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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Warning!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties of a BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
For more information, see the "Practical
hints" ( page 326).
82
ESP
G
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is
operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning and monitors the vehicle's traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting the engine output, the ESP
works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is
especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking ma-
neuvers.
The ESP warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP is en-
gaged.
The ESP warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster comes on when you switch on
the ignition ( page 34). It goes out when
the engine is running.
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
v
ESP warning lamp
flashing in the in-
strument cluster. In this case proceed as fol-
lows:
While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
While driving ease up on the accelera-
tor.
Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
G
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