Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 168)

Traveling uphill
Approach/departure angle
: : 14 ;
Steel-spring
vehicles
26° 25° 25°
Vehicles with
the AIRMATIC
package
Highway level 23° 22° 22° 15
Raised level 28° 27° 27°
R Comply with the rules for off-road driving.
R Do not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines
or gradients, but instead follow the direct
line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing
capability of your vehicle is 100%, which
corresponds to an approach/departure
angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's
gradient-climbing capability depends on
the off-road conditions.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Drive slowly.
R Avoid high engine speeds – drive at a
suitable engine speed (maximum 3000
rpm).
R When driving down an incline, make use of
the engine's braking effect. Observe the
engine speed; do not overrev the engine.
R Check the brakes after driving off-road for
a long time.
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 Hill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For further information, see "Hill start
assist" (
Y
page 142).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
For good road surface conditions, the
maximum gradient-climbing capability is
100%, which corresponds to an approach/
departure angle of 45°. Note that the
vehicle's gradient-climbing capability
depends on the off-road conditions.
Accelerate carefully and make sure that the
wheels do not spin when driving on steep
terrain.
i If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognizes this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased, making it easier to drive off.
Brow of hill
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator
immediately before reaching the brow of the
hill. Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive
over the top of the hill.
14 With AMG bodystyling.
15
166
Driving tips
Driving
and
parking
The ML 350 4MATIC model has a departure angle of 23°.