Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 71)

and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
Off-road ABS
An ABS mode specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program (
Y page 206) is activated
or the LOW RANGE ( Y page 206) off-road
gear is selected.
At speeds below 18 mph(30 km/h), the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 68).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
G WARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ® (Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 68).
If ESP ® detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP
® assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP
® can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP
® intervenes, the ÷ ESP ® warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
G
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP
® when the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R
when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP
® cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP
® may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ® function
properly.
Driving safety systems
69
Safety
Z