Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2006 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 97)

96
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP ®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP
® in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
ț when driving with snow chains
ț in deep snow
ț in sand or gravel
When you switch off the ESP ®
ț the ESP ® does not stabilize the vehicle
ț the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for better grip
ț the traction control will still brake a
spinning wheel
ț the ESP ® continues to operate when
you are braking
ț you cannot activate Distronic*
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1 ESP ® switch (off/on)
̈ Press ESP ® switch 1 until the
ABS/ESP ® warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP ® is deactivated.
Warning!
G
The ESP ® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in driving
maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ® when a
Minispare or collapsible tire is mounted.
!
Turn on the ESP ® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore.
i
When the ESP ® is switched off and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the
ABS/ESP
® warning lamp v in the
speedometer flashes. However, the
ESP
® will then not stabilize the vehicle.