2000 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 188
2000 Mercedes ML-Class Manual
Page 188 highlights
Driving on embankments, slopes and other steep inclines should only be done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the line of gravity. Do not drive along the side of a slope (danger of vehicle rollover). If in doing so, the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity (straight up or downhill). To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear. Utilize the engine's braking power when descending a slope, observe the engine speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply the service brake as needed. Check the brakes after a lengthy downgrade drive. Notes: Avoid excessive engine speeds - drive with moderate engine speeds (max. 3000 RPM). Select gear range "2" or "1" on the automatic transmission, see page 165. Traction in steep terrain: Be easy on the accelerator and watch for continuous wheel traction when driving in steep terrain. The 4-ETS+ helps greatly when starting out on a steep incline. The front wheels have then the tendency to slip due to the weight reduction over the front axle. The ETS recognizes the situation and limits the torque for the front wheels by braking them. Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is increased. See page 203 for four wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+). Driving across a hilltop: To prevent the vehicle from speeding up too much after climbing a hill, decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not select gear range "N"). Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive across the hilltop. Driving in this manner prevents the vehicle from jumping across the hilltop and thus loosing its forward momentum. Driving instructions Instruments and controls Operation Driving 185 Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index