Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2006 Owners Manual User Manual
Page 308
307
Operation
Driving instructions
Off-road driving rules
ț
Engage the Off-road driving program
(
୴
page 248) before driving under
off-road conditions.
ț
If equipped with vehicle level control*,
make sure you select a vehicle level ap-
propriate to the topographical condi-
tions. Always make sure the vehicle
has enough ground clearance.
ț
Fasten items being carried as securely
as possible (
୴
page 259).
ț
Always navigate gradients with the en-
gine on and with the transmission en-
gaged in a gear. Switch on the DSR
(
୴
page 245) to help maintain a preset
speed.
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
ț
Check the engine oil level with the
control system (ML 500 only)
(
୴
page 328), or with the oil dipstick
(ML 350 only) (
୴
page 330).
Only with a proper oil level can the
vehicle obtain a trouble-free oil supply,
even on steep gradients.
i
We recommend keeping doors, tail-
gate, windows, and tilt/sliding sun-
roof* closed whenever driving in
off-road mode.
!
Observe the following during off-road
driving:
ț
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be.
ț
Watch out for obstacles, such as
rocks, holes, tree stumps and ruts.
ț
Be especially careful when driving
in unknown territory. It may be nec-
essary to get out of the vehicle and
scout the path you intend to take.
ț
Before driving through water, deter-
mine its depth.
ț
Do not stop vehicle while immersed
in water, and do not shut off the
engine.
ț
In sandy soil, please drive at a
steady speed as allowed by condi-
tions. This helps overcome the vehi-
cle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking
into the ground.
ț
Do not initiate jumps with the vehi-
cle. It interrupts the forward mo-
mentum of the vehicle.
ț
Always drive onto slopes with the
engine running and the vehicle in
gear.