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8Safe driving
Therefore, this chapter explains why these safety features are so important,
how they can protect you, what you need to remember when using them
and how you and your passengers can gain the most benefit from them.
There are also a number of important safety warnings that you and your
passengers should always observe in order to minimise the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's responsibility!
Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers
and the safe operation of the vehicle at all times. For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before setting off:
– Make sure that all lights and indicators are working properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visibility to
the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully ⇒ page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors correctly.
– Make sure that the head restraints for all passengers are adjus-
ted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable safety seats
and properly worn seat belts ⇒ page 47. –
Sit in a correct position. Inform your passengers as to how they
should sit ⇒ page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your passengers
do the same ⇒ page 19.
What affects safe driving?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and
can also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle. The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all its oc-
cupants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way, you endan-
ger yourself and other road users ⇒
. Therefore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by using a
mobile phone, etc.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits and always main-
tain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and weather
conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more than
two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
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67
Cockpit
The yellow warning lamp remains on if the system is faulty or if
the pressure is too low in at least one tyre. In the event of a system
fault, the letters TPMS are displayed in the centre of the instrument
panel ⇒ fig. 45. If the tyre pressure drops rapidly, message A
⇒ fig. 46 will be shown on the central display of the instrument
panel. If the pressure loss is more gradual, message B ⇒ fig. 46
will be shown on the central display of the instrument panel. This
message does not show the tyre affected. Should any of these
warnings be displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the tyres. Although the warning corresponds to just one
tyre, you should also check the others.
– Correct the tyre pressure ⇒ page 242.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring system,
please refer to ⇒ page 241.
Cruise speed (Cruise control)*
The indicator lamp on the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating.
Trailer turn signals*
This turn signal lamp flashes when the turn signals are op-
erating while towing a caravan or trailer. The turn signal lamp flashes when the turn signals are operated if a trail-
er is correctly coupled to the vehicle. Where a turn signal bulb does not work, either on the trailer or on the tow-
ing vehicle, the turn signal bulb will not flash.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the integrated elec-
tronic differential lock (EDL).
The warning lamp lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes out again after
the system has run through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The warning lamp does not light up when the ignition is switched on
● The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still brake in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS, see ⇒ page 191.
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also
light up.
Entire brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together with the brake warning lamp
⇒ page 70 (with the handbrake released), this indicates not only a
fault in the ABS function, but probably also a malfunction in the main brake
system ⇒
.
The symbol will light up on the instrument panel if there if a fault in the
brake system. Please refer to ⇒ page 77.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
Page 192 of 319

190Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.
Fig. 160 Centre console
with ESP switch
The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where
the vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating
and cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all
road conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (TCS) are all integrated into the Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It al-
so processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors.
These register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), later-
al acceleration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle
over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the
road), the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend.
If the vehicle under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force
is applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 191. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESP is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs
a self-test routine.