2011 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 69

Driving safety systems Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed. 67 ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the ignition off when: Rthe parking brake is being tested using a dynamometer Rthe vehicle is being towed with the front/ rear axle raised Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC: only operate the vehicle for a maximum of ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer. Switch off the ignition. Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or performance tests may only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in advance. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system. i Only use wheels with the recommended tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly. ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) G Warning Observe "Important safety instructions" (Y page 65). Off-road 4ETS (vehicles with 4MATIC) A 4ETS mode specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the offroad drive program (Y page 193) is activated. Deactivating/activating ESP® G Warning The ESP® 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 ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted. ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is running. It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations: Rwhen Rin using snow chains deep snow Ron sand or gravel Activate ESP® as soon as the situations described above no longer apply. ESP® will otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin. G Warning! If you deactivate ESP®: RESP® Traction control is part of Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more drive torque is also transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction. ESP®. no longer improves driving stability. Rthe engine's torque is no longer limited and the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which provides better grip. Z Safety Traction control remains active if you deactivate ESP®. X Switch on the off-road drive program if appropriate for the driving conditions (Y page 193).