Mercedes-Benz 2011 E-Class Sedan Operator's Manual page 72

Driving safety systems
70
X
To activate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up. The SPORT handling
mode message appears in the multifunction
display.
X
To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating ESP
G
Warning!
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
no restriction to engine torque
R
loss of system-supported traction control
R
"ESP OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP.
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
following situations:
when using snow chains
R
in deep snow
R
on sand or gravel
R
G
Switch on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
If you deactivate ESP
ESP
R
the engine's torque is no longer limited and
R
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
traction control is still activated.
R
®
PRE-SAFE
R
also not activated if you brake firmly with
the assistance of ESP.
PRE-SAFE
R
is also not activated if you brake firmly with
the assistance of ESP.
ESP
R
firmly.
If ESP
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP
Warning!
®
:
®
no longer improves driving stability.
®
is no longer available and is
®
Brake is no longer available and
®
still provides support when you brake
®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
®
in the