2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 75
2008 Mercedes S-Class Manual
Page 75 highlights
Safety and Security Driving safety systems Switching off the ESP® (S 63 AMG only) Warning! 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 apply the brakes to a spinning wheel the ESP® operates while you are braking you cannot activate the cruise control or the Distronic* the cruise control or Distronic* switch off if currently activated Warning! G When the ESP® warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP® is switched off. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®. G The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving. Disabling of the system will result in the following: no restriction to engine torque loss of system supported traction control "ESP® OFF" is designed for driving on closed tracks when the natural oversteer and understeer characteristics are desired and requires a highly skilled and experienced driver able to handle these critical driving situations. You could lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. Please be aware of these limits when you switch off the ESP®. Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted. ! 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. 74