2005 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 91

Safety and Security Driving safety systems Switching off the ESP Warning! When you switch off the ESP The switch is located on the center console. G the ESP does not stabilize the vehicle the engine output is not limited, which allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip the traction control will still brake a spinning wheel the ESP continues to operate when you are braking you cannot activate Distronic* 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 driving maneuvers. To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have 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 i When the ESP is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes. However, the ESP will then not stabilize the vehicle. 1 ESP switch Press ESP switch 1 until the ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on. The ESP is deactivated. ! Turn on the ESP immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. 89