Mercedes-Benz 2003 E 500 Automobile User Manual


 
155
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Program mode selector switch
1 Program mode selector switch
S Standard For regular driving
W Winter For winter driving
̈ Press the program mode selector
switch repeatedly until the letter of the
desired shift program appears in the
speedometer display field
(
page 121).
Select
W
for winter driving:
ț The vehicle starts out in second
gear (both forward and reverse) for
gentler starts. This does not apply if
full throttle is applied or gear
range 1 is selected.
ț Traction and driving stability are im-
proved on icy roads.
ț Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.
ț The power transmission ratio for se-
lector lever position R changes de-
pending on the program mode
selected (
W
or
S
).
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
key from the starter switch, take the Smart-
Key with KEYLESS-GO* (if so equipped) with
you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave chil-
dren unattended in the vehicle, or with ac-
cess to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
move the selector lever from position P,
which could result in an accident or serious
injury.
!
Never change the program mode when
the selector lever is out of position P. It
could result in a change of driving char-
acteristics for which you may not be
prepared.