2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class brakes

273 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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.

275 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lampv in the speedometer
dial comes on with the electronic key in starter switch
position 2. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, a malfunction
has been detected in the system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
Have the ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 301.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the ESP warning message may
be displayed with the engine running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The ESP warning message should go out.

285 Parking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Parking assist (Parktronic)
The Parktronic system assists the driver during parking
maneuvers. It visually and audibly indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle.
The front area of the vehicle is monitored when driving
forward. When reversing or with the gear selector lever
in position “N”, the front as well as the rear areas are
monitored.
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2,
Parktronic engages automatically at speeds up to
approximately 10 mph (15 km / h) and deactivates
during higher speeds.
Parktronic can be switched off by a control switch
located in the center console. It engages automatically
again when starting the engine.
See page 289 for Parktronic switch.
Wa r n i n g !
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is not
intended to nor does it replace the need for extreme
care. The responsibility during parking and other
critical maneuvers rests always with the driver.Special attention must be paid to objects having
smooth surfaces or low silhouettes (e.g. trailer
couplings, painted posts, or street curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system and can
damage the vehicle.The operational function of the Parktronic can be
affected by dirty sensors, especially at times of
snow and ice. See page 378 for notes on cleaning
the parktronic system sensors.Interference caused by other ultrasonic signals
(e.g. working jackhammers or the air brakes of
trucks) can cause the system to send erratic
indications, and should be taken into
consideration.

355 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
Important!
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km / h). The electronic key must be in starter switch
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive f lange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with
electronic key in starter switch turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, 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.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (see “VEHICLE” under
“Individual settings” on page 144) as well as the ESP
(see page 274).
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to
brake and steer the vehicle.

403 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .................................... 175
Rear window defroster ............................................. 180
Residual engine heat utilization (REST) ............... 174
Special settings ......................................................... 169
Switching on and off ................................................ 175
Automatic climate control, rear
Air volume, manual .................................................. 178
Basic setting .............................................................. 178
Automatic transmission ...............................................233
Emergency operation ............................................... 241
Fluid level ...................................................................335
Program mode selector switch ...............................240
Selector lever position ..............................................236
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 91
Self-test ......................................................................... 91
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 271
Battery .............................................................................349
Battery recycling .......................................................350
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR -
malfunction and warning messages ......................305
Block heater .................................................................... 251BRAKE ASSIST -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 306
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 271
Brake fluid ..................................244, 293, 298, 394, 396
BRAKE FLUID -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 307
BRAKE LINING WEAR -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 307
Brake pad wear .............................................................. 307
Brake warning lamp ..................................................... 298
Brake fluid low ......................................................... 298
Brakes ........................................... 242, 244, 271, 272, 274
CCapacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .............................. 394
Card, KEYLESS-GO ..........................................................28
Catalytic converter ........................................................ 224
Center console .................................................................. 24
Center console lighting ................................................. 189
Central locking switch .................................................... 50
Central locking system .................................................... 34
Automatic central locking .........................................52
Choosing global or selective mode .....................37, 43
Electronic main key .................................................... 29