2011 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 71

Driving safety systems Rdisturbance 69 from other radar sources Rstrong radar reflection such as in parking garages BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not reflected well by narrow objects and absorptive materials. For this reason BAS PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and approaching traffic or cross-traffic. BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles driving in front of you, such as motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle center. ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) Important safety notes G Warning Following a collision or accident-related damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at an authorized MercedesBenz Center. If BAS PLUS is not available due to a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the brake system remains available with full brake boosting effect and BAS. If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking. If ESP® intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster. G Warning Adaptive brake lights i Adaptive brake lamps are only available in the USA and only on the S 600 and S65 AMG. If you brake sharply from a speed of more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is assisted by BAS or BAS PLUS, the brake lamps flash rapidly. In this way, traffic traveling behind you is warned in an even more noticeable manner. If you brake from a speed of more than 40 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the hazard warning lamps are switched on automatically when the vehicle is stationary. If the brakes are applied again, the brake lamps light up continuously. The hazard warning lamps switch off automatically if you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) again. You can also switch off the hazard warning lamps using the hazard warning lamp button (Y page 276). Under no circumstances should you deactivate ESP® when the ÷ ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. Proceed as follows: Rwhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible. Rwhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal. Radapt your speed to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions. failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed. ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the ignition off when: Rthe electric parking brake is being tested using a brake dynamometer. Rthe vehicle is being towed with the front/ rear axle raised. Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system. Z Safety Observe "Important safety notes" (Y page 66).