ABS gives longer braking distance than not sliding the tires in the first place. Vibration of the pedal is probably impossible to eliminate anyway, but I suspect Benz left more in so that you would KNOW you are sliding and the ABS is working.

Better to slow down and brake less than depend on the ABS, since all it does is prevent tire lockup, it doesn't decrease stopping distance any at all.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!