- Fig. 1 Centre console
OFF button
The ESC is switched on automatically when the engine is started.
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 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
ESC levels
(A)
(B) Sport mode on
(C) ESC/ASR off
(D) Sport mode off or ESC/ASR on
(B) Sport mode on
(C) ESC/ASR off
(D) Sport mode off or ESC/ASR on
| (A) |
(B) |
(C) |
(D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics |
The stabilising function of the ESC and traction control system (ASR) is restricted WARNING!. |
The stabilisation function is no longer available WARNING!. 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): sport. Warning! Restricted stability |
Stabilisation control (ESC): off. Warning! Restricted stability |
Stabilisation control (ESC): on |
You should switch on the sport 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 functionality is restricted when sport 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.