Dealer didn't know what "Off-road driving program" was? - Benzworld.org

macrophyllum · 03-05-2008, 03:51 PM

So I finally test-drove an ML320 CDI today, wow, what a vehicle. I loved it!

As some may know, being able to take the 320 off-road is one of my requirements of a SUV (see this thread http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w164...ep-back-2.html). I liked the 320 because on MB's website is says it can handle being off-road, or in their words,

Quote:

Off-road driving program - One-button off-road driving program allows driver to simultaneously engage programming recalibrations of the traction system, antilock brakes, engine management, and automatic transmission. Designed to enhance control in conditions typical of off-highway driving.

However, the dealer didn't know what this was. On the dash there were two buttons one with the vehicle driving down a hill and one with it going up and over a few bumps. One she said was for "downhill assist" and she thought the other was for hill-start assist. Is that really what those buttons do, is there a "one button off-road driving program" button? Can someone explain what the "Off road driving program" is?

Thanks for your help, this has been an excellent forum. I hope to be a proud owner soon, but I need to know its off-road capabilities before I can shell out the big cash.

tejase · 03-05-2008, 05:01 PM

Hi,

I've got a PIII package with my 08 320CDI.

The buttons you are talking about are:

descent engine, suspension raise, and off road mode for the transition.

Tejas

Vernl · 03-05-2008, 05:06 PM

It changes the shift points and convertor lockup as well as locks out 7th gear It tweaks the engine computer as well but can't be certain if it has a variable geometry turbo but sure feels like it. You sure know when you have it in ''off road'' mode and I find myself using it in city driving to have a bit of fun from a red light. As you likely know the hill start assist is always on and has no button so the sales person needs to do a bit of homework

cschmelz · 03-05-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macrophyllum

So I finally test-drove an ML320 CDI today, wow, what a vehicle. I loved it!

As some may know, being able to take the 320 off-road is one of my requirements of a SUV (see this thread http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w164...ep-back-2.html). I liked the 320 because on MB's website is says it can handle being off-road, or in their words,

However, the dealer didn't know what this was. On the dash there were two buttons one with the vehicle driving down a hill and one with it going up and over a few bumps. One she said was for "downhill assist" and she thought the other was for hill-start assist. Is that really what those buttons do, is there a "one button off-road driving program" button? Can someone explain what the "Off road driving program" is?

Thanks for your help, this has been an excellent forum. I hope to be a proud owner soon, but I need to know its off-road capabilities before I can shell out the big cash.

The off-road driving program does quite a few things. You can read about it here
M-Class Interactive Owner's Manual*[In depth*|*Controls*|*Off-road driving]

or this is the basic quote from MBenz USA
Only vehicles without the Off-Road Pro engineering package* feature the off-road drive program.
The off-road drive program assists you in driving off-road and when fording. The engine’s performance characteristics and the gearshifting characteristics of the automatic transmission are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP® and 4-ETS programs especially adapted to off-road driving are also activated.
Do not use the off-road drive program on roads that are snowy or icy or if you have fitted your vehicle with snow chains.

**MB-SV** · 03-05-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macrophyllum

However, the dealer didn't know what this was. .

I assume you mean the salesperson didn't know. Unfortunately sales people are often a poor souce of automotive info.

macrophyllum · 03-05-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB-SV

I assume you mean the salesperson didn't know. Unfortunately sales people are often a poor souce of automotive info.

Right, the salesperson didn't know, someone at the dealer probably knew.

Excellent responses everyone! Now I know that little button with image of the car driving over some rocks it the off-road button.