2009 Mercedes CLS-Class Owner's Manual - Page 68

Safety and security Driving safety systems For more information, see "What to do if ...?" (Y page 291). Adaptive Brake Adaptive Brake provides a high level of braking safety as well as increased braking comfort. It is coupled with ABS, ESP® and BAS. Adaptive Brake takes driver and vehicle characteristics into consideration, thus achieving an optimal braking effect. For more information on the brake system, see (Y page 234). Adapt your driving style to the changed driving characteristics. BAS G Observe Safety notes, see page 64. The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing the braking distance. X Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. G Warning! If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still functions, but without the additional brake boost available that the BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase. ESP® G Observe Safety notes, see page 64. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is running 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 spinning 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 v in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running. EBP G Observe Safety notes, see page 64. The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight line braking without a loss of vehicle stability. G Warning! If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will still function with full brake boost. However, the rear wheels could lock up during emergency braking situations, for example. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. 66