Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 63)

If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ® only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.
X
To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
G WARNING
The ESP ® should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP ® OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP
® .
Do not switch off the ESP ® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ® is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
i Vehicles with ECO start/stop function:
the ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
comes to a stop. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ® remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ® was
deactivated before the engine was
switched off, ESP ® remains deactivated
when the engine is switched on again.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ® in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
G WARNING
Switch on ESP ® immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP
® cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP ® :
R ESP ® no longer improves driving stability.
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
R traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ® is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ® Brake is no longer available,
nor is it activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ® intervenes.
R ESP ® still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ® is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP ® warning lamp in
Driving safety systems
61
Safety
Z