2010 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 69

Driving safety systems Because the ESC 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. Active braking action through the ESC may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. transfer more power to the wheel(s) with traction. When you switch off the ESC, the ETS/4-ETS is still enabled. 67 Switching off the ESC Switching off the ESC (except S 63 AMG) G Warning! ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because the ESC 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 or when the vehicle is being towed with one axle raised. Active braking action through the ESC may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. ! The ESC will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size as specified in the "Technical data" section of this Operator's Manual. i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control switch off automatically when the ESC engages. Electronic Traction System (ETS/4-ETS) G Observe Safety notes, see page 63. The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are components of the ESC. The ETS/4-ETS improves the vehicle's ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also The ESC should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel is mounted. To improve the vehicle's traction, switch off the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for example Rwhen Rin Rin driving with snow chains deep snow sand or gravel G Warning! Switch on the ESC immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a wheel is spinning. When you switch off the ESC, Rthe Rthe ESC does not stabilize the vehicle engine output is not limited, which allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a spinning wheel braking Rthe Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are Z Safety and security