2003 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 80

Safety and Security Driving safety systems Switching off the ESP Warning! The switch is located on the center console. ! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. G The ESP should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers. Warning! When the ESP warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off. G To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: starting out on slippery surfaces and in deep snow in conjunction with snow chains sand or gravel 1 ESP off/on Press ESP switch 1 until the ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer lights up. ESP is deactivated. If one or more wheels are spinning, the ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes, regardless of the speed. Traction control brakes a spinning wheel even when ESP is deactivated. ESP always operates when you are braking, even when it has been deactivated. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP. Switching on ESP Press switch 1. The ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode. i Distronic* cannot be activated when ESP has been deactivated. 80