Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2009 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 280)

Driving instructions
278
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
1
Overhang angle, front
2 Overhang angle, rear
Vehicles with
steel
suspension
1 1 17 2
27° 22° 26°
Vehicles with
air suspension
program
1 1 17 2
Raised level 31° 25° 29°
Highway 25° 18° 24°
ML 63 AMG 1 2
Raised level 25° 27°
Highway 20° 22°
R Comply with the warnings ( Y page 275) and
rules for off-road driving ( Y page 276).
R Driving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i.
e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
R Shift automatic transmission into gear
range
1 ( Y page 133).
R Drive slowly.
R Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with
moderate engine speeds (max. 3
000 rpm).
R Utilize the engine’s braking power when
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
i For maximum engine speed, see
“Instrument cluster” ( Y page 32) and see
“Engine” ( Y page 399).
R Check the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.
G Warning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted
climb, back it down in reverse gear.
i The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see “Hill start assist
system” (
Y page 133).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing
17 Vehicles with AMG Sport-Package
Operation