2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS steering

250 Driving instructions
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Important!
Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire sizes
245 / 45 R18 or 275 / 40 R18.
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road.If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind.

256 Driving systems
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Distronic (DTR)
(optional)
When activated the Distronic system increases driving
convenience, for example over long distances, as it
automatically maintains a speed set by the driver by
actively regulating the throttle setting. It also maintains
within certain limitations a preset distance to a vehicle
ahead.
With Distronic switched off, the multifunction display
continues to show the distance to the vehicle ahead, if
so selected, see page 269.
The distance notification function can be activated
separately, see page 267.
In Distronic mode, if the distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle
speed will be reduced to the extent permitted by
reduced throttle and up to 20% of vehicle braking power,
so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance, see
page 268.
Maximum range of detection is approximately 500 ft.
(150 m).Any given speed between 25 mph (Canada: 30 km/h)
and 110 mph (Canada: 180 km/h) can be maintained
with the Distronic by operating the control lever on the
steering column.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic is a convenience system, its speed
adjustment reduction capability is intended to
make cruise control more effective and usable
when traffic speeds vary. It is not, however,
intended to nor does it replace the need for extreme
care. The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most
importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping
distance, rests always with the driver.Wa r n i n g !
Distronic requires familiarity with its operational
characteristics. We strongly recommend that you
review the following information carefully before
operating the system.

264 Driving systems
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Additional driving hints
Important!
When starting the engine, Distronic goes through an
initialization and self-test phase.
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning system is
caused by a dirty sensor (located behind the hood
grille), especially at times of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, Distronic will switch off, and the
message “DISTRONIC – CLEAN SENSOR!” appears in
the multifunction display.
For cleaning and care of the Distronic sensor, see
page 378.
The following are some sample situations which may
influence the functions of Distronic.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic works to maintain the speed selected by
the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding
directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is
detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead at a
distance set by Distronic). This means that:• your vehicle can pass another vehicle after you
change lanes,• while in a sharp turn or if the vehicle in front
is in a sharp turn, Distronic could lose sight of
a vehicle traveling in front of it, then your
vehicle could accelerate to the previously
selected speed.Distronic regulates only the distance between your
vehicle and those directly ahead, but does not
register stationary objects in the roadway, e.g.:
• a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam.
• a disabled vehicle.
• an oncoming vehicle.
The driver must always be on the alert and observe
all traffic and intercede with steering and braking
inputs as necessary.Wa r n i n g !
Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy road
conditions.

265 Driving systems
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Traveling through turns or bends in the roadway may
result in Distronic detecting a moving vehicle traveling
in front but not in your lane of travel, causing your
vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly. You must be
prepared to intercede with accelerator or brake
application as necessary.The Distronic system’s detection zone is relatively
narrow at the start and becomes broader as it senses
further from the vehicle. Thus, Distronic may not
recognize another vehicle coming into your path close
to the front of your vehicle. You must be prepared to
intercede with braking or steering as necessary.
A vehicle not traveling directly in front of you could
cause detection problems, the actual distance to that
vehicle really being much shorter.

269 Driving systems
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Multifunction displays1Distronic is deactivated. The actual distance (5) and
the should-be distance (6) to the vehicle ahead (4)
are displayed.
2Distronic is activated. The display shows the
selected speed for approximately 5 seconds.
3Distronic is activated. The message “DTR OFF”
appears for approximately 5 seconds when Distronic
is being deactivated.
4Vehicle ahead.
Only appears if a vehicle is detected ahead.
5Actual distance to vehicle ahead.
6Should-be distance to vehicle ahead (as calculated
by Distronic).
7Own vehicle.
To call up Distronic display:
Press button è or ÿ on the multifunction
steering wheel repeatedly until the display (1 or 3)
appears.
4
5
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P54.30-3759-27

272 Driving systems
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Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

273 Driving systems
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in
starter switch position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 300.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated,
have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

274 Driving systems
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Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
page 353, Towing the vehicle), the engine must be shut
off (electronic key in starter switch position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.