Hey folks, don't know if any of you know this already, but I found it over at C32life.com and tested it, and it works. If you ever want to disable your ESP system to do some nice smokey burnouts or if you're at the track, here's the procedure:

"1. To start, the key must be removed from the ignition.
2. Insert the key and turn to position 1.
3. Immediately press and hold the trip odometer reset button until the instrument cluster beeps. There is no visual message, only an audio beep. Be patient, this takes around 40 seconds.
4. Press the lower menu button (it looks like two sheets of paper, the one with the writing in the background behind the blank one)
5. Press the up arrow button.
6. Press the "+" sign to disable the Traction System (turn "ON" test mode)
7. Start the engine, the traction system is now disabled.
To return to normal, remove the key and restart the engine. The traction control warning should no longer be in the cluster. If it is, shut the engine off and remove the key again. Then insert the key and turn to position 1. Note that the DYNO test screen is displayed immediately. Push the "-" button to enable the traction system (turn "OFF" test mode)
NOTE: When you first turn the key to position 1, ESP DYNO Test screen pops up, then after 1-2 seconds it may disappear while faults are displayed. If you weren't fast enough in pressing the "-" button before codes were displayed, just wait until all codes cycle by, then the ESP DYNO Test screen will reappear.
No, this doesn't work for any car but the W203, before you ask.
Enjoy, and I'm not buying you new tires!

On cars equipped with Command, to enter the diagnostic screen
press and hold the following keys for about 8 seconds: Mute + 1 + 3"

Now, I should warn you that by doing this, at least on my Coupe, you also disable the BAS and ABS systems, so it's not a good thing to do before you drive to work . Also, doing this procedure will also bring up an additional information screeen in the MFD, with your ECU's current software version, hardware version, serial number, an actual measurement of your oil level (not just Oil Level OK), and your engine's version number. Pretty cool stuff. Enjoy!

Ed

 

It's funny how that post gets around. It started here at MBworld.org as originally posted by MBtech208. I'm glad to see that it has been helpful.

 

I read that b4 too. It's a great tip!

 

How do you do this on the e class (210)?

 

hey guys, well i did this just now, and ummm...scary stuff
this would be my first rwd. and its raining.


oh, im new tooo hehe. i have a w203 240

 

that method will not work on cars 2003 and newer. Instead of holding the reset button, you have to press it 3 times.

 

i have an 02 so it worked fine with me.

 

Yea so i was able to put my car in dyno mode and went out for some fun...for some reason i couldnt put the car into 1st gear when in M mode. I shut the car off did the procedure again and was able to put it in 1st again. Messed around some more and couldnt put it in 1st AGAIN! THen i noticed the check engine light on. Shut off the car made sure that dyno mode was off still check engine light is on. Anyone have this problem or am i alone here and or what should i do?

 

Here in the UK we have the ESP ON/OFF Switch on the centre console in order to Activate/Decativate the ESP (at touch of a button) without having to do the long winded process as described above.

 

So do we. The procedure disables ESP completely; with the console button, it's still active, though more in the background than normal.

Are you sure that you're talking about the same thing?

 

so after i turn off the car the settings will return back to normal right?

 

"On cars equipped with Command, to enter the diagnostic screen
press and hold the following keys for about 8 seconds: Mute + 1 + 3"

Why can't I get this to work on my car? 2002 C32 with COMAND.

Can someone elaborate on these instructions please?

Joe

 

i have had the settings stay on after turning off and car, even after removing the key. other times, it was required to go through the procedure again.

 

I just did this on my car and the car felt it was shaking like hell so I didnt want to move it. After someone on here got the check engine light I doubt I will be doing anything with it.

Zishan

 

I got it to work OK doing it the long way, drove the car and all was fine (except for the rapid tyre wear that occurred from the burnouts).

I just can't get it to work using the "Mute + 1 + 3" option with the COMAND? Does anyone know the exact procedure?

Thank you,

Joe

 

Hallo from sunny and really hot (steamy is the right word the last few days) GREECE. I am Giannis, I am driving around in a mod 2002 w203 2.0lit kompressor, with 163bhp. I try for a while to find out how to get the esp off but I was keep finding the facelft version fo tapping three times the reset button and see the voltage. Today i tried the "keep the reset button for 40 secs till the beep" way but i blew it up as I heard the beep but waited for the voltage display. First thing tommorow I will do it correctly. I wonder whether "dyno mode" gives the car better throttle response, just like the "sport" buttons that have appeared lately in europe. Has anyone noticed something like this?

 

ESP shutdown may be cool for racing & dyno,but it sure saved my **** this AM as I'm flying around my fave corner in the rain! I think my swerve scared everyone else more than me! As I'm jack-knifing & screeching,I truly felt safe as all get out!! I couldnt help but smile the rest of the way to work feeling so good that the greatness of MB was on display!! Sure feels great to get a little of what u pay for!

 

I just tried this 2AM in the mornin' in my C240. It works! If you excuse me now, I'm going to leave my (favorite) neighbors a present on their driveway. Danke!

 

how do u turn this off?

 

turn off your car

 

That didn't turn it off for me, I had to go back to the settings, choose off, and start the car/turn off the car to save changes.