2010 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 65

Driving safety systems If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the braking distance. 63 of the braking effort in straight-line braking without a loss of vehicle stability. G Warning! With the off-road driving program switched on, or with the transmission in LOW RANGE mode, the ABS designed for off-road driving is activated automatically. When applying the brakes at speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict steering the vehicle. ESP® The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is running. It monitors the vehicle's traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP® recognizes that the vehicle deviates from the direction of travel as intended by the driver. By applying brakes to individual wheels 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 d in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running. The ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster flashes when the ESP® is engaged. BAS The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS provides full brake boost automatically, 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 Observe Safety notes, see page 62. G Observe Safety notes, see page 62. 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. EBP The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion Z G Observe Safety notes, see page 62. Safety and security Off-road ABS 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. Adapt your driving style to the changed driving characteristics.