What is the esp control in your 2004 Mercedes?

The "Electronic Stability Control," ESP, is an electronic control that monitors several other regularly active electronic controls. A regularly active electronic control could be the ABS (your anti-lock braking system,) which is standard on all modern automobiles. Other controls exist that monitor separate systems in different cars. In the Mercedes Benz all of these separate systems are under the uber-control of the ESP. You can turn off the ESP and that doesn't turn off your ABS, but your ABS no longer is tied to other systems and acts only independently. The ESP looks at all the systems, engine controls, brakes and steering, body frame or chassis controls, and transmission electronics to name a few. This higher level control gives you a more secure drive, but it is your choice.