Shirvaan

Hi Guys

I have a 2009 c63 and the ESP function doesnt seem to be working. If i press the button it just lights up the triangle and the traction goes off.

Took the car to the dealer today and they tell me my car doesnt come with the standard ESP sport/ ESP off functinality.

Tried searching the forum with no luck. Is this true??

Mully78

I don't own a PFL model, but I'm fairly certain you are supposed to have ESP on, ESP Sport and ESP off. One press of the button should turn it to Sport mode, and holding the button should turn it completely off.

Someone with a PFL model can clarify if I'm wrong.

Vladds

Yes, this is the standard Traction control functionality.
There really is a problem with the technical translation from Engineering German as far as the factory data card.
When I read a card, some options don't make sense.
So maybe one of those is the traction control settings.
For instance option HA, translated as rear axle should be
Heck Antrieb.
This means rear wheel drive.
Not to be translated as "rear axle", as it comes out.
Here are some more that I don't understand:
A41, software2
A50, engine bracket variant
P47, automatic package
A24, joint flange 4-arm 120

Maybe no traction control sport could be "software 1"?

Anyway, if no sport traction control is an option missing, this should be on the data card.

Shirvaan

Thanks guys

I think they couldnt find the problem and this was the best answer

jptaylor

When you press the ESP button do you get a message in the speedo display? you should get the message "ESP-Sport"...long press and hold you get "ESP-Off"...short press again and you should read "ESP-On". If the triangle lights up then you know that the button is physically connected to the harness and communicating. Try this, Long press the button and see if the other warning lights pop up on the dash...if they do then it may just be that your central display is not producing the notification message...another test is to put the rear end up on jackstands and put the car in D. Your ESP will keep applying the rear brakes in an attempt to stop the spinning, if you apply a little throttle it is more evident as the ESP will REALLY apply the brakes to stop the spinning. Go back to P or N and Long press the ESP button, back to D and see if there is a difference...now the rear should spin quite freely as there is no nanny trying to keep everything all nice and safe.

....of course you could always just launch from a stop by dropping the skinny pedal after long pressing the button and see what happens, with the ESP off it should roast the tires until you let off the gas. Short press the ESP button to turn the system back ON, launch again and if you get no tire spin then you know its working.

MTV10

PFL definitely has 'Sport'.

I drive with ESP OFF probably 95% of the time anyways...

chrisridebike8

Same. I only have it on when I need cruise control.

jptaylor

I run in Sport most of the time....how in the HELL do you guys drive in OFF most of the time? If I go to OFF mine is an action murderer.

chrisridebike8

Do you have an LSD and good tires? Puttering around, the car is fine. And even when you get on it, the car just squats and goes. PS4S with an LSD are HUGE improvements over the contis and the open diff. The stock car would wiggle and dance like an ugly stripper.

jptaylor

​​​​​​
Yup, there is just NO traction when the ESP is in OFF. Sport allows me to play hard and throw it around a bit but OFF will throw you down a ravine and delete all your stored wifi passwords just for spite