2010 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 66

251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US d2ureepe, 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 64 Version: 2.11.8.1 64 Driving safety systems and significantly reduces braking effectiveness. If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the braking distance. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure. The ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running. Safety and security BAS The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS provides full brake boost automatically, thereby potentially reducing the braking distance. X Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the ABS is in the regulating mode. X Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while you feel the pulsation. Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and the ability to steer the vehicle. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving. G Warning! If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still functions, but without the additional brake boost available that the BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase. EBP The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight-line braking without a loss of vehicle stability. G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. Emergency brake maneuver X Keep continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety systems such as the BAS or the ESP® are also switched off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the multifunction display that may appear. G Warning! G Warning! If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will still function with full brake boost. However, the rear wheels could lock up during emergency braking situations, for example. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Adapt your driving style to the changed driving characteristics.