Mercedes-Benz SL 550 BlueEFFICIENCY, Operator'S Manual

Page: 60 / 572

When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (
Y
page 257) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (
Y
page 224).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
The yellow
!
ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Brakes
X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X
To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in
hazardous situations at speeds greater than
4 mph (7 km/h) and uses radar sensor
technology to assess the traffic situation.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
At speeds up to 40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS
may also detect stationary obstacles, for
example, stopped or parked vehicles.
To prevent a front-end collision, BAS PLUS
calculates the brake force necessary if:
R
you approach an obstacle, and
R
BAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision
At a speed greater than 20 mph
(30 km/h): if you depress the brake sharply,
BAS PLUS automatically raises the brake
pressure to a value adapted to the traffic
situation.
At a speed less than 20 mph (30 km/h): if
you depress the brake, BAS PLUS is
activated. The increase in brake pressure will
be carried out at the last possible moment.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE
®
) are
activated simultaneously.
X
Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
58
Driving safety systems
Safety