Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual page 278

Operation
Driving instructions
use only the service brake. For information
on driving downhill, see "Driving downhill".
G Warning!
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having
friction property can cause exceptional
wear and tear as well as brake failure.
Have the brakes checked for dirt build-up
and cleaned. There is otherwise a risk that
full braking power may not be available in
an emergency.
G Warning!
Vehicles with air suspension program:
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises.
Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle
level is as low as possible. With higher ride
®
height the ESP may activate earlier in
certain situations.
Read this chapter carefully before you begin
off-road travel.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
characteristics and gear changing before you
attempt any difficult terrain off-road driving.
We recommend that you start out with easy
off-road travel.
276
Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available for
specific kind of operation:
Off-road ABS ( Y page 77)
R
®
Off-road ESP ( Y page 79)
R
Off-road 4-ETS ( Y page 78)
R
Hill start assist system ( Y page 133)
R
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
R
( Y page 166)
Off-road driving program ( Y
R
Air suspension program ( Y
R
Off-road driving rules
Engage the off-road driving program
R
Y
( page 169) before driving under off-road
conditions.
Vehicles with air suspension program:
R
Make sure you select a vehicle level
( Y page 171) appropriate to the
topographical conditions. Always make
sure the vehicle has enough ground
clearance.
Fasten items being carried as securely as
R
possible (
Always navigate gradients with the engine
R
on and with the transmission engaged in a
gear. Switch on the DSR (
help maintain a preset speed.
! Observe the following during off-road
driving:
Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and tilt/
R
sliding sunroof closed whenever driving
off-road.
page 169)
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
R
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
page 170)
steeper the terrain, the lower the speed
should be. Drive through water slowly at
an even speed, avoiding a bow wave.
Be especially careful when driving in
R
unknown territory. It may be necessary
to get out of the vehicle and scout the
path you intend to take.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
R
holes, tree stumps and ruts.
Before driving through water, determine
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its depth.
Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
R
water, and do not shut off the engine.
Y page 208).
Y page 166) to