Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving offroad. When travelling over
uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake and lose control of the vehicle. This also
prevents power being transferred between the engine and the gearbox. In addition, driving with the
clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the clutch lining.
Useful accessories for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for offroad driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories, you should always take
them with you and observe them as necessary when driving offroad.
Checklist
Useful items when driving offroad:
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electrical air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of similar size:
this can be used to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
Changing gear correctly
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The correct choice of gear depends on the offroad terrain.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After several trips offroad, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction with
the step-down ratio and differential locks for different types of terrain.
General rules
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
EDL brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive wheels.
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the brake from
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS improves traction in order to keep the vehicle on its intended course.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of a collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to reduce
the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only for collisions that are detected as a
collision by the airbag control unit.
The vehicle is braked automatically if the required systems have not been damaged in the collision
and have remained functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of a collision:
When the driver depresses the accelerator.
When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake
pressure provided by the system.
WARNING
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the systems. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a
loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you
into taking any risks when driving.
The brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads will remain
dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road surface and
aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with the
road surface.
Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close to the
vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation.
Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the vehicle in difficult
driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability of the vehicle depends on the
tyre grip.
