2010 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 255

Driving instructions When driving on sand, observe the following rules: RVehicles with air suspension program: Set the raised level (Y page 156). RAvoid RShift RIn 253 Returning from off-road driving G Warning! If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the road. Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for repairs. high engine speeds. automatic transmission into a gear range that is appropriate for the terrain. sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as conditions permit. This helps overcome the vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the ground. in tracks of other vehicles if they are not too deep and you have sufficient clearance. RDrive Ruts A number of off-road tracks or other byways have deep ruts which can cause the underbody to come in contact with the ground. RMake sure the off-road driving program (Y page 155) is switched on. RVehicles Off-road driving increases strain on the vehicle. We recommend that you inspect the vehicle for possible damage after each off-road trip. Recognizing any damage and a subsequent timely repair reduces the chance of a possible breakdown or accident later on. Proceed as follows: RSwitch off the off-road driving program (Y page 155). off the DSR (Y page 153). with air suspension program: Lower the vehicle back to a level suitable for road conditions, e.g. highway/highspeed level (Y page 156). all exterior lamps and check for possible damage. the front and rear license plate. excessive dirt from tires, wheels, wheel housings, and underbody. For instance, after driving in mud, clean the radiator, chassis, engine, brakes, and wheels from extreme dirt using a strong jet of water. tires for possible damage. vehicle underbody, oil pan, brake hoses, etc., as well as vehicle underbody for possible damage. with air suspension program: Set the raised level (Y page 156). RSwitch RVehicles ! Check that the ruts are not too deep and your vehicle's clearance is sufficient. Otherwise: Ryour vehicle may be damaged Rthe underbody of the vehicle may come in contact with the ground and you may get stuck RAvoid RShift RClean RClean RRemove high engine speeds. automatic transmission into gear range 1 (Y page 113). next to the ruts rather than through them if at all possible. one side of the vehicle on the grassy center strip if the route permits. RDrive RCheck RIf the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive with RInspect Z Operation