking maneuvers by having
maximum power boost applied to
the brakes more quickly in em er­
gency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely
by the driver’s braking style. This
can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and
braking style might do. The BAS
complements the Antilock Brake
System (ABS).
To receive the benefit of the
system you must apply continuous
full braking power during the
stopping sequence. Do not reduce
brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released,
the BAS is deactivated
The indicator lamps for the ASR
and ESP are combined with the
BAS indicator lamp.
The BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP
malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster come on with
the key in steering lock position 2
and should go out with the engine
running.
If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP
malfunction indicator lamp comes
on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected in
either system. As a result, it is
possible that now only partial
engine output will be available, and
pressing the accelerator pedal will
require more effort. If the BAS
malfunctions, the brake system
functions in the usual manner, but
without BAS.
If the charging voltage falls below
10 volts, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on and the BAS is
switched off. When the voltage is
above this value again, the
malfunction indicator lamp should
go out and the BAS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning,
the BAS, ASR or ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction
indicator lamps come on with the
engine running.
Have the BAS, ASR or ESP
checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon
as possbile.
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