Mercedes-Benz 2005 M-Class Operator's Manual page 207

Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available
for specific kind of operation:
LOW RANGE mode ( page 127)
LOW RANGE – ABS ( page 77)
LOW RANGE – 4-ETS ( page 80)
LOW RANGE – ESP ( page 81)
Off-road driving rules
Engage the LOW RANGE mode before driv-
ing under off-road conditions
( page 127).
Fasten items being carried as securely as
possible ( page 160).
i
We recommend keeping doors, liftgate,
windows, and tilt/sliding sunroof*
closed whenever driving in off-road
mode.
!
Observe the following during off-road
driving:
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be.
Watch out for obstacles, such as
rocks, holes, tree stumps and ruts.
Be especially careful when driving
in unknown territory. It may be nec-
essary to get out of the vehicle and
scout the path you intend to take.
Before driving through water, deter-
mine is depth.
Do not stop vehicle while immersed
in water, and do not shut off the
engine.
Operation
Driving instructions
In sandy soil, please drive at a
steady speed as allowed by condi-
tions. This helps overcome the vehi-
cle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking
into the ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehi-
cle. It interrupts the forward mo-
mentum of the vehicle.
Always drive onto slopes with the
the engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level
( page 224). The display OIL i.O
must appear via display in the speed-
ometer.
Only then can the vehicle obtain a trou-
ble-free oil supply, even on steep gradi-
ents.
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