Steep Terrain - Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual

Operation
Driving instructions
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
Overhang angle, front
1
Overhang angle, rear
2
Vehicles with
1
1
steel
suspension
27° 22°
17 Vehicles with AMG Sport-Package
278
Vehicles with
air suspension
program
Raised level
Highway
ML 63 AMG
Raised level
Highway
Comply with the warnings (
R
rules for off-road driving (
17
2
Driving on embankments, slopes and other
R
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i. e. in the line of gravity.
26°
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
Shift automatic transmission into gear
R
range 1 ( Y
Drive slowly.
R
17
1 2
1
31° 25° 29°
25° 18° 24°
1 2
25° 27°
20° 22°
Y page 275) and
Y
page 276).
page 133).
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with
R
moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm).
Utilize the engine's braking power when
R
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
i
For maximum engine speed, see
"Instrument cluster" ( Y page 32) and see
"Engine" ( Y page 399).
Check the brakes after a lengthy
R
downgrade drive.
G Warning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted
climb, back it down in reverse gear.
i The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist
system" ( Y page 133).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing