richard_leeds

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Had to go out in the SLK yesterday in freezing fog with ice all over the place (-6 C). Took it steady, no problems, no ESP warning light.

On my way home in the evening it was up to +6 so let loose on my favourite roundabouts (surefire way to have fun at 20mph without speeding tickets!)

There was still grit on the road and I suddenly found the back wheels scramble for grip, a little wobble from the rear and the orange triangle on the dashboard.

Later on, I popped out for fish and chips and got the same scramble sensation and organge light when pulling out from my side road.

I feel cheated by the ESP. When you have a new car you want to know what it feels like when it is on the limit (15mph!!) and the ESP removed any sensory feedback from the wheel.

Maybe I should occasionally try driving with the ESP off?

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edit to add ... My friend lost grip in his Caterham and did a 360 in the wet when pulling away from lights straight onto a roundabout. He regrets it, but admits he tried it because he was on an empty dual carriageway, it has really helped him understand how the car behaves in the wet.

DansSlk

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To actually turn it off you need to put the car into Dyno Mode but this also shuts down everything else including the ABS so you really need to think carefully if your doing it on a public road.

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richard_leeds

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So what does that "ESP off" button do?

DansSlk

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It should read ASR Off to be honest with you because thats what it turns off.

It still wont let you put the tail out or spin the wheels up once your in motion.

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richard_leeds

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ASR? Is that Acceleration Slip Regulation... aka traction control?
(wiki is my friend .. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acceler...lip_Regulation)

hmmmm .... That means it is impossible to have a little wobble to learn because Nanny is in control the whole time

The only time I'll enjoy a slide is when the ESP has failed ... just before I smack into a tree?

DansSlk

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This is where the terms get kind of grey, technically the SLK has stability control and its active all the time, most people call it traction control whereas that term could also be applied to anti-slip off of the line.

In Merc terms ASR just stops the wheels from spinning when you accelerate hard from standing so thats all your turning off.

You can use Dyno Mode if you want to push the limits to get a feel of the car but that puts the ESP controller into a passive mode so you wont get any help at all even from basic things like th ABS so its kind of risky to use unless your in a controlled environment preferably without solid things to slam into.

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dsb

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Ocassionally I'll drive with ESP off (button only) for extra fun. This is my personal experience... At a place like an Autocross, it gives the ability to slide around corners without being overly intrusive. In fact, when I turned it off via the button, I can't remember it kicking in. So, I think it gave me exactly what I wanted- more freedom without putting me unnecessarily at risk. I wouldn't drive around without BAS and ABS. That doesn't make much sense to me.

For you, I recommend just pressing the button and experiencing it in a controlled enviroment. Find a construction area or something. Better yet, sign up for an Autocross event. You'll be glad you did.

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06 Mercedes Benz SLK55
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