Page 277 of 399

274 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a 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 341, “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.
Page 284 of 399

281 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster ......................................... 282
On-board diagnostic system ......... 283
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp............................. 283
Brake warning lamp .................. 284
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 285
Fuel reserve warning................. 286
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp.............................................. 287
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 288
Seat belt nonusage warning
lamp ............................................288Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console...... 289
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 289
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 290
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE................ 291
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ....... 292
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .... 293
BRAKE ASSIST........................... 293
BRAKE PAD WEAR.................... 294
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 294
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 295
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 295
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program).. 296
COOLANT (coolant level).......... 297COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 298
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 299
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 300
LIGHT SENSOR........................... 302
DOOR............................................ 302
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 303
HOOD ........................................... 303
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 304
TELE AID ..................................... 304
WASHER FLUID.......................... 305
RESTRAINT SYSTEM ................. 306
KEY............................................... 306
FUEL RESERVE .......................... 307
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................ 307
STEERING WHEEL ADJUST. ..... 308
Page 291 of 399

288 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the
speedometer dial comes on with the
electronic key in starter switch position 2.
It should go out with engine running.
If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains
illuminated with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the system. Pressing the accelerator
pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine
output will be available.
See electronic stability program (ESP) on page 274 if the
warning lamp lights up or flashes when the vehicle is
moving.Seat belt nonusage warning lamp
With the electronic key in starter switch
position 2, the seat belt nonusage warning
lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a
short time if the drivers seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt nonusage
warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind the
driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.
Page 340 of 399

337 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Removal of filter box:
Release three clamps (1) and remove filter box.
Installation of filter box:
Install filter box properly and secure with
three clamps (1).Notes:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in
position “P” and the electronic key can not be turned in
the starter switch, if the vehicle battery is disconnected
or discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock
(vehicles with COMAND: see COMAND operator’s
manual) resynchronize the front seat head restraints,
the express feature of the power windows, the
panorama sliding / pop-up roof, and the electronic
stability program (see individual settings on page 121,
head restraints on page 54, power windows on page 197,
synchronizing the sliding / pop-up roof on page 202 and
electronic stability program on page 274).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
Page 390 of 399

387 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Coolant temperature gauge .......................................... 137
Cruise control ................................................................. 268
Cup holder ...................................................................... 210
DDashboard ......................................................................... 22
Door control panel ........................................................... 20
Drive sensibly - Save Fuel ............................................ 257EEasy-entry/exit feature ................................................... 47
Electronic key ................................................................... 29
Electronic main key
Changing batteries ................................................... 351
Synchronizing remote control ................................ 353
Electronic stability program (ESP).............................. 274
Emergency call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 228
Emergency engine shut-down ..................................... 353
Emergency operation of sliding/pop-up roof ............ 354
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR)......................... 71
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ................... 40
Engine oil consumption ................................................ 142Engine oil level indicator .............................................. 141
Express opening and closing (power windows) ........ 197
Exterior lamp switch ..................................................... 143
Daytime running lamp mode .................................. 145
Exterior lamps ............................................................... 345
Additional turn signals on the exterior mirror ... 350
Bulbs for high and low beam ................................. 347
Headlamp assembly ................................................. 346
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 350
License plate lamps ................................................. 349
Parking and standing lamp .................................... 347
Replacing bulbs ........................................................ 345
Side marker lamp, front .......................................... 350
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 348
Turn signal lamp ...................................................... 347
Exterior mirror adjustment ............................................ 90
Exterior mirror, front passenger side,
parking position .......................................................... 91
FFirst aid kit ...................................................................... 310
Flat tire
See Changing wheels .............................................. 327
Flexible service system (FSS) ...................................... 138