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The ESC is switched on automatically when the engine is started.
- Fig. 174 Centre console with
button
The ESC operates in several levels. Depending on which level is selected, the stabilising function of the ESC is restricted or switched off, and the vehicle is stabilised to a greater or lesser degree.
In the following special situations, it may be advisable to switch on the sport mode (Saloon/Avant) or off-road mode (allroad) to allow a certain amount of wheelspin:
- Rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it
- Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
- Driving with snow chains
- (Applies to allroad: ) Driving on rough terrain when much of the car s weight is lifted off the wheels (axle articulation)
- (Applies to allroad: ) Braking on unsurfaced tracks when driving downhill
For your own safety you should switch off the sport mode/off-road mode in time.
ESC levels
Applies to: Saloon/Avant
Sport mode on | ESC/ASR off | Sport mode off or ESC/ASR on | |
Characteristics | The stabilising function of the ESC and traction control system (ASR) is restricted ►. | The stabilisation function is no longer available ►. ESC and traction control system (ASR) are switched off. | The stabilising function of the ESC and traction control system (ASR) is fully available again. |
Operation | Press the
 OFF button briefly. | Press the
OFF button for longer than 3 seconds. | Press the
OFF button again. |
Indicator lamps |  lights up. | and      light up. | goes out, or and go out. |
Driver messages | Stabilisation control (ESC): sport. Warning! Restricted stability | Stabilisation control (ESC): switched off. Warning! Restricted stability | Stabilisation control (ESC): switched on |
Applies to: allroad
Off-road mode on | ESC/ASR off | Off-road mode off or ESC/ASR on | |
Characteristics | The stabilising function of the ESC and traction control system (ASR) is restricted ►. | The stabilisation function is no longer available ►. ESC and traction control system (ASR) are switched off. | The stabilising function of the ESC and traction control system (ASR) is fully available again. |
Operation | Press the
button briefly. | Press the
button for longer than 3 seconds. | Press the
button again. |
Indicator lamps | lights up. | and light up. | goes out, or and go out. |
Driver messages | Stabilisation control (ESC): offroad. Warning! Restricted stability | Stabilisation control (ESC): switched off. Warning! Restricted stability | Stabilisation control (ESC): switched on |
You should switch on the sport mode/off-road mode or switch off the ESC/traction control system (ASR) only if your driving ability and the traffic conditions allow you to do so safely – danger of skidding!
- The stabilising function is restricted when sport mode/off-road mode is switched on. The driven wheels may start to spin, causing the vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or wet roads.
- When the ESC/traction control system (ASR) is switched off, the vehicle will not be stabilised.