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

Driving tips
188
G
WARNING
If the vehicle level is high, the vehicle center
of gravity is raised. This could cause the
vehicle to tip over more easily on uphill or
downhill gradients. There is a risk of an
accident.
Select the lowest possible vehicle level.
When driving off-road, sand, mud and water,
possibly mixed with oil, for example, could get
into the brakes. This could result in a reduced
braking effect or in total brake failure and also
in increased wear and tear. The braking
characteristics change depending on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Adapt your driving style to the different
braking characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of
damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead
to failure of the mechanical assembly or
systems. Adapt your driving style to suit the
terrain conditions. Drive carefully. Have
damage to the vehicle rectified immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not switch to transmission position N
when driving off-road. You could lose control
of the vehicle if you attempt to brake using
the service brake. If the gradient is too steep,
drive backwards in reverse gear.
General notes
Read this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear shift operation
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
Off-road ABS ( page 67)
R
Y
AIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
R
( page 207)
Y
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
R
( page 246)
Y
Observe the following notes:
Stop the vehicle before starting to drive
R
along an off-road route.
For vehicles with the AIRMATIC
R
package: select a vehicle level that is
suitable for the off-road terrain. To avoid
damaging the vehicle, make sure there is
always sufficient ground clearance.
Check that items of luggage and loads are
R
stowed safely and are well secured
( page 337).
Y
Always keep the engine running and in gear
R
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( page 246).
Y
Always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
R
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
R
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
R
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
R
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,
R
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
Check the depth of water before fording
R
rivers and streams.
When fording, do not stop and do not
R
switch off the engine.
On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
R
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.