2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 73

Safety and Security Driving safety systems Warning! G i DISTRONIC Plus* and cruise control are switched off when the ESP® engages. ® Electronic traction system The electronic traction system is a component of ESP®. The electronic traction system improves the vehicle's ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. When you switch off the ESP®, the electronic traction system is still enabled. Warning! The ESP® cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP® equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others. i The ESP will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size ( page 718). ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because the ESP® operates automatically, the engine and ignition 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 electronic 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. For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see "Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP®" ( page 75). G If you are driving too fast, the electronic traction system cannot reduce the risk of an accident. The electronic traction system cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle. For more information, see "Practical hints" section ( page 604) and ( page 612). 72