afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabil-
ities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP
®
). The ESP
®
is operational as soon as the engine is
running and it monitors the vehicle’s trac-
tion (force of adhesive friction between
the tires and the road surface) and han-
dling.
The ESP
®
recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP
®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP
®
is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP
®
also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking and steering maneuvers.
The ESP
®
warning lamp ÷ in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP
®
is
engaged.
The ESP
®
warning lamp ÷ in the instru-
ment cluster comes on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP
®
R
reduces the speed
R
selectively brakes individual wheels
R
equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R
stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R
assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roads
G
WARNING
If the ESP
®
warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as fol-
lows:
R
While driving off, apply as little throt-
tle as possible.
R
While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R
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.
G
WARNING
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, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
®
equip-
ped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
!
Because the ESP
®
operates automati-
cally, the engine must be turned off
(ignition switched off) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Active braking action
through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously
damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
i
The ESP
®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size (Y page 216).
Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
Driving safety systems
47
>> Safety.
Z
