Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2009 Owner's Manual page 55

Driving safety systems
52
To activate: press button ;.
X
Indicator lamp : lights up. The rear side
windows can only be operated using the
switches on the driver's door.
To deactivate: press button ;.
X
Indicator lamp : goes out. You can oper-
ate the rear side windows using the
switches in the rear compartment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
R
BAS (Brake Assist System)
R
BAS PLUS* (Brake Assist System Plus*)
R
Adaptive brake lamps
R
®
R ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
EBV (electronic brake-power distribution)
R
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R
R PRE-SAFE Brake* (vehicles with Distronic
Plus*)
i
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tyres (M+S tyres) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section
work as effectively as possible.
G
Risk of accident
The risk of an accident is significantly
increased by driving too fast. This is particu-
larly the case when cornering as well as on
wet or slippery roads or when driving too close
to the vehicle in front.
The driving safety systems described in this
section can neither reduce this risk nor over-
ride the laws of physics.
For this reason, always adapt your driving
style to the prevailing road and weather con-
ditions. Maintain sufficient distance from
other road users and objects on the road.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h
upwards, regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently.
G Risk of accident
Do not depress the brake pedal several times
in quick succession (pumping). Depress the
brake firmly and evenly. Pumping the brake
pedal reduces the braking effect.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
the brake pedal pulsating.
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
X
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
To make a full brake application:
X
depress the brake pedal with full force.
G Risk of accident
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. This limits the steerability of the vehi-
* optional