Mercedes-Benz 2008 M-Class Operator's Manual page 324

1 1
Vehicles with air
suspension pro-
gram*
Raised level 34° 29°
Highway 29° 22°
1
Vehicles with AMG Sport-Package*
1
ML 63 AMG
Raised level 28°
Highway 23°
Comply with the warnings
( page 319) and rules for off-road
driving ( page 321).
Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climb-
ing ability is a 100% grade which is
equivalent to a slope angle of
45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends
on terrain conditions.
Shift automatic transmission to
1
2
position 1 ( page 192).
Drive slowly.
31°
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive
with moderate engine speeds
27°
(max. 3000 rpm).
Utilize the engine's braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
2
engine speed (do not overrev the en-
29°
gine). Apply the service brake as need-
ed.
24°
i
For maximum engine speed, see "Instru-
ment cluster" ( page 26) and see "Engine"
( page 513).
Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.
Warning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted
climb, back it down in reverse gear.
Driving instructions
i
The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist sys-
tem" ( page 191).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
i
The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out on
a steep incline when the front wheels have then
the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting
towards the rear axle.
G
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the
torque for the front wheels by braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is
increased.
Operation
323