Mercedes Benz 2008 cls-class User Manual

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Switching off the ESP

(CLS 63 AMG only)

When you switch off the ESP

앫

the ESP

does not stabilize the vehicle

앫

the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for better grip

앫

the traction control will still apply the
brakes to a spinning wheel

앫

the ESP

operates while you are brak-

ing

앫

you cannot activate the cruise control
or the Distronic*

앫

the cruise control or Distronic* switch
off if currently activated

Warning!

When the ESP

warning lamp

v is

illuminated continuously, the ESP

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!

The ESP

should not be switched off during

normal driving. Disabling of the system will

result in the following:

앫

no restriction to engine torque

앫

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.