2006 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 97

Safety and Security Driving safety systems Switching off the ESP® Warning! ! G Turn on the ESP immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. When you switch off the ESP® 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 switch is located on the center console. 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. Do not switch off the ESP® when a Minispare or collapsible tire is mounted. 1 ESP® switch (off/on) Press ESP® switch 1 until the ABS/ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on. The ESP® is deactivated. 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: when driving with snow chains in deep snow 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. 96