2003 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 188

Operation Driving instructions Switch to LOW RANGE mode before starting to drive up or down steep inclines ( page 118). Driving on embankments, slopes and other steep inclines should only be done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a 60% grade. 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. Driving across a hilltop Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not select gear range N), to prevent the vehicle from speeding up too much after climbing a hill. 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. i Avoid excessive engine speeds - drive with moderate engine speeds (max. 3000 RPM). Select gear range 2 or 1 on the automatic transmission ( page 114). 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 when the front wheels have then the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting away the front axle. The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the torque for the front wheels by braking them. Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is increased. 188