2004 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 80

Safety and Security Driving safety systems ! Because of the ESP's automatic operation, the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer the vehicle is being towed with the front/rear axle raised Active braking action through the ESP may otherwise seriously damage the brake system. The ESP will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size ( page 378). For more information, see the "Practical hints" section ( page 282). Switching off the ESP Warning! i G Distronic* cannot be activated when the ESP has been deactivated. The switch is located in the lower part of the center console. 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. 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 in sand or gravel 1 ESP switch Press ESP switch 1 until the ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on. ESP is deactivated. ! Turn on the ESP immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. 79