2010 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 68

66 Driving safety systems vehicle characteristics into consideration, thus achieving an optimal braking effect. In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the HOLD function (Y page 342) and the hill-start assist system (Y page 341). For more information on the brake system, see (Y page 435). You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Adapt your driving style to the changed driving characteristics. Safety and security ESC The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is operational as soon as the engine is running. It monitors the vehicle's traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates from the direction of travel as intended by the driver. By applying brakes to individual wheels and by limiting the engine output, the ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and steering maneuvers. The ESC warning lamp ÷ in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running. Adaptive Brake Lights i This function is only available for the S 600 and the S 65 AMG (USA only). The brake lamps flash in quick intervals Rwhile G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. you are braking hard at a speed of more than 30 mph (50 km/h) you are braking with the aid of BAS you are braking with the aid of BAS PLUS. Rwhen Rwhen This helps to alert drivers behind you. If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard braking at a speed of more than 40 mph (70 km/h), the hazard warning flasher comes on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary, the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes out. G Warning! EBP G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. 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 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. Never switch off the ESC when you see the ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case proceed as follows: RWhen RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as possible. driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal. RAdapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road conditions. Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC: