Mercedes Benz 2003 sl 500 User Manual
70
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
monitors the vehicle's traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
monitors the vehicle's traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slip-
pery road surfaces.
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slip-
pery road surfaces.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the
speedometer dial flashes when the ESP is
engaged.
speedometer dial flashes when the ESP is
engaged.
The warning lamp v in the speedome-
ter dial (
ter dial (
page 21) lights up when you
turn the key to position 1 or 2. It goes out
when you start the engine
when you start the engine
Warning!
G
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction. The BAS cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following an-
other vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction. The BAS cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following an-
other vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ABS/ESP-warning lamp
ABS/ESP-warning lamp
v
flashing in
the speedometer dial. In this case proceed
as follows:
as follows:
앫
While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
as possible.
앫
While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
tor.
앫
Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
from excessive speed.