Driving On Sand; Returning; Ruts - Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual

Check the vehicle clearance before
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crossing obstacles.
Cross obstacles (e. g. tree stumps or big
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rocks) very slowly by aiming one of the front
wheels at the center of the obstacle, and
repeat same with the rear wheel.
! Special attention is needed when you
cross obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result
of its possible slanted position which in turn
may result in the vehicle tipping or rolling
over.

Driving on sand

G Warning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if
you do so, remember to correct the tire
inflation pressure before continuing your
trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
When driving on sand, observe the following
rules:
Vehicles with air suspension program:
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Set the raised level ( Y page 171).
Avoid high engine speeds.
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Shift automatic transmission into a gear
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range that is appropriate for the terrain.
In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
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conditions permit. This helps overcome the
vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the
likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they are
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not too deep and you have sufficient
clearance.

Ruts

A number of off-road tracks or other byways
have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.
Make sure the off-road driving program
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( Y page 169) is switched on.
Vehicles with air suspension program:
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Set the raised level ( Y page 171).
Driving instructions
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle's clearance is sufficient.
Otherwise:
your vehicle may be damaged
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the underbody of the vehicle may come
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in contact with the ground and you may
get stuck
Avoid high engine speeds.
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Shift automatic transmission into gear
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range 1 ( Y page 133).
Drive next to the ruts rather than through
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them if at all possible.
If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive with
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one side of the vehicle on the grassy center
strip if the route permits.
Returning from off-road driving
G Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Operation
Z
281