All-Wheel Drive (4Matic); Parktronic System - Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual

Controls in detail
Driving systems
i The vehicle is lowered to the highway level
automatically if the vehicle speed is above
55 mph (88 km/h) or if the vehicle speed
stays between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
55 mph (88 km/h) for approximately 20
seconds.
All-wheel drive
Your vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive
(4MATIC). Both, the front and rear axles, are
powered at all times when the vehicle is being
operated. The 4MATIC improves traction in
®
conjunction with the ESP ( Y
the Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
( Y page 78).
174
G Warning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to
insufficient traction:
While driving off, apply as little throttle as
R
possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelerator
R
pedal.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
R
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
page 77) and
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y
snow chains as required.

Parktronic system

The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
It indicates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when you
switch on the ignition
R
and
release the parking brake
R
and
the automatic transmission is in drive
R
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system switches
on again.
page 269) or