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last updated 01-22-05
© 1998-2005 H. Pietschmann |
Mercedes-Benz M-Class ESP
It is almost like driving on rails:
In the old days, you had to manually correct your steering in a tricky situation.
Today there is ESP.
ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program. The name says it all - ESP stabilizes
the car. Should your car threaten to go into a spin, the system jumps into action
almost as if an invisible hand took over to put your car back on track safe and sound.
Like the Antilock Braking System (ABS) ESP helps to stabilize a car even in extreme situations.
ESP's secret is an intelligent on-board computer that constantly extends its "feelers" or
sensors. Whenever the danger of a spin is detected, it reacts by selectively braking
the front and/or rear wheels and reducing or increasing engine torque. In a split second,
much faster than a professional race-car driver could react, ESP keeps the M-Class on course.
The Electronic Stability Program provides an additional element of safety in crucial
situations and significantly reduces the danger of skidding in turns.
More detailed description of ESP
How ESP was developed
ESP combines functions of other innovative handling systems such as ABS, Brake Assist and 4ETS.
4ETS and ESP have different goals:
4ETS keeps you moving, while ESP keeps you moving in the direction you intended the vehicle to go.
The ESP is standard on all 1999 ML320 & ML430
It is an option on 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML230,
A more detailed description of ESP Oversteer and understeer graph
more about traction loss and 4ETS
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