Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2008 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 95)

94
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP ®
Switching off the ESP ®
(except CLS 63 AMG)
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch
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 apply the
brakes to a spinning wheel
ț the ESP ® continues to operate when
you are braking
ț you cannot activate the cruise control
or the Distronic*
ț the cruise control or Distronic* switch
off if currently activated
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1 ESP ® switch
̈ With the engine running, press ESP ®
switch 1 until the ESP ® warning
lamp v in the instrument cluster
comes on.
The ESP ® is switched off.
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 spare
wheel is mounted.
Warning!
G
Switch on the ESP ® immediately if the afore-
mentioned circumstances do not apply any-
more. Otherwise the ESP ® will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
i When the ESP ® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ® warn-
ing lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes.
However, the ESP ® will then not stabilize the ve-
hicle.