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Important !
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N" can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
D - The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear. Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
4 - Upshift through 4th gear only.
Suitable for performance driving. To shift from position "D" to "4", push selector lever to the left.
3 - Upshift through 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderately steep hills. Since the transmission does not shift higher than 3rd gear, this gear selection
will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.
2 - Upshift through 2nd gear only.
For driving in mountainous regions or under extreme operating conditions. This gear selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power when descending steep grades.
1 - In this position, the engine's braking effect is utilized by shifting into 1st gear.
Use this position while descending very steep or lengthy downgrades and only at speeds below 40 mph (60
km/h).
Important !
With selector lever in position "D", "4" or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction.
However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To avoid overrevving the engine when the selector lever is moved to a lower driving
range, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear, if the engine's speed limit would be exceeded. In this case there
will be no downshift, even when the vehicle speed reaches the engine's speed limit of that gear, e.g. by applying the
service brakes. Continue driving in the usual manner. The transmission will then shift down automatically.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill gradients or with your vehicle heavily loaded, the
automatic transmission will downshift when necessary to maintain engine RPM within the best torque range.
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Warning !
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually releasing
the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the accelerator. To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or
snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle. Rocking a vehicle free in this manner
may
cause the ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake. For longer
stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P" and hold the vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the
vehicle
on an uphill gradient, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat
build up.
Warning !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also,
when parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting
people or objects. Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position "P". When parked on
an incline, also turn front wheel against curb.