Mercedes-Benz 2008 M-Class Operator's Manual page 322

Off-road driving rules
Engage the off-road driving program
( page 253) before driving under
off-road conditions.
Vehicles with air suspension program*:
Make sure you select a vehicle level
( page 255) appropriate to the topo-
graphical conditions. Always make
sure the vehicle has enough ground
clearance.
Fasten items being carried as securely
as possible ( page 266).
Always navigate gradients with the en-
gine on and with the transmission en-
gaged in a gear. Switch on the DSR
( page 250) to help maintain a preset
speed.
!
Observe the following during off-road
driving:
Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and
tilt/sliding sunroof closed whenever driving
off-road.
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain.
The more uneven, rutty and steeper the ter-
rain, the lower the speed should be. Drive
through water slowly at an even speed,
avoiding a bow wave.
Be especially careful when driving in un-
known territory. It may be necessary to get
out of the vehicle and scout the path you in-
tend to take.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and ruts.
Before driving through water, determine its
depth.
Do not stop vehicle while immersed in water,
and do not shut off the engine.
Operation
Driving instructions
In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as al-
lowed by conditions. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.
Always drive onto slopes with the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
Do not shift automatic transmission to
position N.
Warning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure ( page 359) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
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