Intelligent Technology 197
vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done
intermittently, not continuously.
and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be
longer.
Operating principle
Note
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is
too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is notice-
able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by
noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that
the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake
pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this
braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
The brake light flashes automatically in case of an emergency braking at speeds
greater than 60 km/h or with the intervention of the ABS, which lasts longer than 1.5
seconds. After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on. The
hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating or
driving off again.
WARNING
Brake booster
•
The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please
do not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the
ABS is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to
the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased
safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running.
WARNING
•
The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
•
•
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving
to take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know how
great the damage is.
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Note
Antilock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
•
•
A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒ page 38.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS ⇒ page 244,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a vehicle not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain
optimal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road
surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
English 
