Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
GObserve Safety notes, see page 50.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP®. The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The 4-ETS function is available between
vehicle speeds of 0 mph (km/h) and 37 mph
(60 km/h).
When you switch off the ESP®, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
Switching off the ESP®
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP® in driving situations in which it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
Rwhen driving off-road
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
Rthe 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel at vehicle speeds up to
approximately 37 mph (60 km/h)
Rthe cruise control cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control switches off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
iWhen the ESP® is switched off, it will be
switched on again automatically when
exceeding a vehicle speed of 37 mph (60
km/h) or exceeding a severity threshold of
side acceleration.
XWith the engine running, press ESP®
switch : until the ESP® warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP® is switched off.
GWarning!
When the ESP® warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
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Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever must
be in neutral position N and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, the vehicle may be towed only
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at
a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle raised
(observe instructions regarding flexible
drive shaft and propeller shafts), the engine
must be shut off and the SmartKey must be
in starter switch position 1. Otherwise, the
4-ETS may become engaged which may
cause loss of towing control.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 175) or
snow chains as required.
Rear Parking Assist system
The Rear Parking Assist system is an
electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors
designed to assist the driver during parking
maneuvers. It indicates the relative distance
between the rear of the vehicle and an
obstacle visually and audibly.
The Rear Parking Assist system is activated
automatically when you switch on the ignition
and the automatic transmission is in reverse
gear R.
The Rear Parking Assist system monitors the
rear surroundings of your vehicle with four
sensors in the rear bumper.
To function properly, sensors : must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the Rear Parking Assist system sensors”
(Y page 190).
GWarning!
The Rear Parking Assist 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 always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Rear Parking Assist system will not detect
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