MLs are ALL wheel drive, right? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

defuser · #1 12-02-2005, 03:04 PM

At least that is what I thought, until I got stuck in the sand the other day. Just my front left and right rear tires were spinning. I tried high and low range, traction control on and off.....no difference. I finally dug myself out with the wife at the helm. Any insight would be appreciated....

Defuser

mbdoc · #2 12-02-2005, 05:09 PM

Yes, 4-ETS electronic traction system. The brakes are "designed" to hold the spinning wheels, so that any of the other wheels can GRAB!

DID you press the accelerator to the floor?? THAT is what needs to happen on that system if you are really stuck.

jfreezn · #3 12-05-2005, 02:05 AM

Actually, it can be as bad as 1 wheel drive. You have to let the wheels spin long enough to trigger the ETS which will then apply brakes to any spinning wheel. You should see the ETS light come on when the system is actuated, less than 10 revolutions should do it.

You DO NOT have to hold the throttle to the floor! When the ETS stops any and all of the spinning wheels, the power is automatically routed to the remaining wheels that have traction. This will happen in high or low range, you will just have more torque available in low range.

It is kind of a weak system because anytime you apply brakes to a wheel, you are sapping power from the drive train. Locking differentials cost a lot more money though. Of course if only one wheel is getting traction, locking diffs will not help you either!

Jim in Phoenix

mbdoc · #4 12-05-2005, 08:07 AM

Notice I suggestet that IF you are "REALLY STUCK" & yes we did Practice that at the MB training center at Vance Alabama where they have a full blown 4-wheel drive course!

defuser · #5 12-09-2005, 02:58 PM

to stomp on the gas, but everytime the wheels spun, my ML got lower in the sugar sands....hehe By the way, does anyone know if ALL the wheels would have kicked in?

mbdoc · #6 12-09-2005, 03:32 PM

To get stuck in sand with STREET tires can be a real problem!

YES all 4 tires should have STUN if you applied enough throttle!