2003 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 73

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems BAS The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing braking distance. Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. The ¿ warning lamp in the instrument cluster ( page 25) lights up when you turn the key to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running. 4-ETS The 4-Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) improves vehicle's ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions. The brakes are applied to the spinning wheel and power is transferred to the wheel(s) with traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h). The { warning lamp in the instrument cluster ( page 25) lights up when you turn the key to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running. The 4-ETS/ESP warning lamp v, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. Warning! G The 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 vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others. More information can be found in the "Practical hints" section ( page 225). 73