Before Driving Off-Road; Off-Road Driving - Mercedes-Benz 2011 M-Class Operator's Manual

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Warning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: Please
be aware that by raising the vehicle level, the
center of gravity also rises. Therefore, always
ensure that the vehicle level is as low as
possible. With higher ride height the ESP
may activate earlier in certain situations.
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Warning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
General information
Read this section before driving your vehicle
off-road. Practice by traveling over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear change process
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
off-road drive program (
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off-road ABS ( Y page 66)
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Y
off-road 4ETS ( page 67)
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®
off-road ESP ( Y page 68)
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hill start assist
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AIRMATIC package (
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DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
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( Y page 192)
Observe the following notes:
stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
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the off-road drive program (

before driving off-road.

vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
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select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. Make sure there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
®
Y page 193)
Y
page 183)
Y page 193)
make sure that items of luggage and cargo
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are stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 260).
always keep the engine running and in gear
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when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( Y page 192).
always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
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and the tilt/sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
adapt the speed to suit the terrain
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conditions. The more uneven, worn or
steeper the terrain is, the slower you should
drive.
drive slowly and at an even speed through
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the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
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road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
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tree stumps and furrows.
check the depth of water before fording
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rivers and streams.
do not stop in water and do not switch the
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engine off.
drive quickly on sand to overcome the
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rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
do not jump with the vehicle. This
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interrupts the vehicle's traction.
always keep the engine running and in gear
R
when driving on slopes.
do not shift the automatic transmission to
R
transmission position N.
Check list before driving off-road
X
Engine oil level: check the engine oil and
top it up if necessary.
The oil supply can only be guaranteed on
steep slopes if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
Driving tips
167
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