Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2006 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 97)

96
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
୴ page 381).
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP
®
when you see the
ESP ® -warning lamp v flashing in the
speedometer. In this case, proceed as fol-
lows:
ț While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
ț While driving ease up on the accelera-
tor.
ț Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed.
Warning!
G
The ESP
®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties of an ESP
®
equipped vehicle must nev-
er be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
!
The ESP ® will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
୴ page 487).
!
Because of the ESP’s ® automatic oper-
ation, the engine and ignition must be
shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button* in position 0 or 1
(
୴ page 34)) when
ț the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front or rear axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
Operational tests with the engine
running can only be conducted on a
two-axle dynamometer.