Deactivating/activating ESP®

section. Observe the "Important safety notes" section.

WARNING ESP® should not be deactivated during 
ESP® should not be deactivated during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP® when the emergency or spare wheel is mounted.

ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.

It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations:

when using snow chains
in deep snow
on sand or gravel

WARNING Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the 
Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.

When you deactivate ESP®:

ESP® no longer improves driving stability.
the engine's torque is no longer limited and the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which provides better grip.
traction control is still activated.
ESP® still provides support when you brake.
If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the lamp in ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

► To deactivate: press button 1.

To deactivate: press button 1.

The instrument cluster lights up. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

WARNING When the  ESP® OFF warning 
When the
lamp is lit, ESP® OFF warning lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated.
If the
the ESP® warning lamp and the lit, ESP® OFF warning lamp remain lit, ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.

extended period with ESP® deactivated. Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated.

You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

To activate: press button 1.

The instrument cluster goes out. ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

    See also:

    Safety systems
    Display messages Possible causes/consequences and Solutions Risk of accidentABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE ...

    Active multicontour seat
    The dynamic function of the active multicontour seat automatically adapts the side bolsters of the backrest to your current driving style. Select the seat. Select Dynamic Seat by sliding o ...

    Kickdown
    Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. Vehicles for USA: fully depress the accelerator pedal. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed. Vehicles for Canada: depre ...