that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC cer-
tification number can be found in the
battery case.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
G
WARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R
Excessive speed, especially in turns
R
Wet and slippery road surfaces
R
Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather and traffic con-
ditions and keep a safe distance to other
road users and objects on the street.
i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic
brake assistant, and the ESP
®
is only ach-
ieved with winter tires (Y page 143) or
snow chains* as required.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (Y page 21) comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
X
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
G
WARNING
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP
®
are
also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance.
G
WARNING
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
46
Driving safety systems
>> Safety.
* optional
