Mercedes-Benz M-Class Owner's Manual page 171

Driving tips
168
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage.
After driving for extended periods across
X
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.
If you detect strong vibrations after off-road
X
travel, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and remove them if
necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the
balance and cause vibrations.
Driving on sand
Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
R
age: select off-road program 1
( page 222).
Y
vehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
R
package: select the off-road program
( page 222).
Y
select a higher vehicle level.
R
select a shift range appropriate to the ter-
R
rain.
drive quickly to overcome the rolling resist-
R
ance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig itself
into the sand.
drive in the tracks of other vehicles if pos-
R
sible. Make sure that the ruts are not too
deep, that the sand is firm enough and that
your vehicle has sufficient ground clear-
ance.
Ruts and gravel roads
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
activate the off-road program
R
( page 222).
Y
vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
R
select a raised vehicle level.
avoid high engine speeds.
R
restrict the shift range to 1.
R
drive slowly.
R
where ruts are too deep, drive with the
R
wheels on one side on the middle section
of turf if possible.
Driving over obstacles
! Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. Any damage to the vehicle
always increases the risk of an accident.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other obsta-
cles:
Select the off-road program (
R
or the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( page 223).
Y
Raise the vehicle level.
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Restrict the shift range to 1.
R
Drive very slowly.
R
Drive straight over the centre of obstacles.
R
Travelling uphill
Approach/departure angle
page 222)
Y