Drivin g safet y systems
Overview of drivin g safet y systemsIn this section , you will fin d information about
th e followin g drivin g safet y systems :R
AB S ( A n ti-loc k B rakin g S ystem)
( Y
page 60)R
BA S ( B rak e A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 60)R
Active Brak e Assis t ( Y
page 61 )R
ES P ®
( E lectronic S t ability P r ogram)
( Y
page 63)R
EB D ( E lectroni c B rak e forc e D istribution )
( Y
page 66 )R
ADAPTIV E BRAKE ( Y
page 66 )R
STEE R CONTROL ( Y
page 66)
Important safet y notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style or if you are
inattentive , th e drivin g safet y systems can nei-
ther reduce th e ris k of an acciden t no r override
th e laws of physics. Driving safet y systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible fo r maintainin g th e distanc e to th e
vehicle in front, fo r vehicle speed, fo r braking in
goo d time, and fo r stayin g in lane. Always adapt
your drivin g style to suit th e prevailin g road and
weather condition s and maintain a saf e distanc e
from th e vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The drivin g safet y systems described only wor k
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quat e contact between th e tires and th e road
surface. Please pay special attention to th e
note s on tires , recommended minimum tire
tread depths, etc. ( Y
page 282).
In wintr y drivin g conditions, always use winte r
tires (M+ S tires )a nd if necessary, snow chains.
Only in this way will the driving safety systems
described in this section work as effectively as
possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking. The % ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions.
ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 60).
G WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y
page 218) and dis-
play messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y
page 189).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over. X
To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information
BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.60
Driving safety systems
Safety
Tires Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Check Tire Pressure
Soon Canada only:
The tire pressure loss warning system has detected a significant loss
in pressure.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes: R
you have changed the positions of the wheels and tires or installed
new wheels and tires R
the tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped
G WARNING
Tire pressures that are too low pose the following hazards: R
they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed increase R
they may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction. R
the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may be
greatly impaired
There is a risk of an accident. X
Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so. X
Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y
page 140).X
Check the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a flat
tire ( Y
page 266). X
Check the tire pressures and, if necessary, correct the tire pressure. X
Restart the tire pressure loss warning system when the tire pres-
sure is correct ( Y
page 289).
Check Tire Pressure
Then Restart Run
Flat Indicator Canada only:
The tire pressure loss warning system generated a display message
and has not been restarted since. X
Set the correct tire pressure in all four tires. X
Restart the tire pressure loss warning system ( Y
page 289).
Run Flat Indicator
Inoperative Canada only:
The tire pressure loss warning system is faulty. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Please Correct Tire
Pressure USA only:
The tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great. X
Check the tire pressures at the next opportunity ( Y
page 289).X
If necessary, correct the tire pressure. X
Restart the tire pressure monitor ( Y
page 291).Displa y messages 20 9
On-board computer and displays Z
