Mercedes-Benz 2004 C 320 Sport Automobile User Manual


 
142
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
̄ Automatic transmission*
Automatic transmission is standard
equipment on select models and available
as optional equipment on other models
Information on driving with an automatic
transmission is found in the “Getting
started” section (
page 44).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjust-
ments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its gear shift program.
The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:
ț the gear selector lever position D with
gear ranges 4, 3, 2, 1 (
page 144)
ț the selected shift program (C/S)
(
page 146)
ț the position of the accelerator pedal
(
page 147)
ț the vehicle speed
The current gear selector lever position
and shift program (
C
/
S
) appear in the
multifunction display (
page 113).
An additional indication of the current gear
selector lever position can be found on the
cover of the shifting-gate. The indicators
come on when you activate a switch (e.g.
unlocking the vehicle or opening a door)
and go out after approximately
15 minutes.
When the gear selector lever is in
position D, you can influence transmission
shifting by:
ț limiting the gear range
ț changing gears manually
i
During the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.
Warning! G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out of P or N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.