Mercedes Benz 2007 sl-class User Manual

The electronic traction system is a compo-
nent of ESP

®

.

The electronic traction system improves 
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available trac-
tion, especially under slippery road condi-
tions by applying the brakes to a spinning 
wheel.

When you switch off the ESP

®

, the elec-

tronic traction system is still enabled.

®

To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch 
off the ESP

®

 in driving situations where it 

would be advantageous to have the drive 
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for 
better grip such as:

앫

when driving with snow chains

앫

in deep snow

앫

in sand or gravel

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 electronic traction system will still 
apply the brakes to a spinning wheel

앫

the ESP

®

 continues to operate when 

you are braking

앫

you cannot activate the cruise control 
or the Distronic* system

앫

the cruise control or the Distronic* sys-
tem switch off if currently activated

G

If you are driving too fast, the electronic 

traction system cannot reduce the risk of an 

accident. 

The electronic traction system cannot pre-

vent the natural laws of physics from acting 

on the vehicle.

G

ESP

®

 should not be switched off during nor-

mal driving other than in the circumstances 

described below. Disabling of the system 

will reduce vehicle stability in standard driv-

ing maneuvers.

Do not switch off the ESP

®

 when a spare 

wheel is mounted.

!

®

i

®

®

v in the speedometer flashes. 

®