ESP MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 2005 W163 Owner's Guide

81 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
LOW RANGE – ESP
During off-road driving, a special low range
system for the ESP is operational with
transmission in LOW RANGE mode
(page 127).
In the LOW RANGE mode, the ESP ope-
rates in a traction improving fashion spe-
cifically adapted for off-road driving. At
speeds below 27 mph (45 km / h), the ESP
assists in over- / understeering, thus im-
proving vehicle traction.Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have the drive wheels
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better
grip such as:


starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains


in sand or gravel


when driving off-road
Warning!
G
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties of an ESP equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
!Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
tion, the engine must be shut off (Key in
steering lock position0 or1) when the
parking brake is being tested on a
brake test dynamometer.
Active braking action through ESP may
otherwise seriously damage the front
or rear axle brake system.
Operational tests with the engine
running can only be conducted on a
two-axle dynamometer.
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.

82 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
The switch is located on the upper center
console.ESP on / off switch
Press upper half of the ESP switch.
The 4-ETS / ESP warning lampv in
the speedometer comes on.
The ESP is deactivated.
If one or more drive wheels are spinning,
the 4-ETS / ESP warning lampv in the
speedometer flashes, regardless of the
speed.Traction control brakes a spinning wheel
even when the ESP is deactivated.
The ESP always operates when you are
braking, even when it has been deactiva-
ted.
Switching on the ESP

Press lower half of the ESP switch until
the 4-ETS / ESP warning lampv in
the speedometer goes out.
You are now again in normal driving
mode.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 247).
!Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period of time with the ESP
switched off. This may cause serious
damage to the drivetrain which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.iTurn ESP on immediately if the afore-
mentioned circumstances do not apply
anymore.
Warning!
G
When the 4-ETS / ESP warning lampv is
illuminated continuously, the ESP is
switched off.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP.

83 Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating
Removing the key from the steering lock
activates the immobilizer.
Deactivating
Turning the key in the steering lock to
position2 (
page 33) deactivates the im-
mobilizer.
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone:

opens a door


opens the liftgate


opens the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element (a door, for example) is immedi-
ately closed.
The alarm system will also be triggered
when


someone attempts to raise the vehicle


unlocking and opening the driver’s
door with the mechanical keyArming the alarm system
The alarm system is armed after locking
the vehicle with the remote control. The
turn signal lamps flash three times to indi-
cate that the alarm system is activated. A
red indicator lamp in the center console
will flash after approximately 10 seconds
when the alarm system is completely
armed (
page 27).
iIn case the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle’s battery is charged),
the system is not operational. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response
Center is initiated automatically by the
Tele Aid* system (
page 174) provid-
ed Tele Aid service was subscribed to
and properly activated, and that neces-
sary cellular service and GPS coverage
are available.

84 Safety and SecurityAnti-theft systemsDisarming the alarm system
The alarm system is disarmed when you
unlock your vehicle with the remote con-
trol. The turn signal lamps flash once to in-
dicate that the alarm system is
deactivated.Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm:

Switch on ignition (
page 33).
or

Press theŒ or ‹button on the
remote control.
The alarm is canceled.
Tow-away alarm, glass breakage
sensor
The tow-away alarm and the glass break-
age sensor are part of the anti-theft alarm
system.
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone:


attempts to raise the vehicle


breaks a window and reaches into the
passenger compartment
iIf the turn signal lamps do not flash
three times, the tow-away - glass
breakage sensor is malfunctioning or
one of the following elements may not
be properly closed:

a door


the liftgate


the hood
Close the respective element and lock
the vehicle again.
iThe alarm system will rearm automati-
cally again after approximately
40 seconds if one of the doors or the
liftgate is not opened.
iThe tow-away protection alarm is trig-
gered, for example, if the vehicle is
lifted on one side.
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response
Center is initiated automatically by the
Tele Aid* system (
page 174) provid-
ed Tele Aid service was subscribed to
and properly activated, and that neces-
sary cellular service and GPS coverage
are available.

88 Controls in detailIn the “Controls in detail” section you will
find detailed information on how to oper-
ate the equipment installed in your vehicle.
If you are already familiar with the basic
functions of your vehicle, this section will
be of particular interest to you.
To quickly familiarize yourself with the ba-
sic functions of the vehicle, refer to the
“Getting started” section of this manual.
The corresponding page numbers are
given at the beginning of each segment.Locking and unlocking
For more information on locking and un-
locking, see “Getting started” (
page 31)
and (
page 55).
Remote control with folding key
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
remote controls with folding key.
The remote control provides an extended
operating range. To prevent theft,
however, it is advisable to only unlock the
vehicle when you are in close proximity to
it.
The key centrally locks and unlocks:

the doors


the liftgate


the fuel filler flap
Remote control with folding key1ÂPanic button (
page 75)
2ŒUnlock button
3‹Lock button
4Release button for key
5ŠUnlock button for liftgate

90 Controls in detailLocking and unlocking
Loss of remote control with folding key
If you lose a remote control or the folding
key, you should do the following:
Have the remote control deactivated
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.

Report the loss of the remote control or
the folding key immediately to your car
insurance company.

If necessary have the mechanical lock
replaced.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center will be glad to supply you
with a replacement.
Opening the doors from the inside
You can open a locked door from the in-
side. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
1Locking knob
2Inside door handle
Front doors
Pull on door handle2 on the respec-
tive front door to open door.
If door was locked, locking knob1 will
move up.
!If you can no longer lock or unlock the
vehicle with the remote control, then
the batteries in the remote control are
discharged, the remote control is mal-
functioning or the vehicle battery is
drained.

Check the batteries in the remote
control and replace them if neces-
sary (
page 273).


Use the folding key to unlock or
lock the driver’s door as required
(page 268).


Lock the liftgate if necessary from
inside (
page 91).


Check the vehicle battery
(page 272).


Synchronize the remote control
(page 273).
If the remote control is malfunctioning,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.

91 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Rear doors
Pull up locking knob1 on the respec-
tive rear door.

Pull on door handle2 on the respec-
tive rear door to open door.
Opening the liftgate
Opening the liftgate from outside
A minimum height clearance of 7 ft
(2.15 m) is required to open the liftgate.
The handle is located above the rear
license plate recess.
1Grip molding
2Handle
The vehicle must be unlocked.
Pull on handle2.

Swing the liftgate upward by using the
grip molding1.Opening the liftgate from inside
A minimum height clearance of 7 ft
(2.15 m) is required to open the liftgate.
The release lever is located on the inside of
the liftgate.
1Release lever
2Catch

To unlock the liftgate, move the
catch2 to the right.
iIf the vehicle has previously been
locked from the outside using the
remote control, opening a door from
the inside will trigger the alarm.
To cancel the alarm, do one of the
following:

Switch on the ignition by turning
the key in the steering lock to
position2.


Press the‹ or Œbutton on
the remote control.
!Always make sure that there is suffi-
cient overhead clearance.


92 Controls in detailLocking and unlocking
Pull release lever1 down and swing
liftgate upward.
Closing the liftgate
1Recessed grip
2Grip molding

Pull down on recessed grip1.

Close liftgate by using grip molding2.
!Always make sure that there is suffi-
cient overhead clearance.iTo lock the liftgate, move the catch2
to the left.
Warning!
G
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the lift-
gate opening when closing the liftgate. Be
especially careful when small children are
around.
Do not close the liftgate from the inside by
pulling on the handle.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the steering lock and lock the vehi-
cle. Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle. Children could open the liftgate
from inside, which could result in an acci-
dent and / or serious personal injury.
Warning!
G
Only drive with the liftgate closed as exhaust
fumes may enter the vehicle interior.iDo not place the key in the cargo com-
partment. You may lock yourself out.iIf the vehicle was previously centrally
locked, the liftgate lid will lock auto-
matically when closed. The turn signals
will flash three times to confirm lock-
ing.


108 Controls in detailLightingManual headlamp mode
The low beam headlamps and the parking
lamps can be switched on and off with the
combination switch.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps switch on and off au-
tomatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light.

Low beam headlamps


Tail and parking lamps


License plate lamps


Side marker lamps

Turn the combination switch to
positionU.
With the key in steering lock position1
only the parking lamps will switch on
and off automatically.
With the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps, the tail and parking
lamps, the license plate lamps, and the
side marker lamps will switch on and
off automatically.
They will be switched on constantly,
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.
iWith the key removed from the steering
lock and the driver’s door open, a warn-
ing sounds if the parking lamps or low
beam headlamps are switched on
(page 107).
Warning!
G
If the combination switch is set toU

the headlamps may switch off unexpect-
edly when the system senses bright am-
bient light, for example light from
oncoming traffic.


the headlamps will not be automatically
switched on under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, acti-
vate headlamps by turning combination
switch toõ when driving or when traffic
and / or ambient lighting conditions require
you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from positionU toõ with the
vehicle at a standstill. Switching
fromUtoõ will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible for
the operation of the vehicle’s lights at all
times.

109 Controls in detail
Lighting
Daytime running lamp mode
Canada only:
Turn combination switch to
positionD orU.
When the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps are switched on.
In low ambient light conditions, the fol-
lowing lamps will switch on additional-
ly:

Tail and parking lamps


License plate lamps


Side marker lamp
For nighttime driving you should turn the
combination switch to positionõ to
permit activation of the high beam head-
lamps.
When the engine is running, and you shift
from a driving position to positionN orP,
the low beam headlamps will switch off
with a three minutes delay.When the engine is running, and you


turn the combination switch to
positionC, the parking lamps
switch on additionally.


turn the combination switch to
positionõ, the manual headlamp
mode has priority over the daytime run-
ning lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps
switch on (
page 107).Night security illumination
Use this function to set wether and how
long you would like the exterior lamps to il-
luminate during darkness after exiting the
vehicle and all doors closed.
When a time is set for the night security il-
lumination and the combination switch is
set to positionUbefore turning off the
engine, the following lamps will come on
after you have removed the key from the
steering lock:


Tail and parking lamps


License plate lamps


Side marker lamps


Front fog lamps
iWith the daytime running lamp mode
and the combination switch in
positionD, the high beam head-
lamps cannot be switched on.
The high beam flasher is always avail-
able.
iYou can reactivate this function within
ten minutes by opening a door.
If you do not open a door or do not
close an opened door after turning off
the engine, the lamps will automatically
switch off after 60 seconds.