Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual page 95

Brake Assist System (BAS)
Warning!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking efficiency
beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded. The
BAS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of a BAS
equipped car must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
The Brake Assist System is designed to
maximize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking
maneuvers by having maximum power
boost applied to the brakes more
quickly in emergency braking
conditions than might otherwise be
afforded solely by the driver's braking
style. This can help reduce braking
distances over what ordinary driving
and braking style might do. The BAS
complements the Antilock Brake
System (ABS).
To receive the benefit of the system
you must apply continuous full braking
power during the stopping sequence.
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the
BAS is deactivated.
The indicator lamps for the ASR and
ESP are combined with the BAS
indicator lamp.
The BAS/ASF, or BAS/ESP
malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster come on with the
key in steering lock position 2 and
should go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP
malfunction indicator lamp comes on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected in either
system. As a result, It is possible that
now only partial engine output will be
available, and pressing the accelerator
pedal will require more effort. If the
BAS malfunctions, the brake system
functions in the usual manner, but
without BAS.
If the charging voltage falls below 10
volts, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on and the BAS is switched off.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the malfunction indicator lamp
should go out and the BAS is
operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the
BAS, ASR or ESP are also switched
off. Both malfunction indicator lamps
come on with the engine running.
Have the BAS, ASR or ESP checked at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
as soon as possible.
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