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

Safety and security Driving safety systems Switching the ESP® off or on (except SL 63 AMG) G Warning! The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted. To improve the vehicle's traction, switch off the ESP® in driving situations in which it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: Rwhen Rin Rin When you switch off the ESP® Rthe Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle engine output is not limited, which allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip ETS will still apply the brakes to a spinning wheel ESP® continues to operate when you are braking cannot activate the cruise control or the Distronic system cruise control or the Distronic system switch off if activated 1 ESP® switch X Rthe Rthe Ryou Rthe driving with snow chains deep snow sand or gravel G Warning! Switch on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a wheel is spinning. i When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/ ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle. Switching off: With the engine running, press ESP® switch 1 until the ABS/ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on. The ESP® is switched off. G Warning! When the ABS/ESP® warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP® is 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 prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®. 66