Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2008 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 96)

95
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP ®
(CLS 63 AMG only)
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 ® operates while you are brak-
ing
ț you cannot activate the cruise control
or the Distronic*
ț the cruise control or Distronic* switch
off if currently activated
Warning!
G
When the ESP ® warning lamp v is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ® is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ® .
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an ex-
tended period with the ESP ® switched off. This
may cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
The ESP ® should not be switched off during
normal driving. Disabling of the system will
result in the following:
ț no restriction to engine torque
ț loss of system supported traction
control
“ESP ® OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the natural oversteer and un-
dersteer characteristics are desired and re-
quires 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.