Mercedes Benz 2008 c300 Manuale Utente

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP

®

) is 

operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning and 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 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 

v in the instru-

ment cluster flashes when the ESP

®

 is en-

gaged.

The ESP

®

 warning lamp 

v in the instru-

ment cluster comes on when you switch on 
the ignition (

page 82). It goes out when 

the engine is running.

G

Never switch off the ESP

®

 when you see the 

ESP

®

 warning lamp 

v flashing in the in-

strument cluster. In this case proceed as fol-

lows:

앫

While driving off, apply as little throttle 
as possible.

앫

While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.

앫

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

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, attentive, and 

skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-

pabilities of an ESP

®

 equipped vehicle must 

never be exploited in a reckless or danger-

ous manner which could jeopardize the us-

er’s safety or the safety of others.

i

®

i

®