2002 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 263

Instruments and controls Driving systems Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index 260 Notes: If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear) to maintain the set cruise control speed by using the engine's braking power. As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position. Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control is switched off. Use the lever to resume the previously set speed. The "CRUISE CONTROL - - -" message is displayed on the multifunction display when any attempt is made to store speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h) or when an attempt is made to recall a speed when no speed has been stored - the cruise control remains switched off. See malfunction and warning messages on page 325 if the cruise control has a malfunction. Warning! Only use the cruise control if the traffic and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed. • The use of cruise control can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady speed. • The use of cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result in wheel spin and loss of control. The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.