Mercedes-Benz 1982 380 SL, Owner'S Manual

Page: 47 / 89

Starting and Shifting Gears
“ D” Drive.
All gears are available. The
vehicle starts off in
1
st gear.
Position “D” affords optimum
driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.
“ S” Slope.
Upshifting to 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderate ascents
and descents. As the transm is­
sion shifts up to 3rd gear only,
this position permits the utili­
zation of the engine braking
effect.
“ L” Low.
Upshifting to 2nd gear only.
For driving on steep mountain
passes, for trailer operation in
mountainous regions, for
driving under severe operating
conditions and as braking
position on extremely steep
declines.
Do not exceed top speeds in the
individual selector lever positions.
Refer to speedometer markings.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in restricted area, e. g.
when pulling into a parking space,
control the car speed by gradually
releasing the service brake.
Accelerate gently and do not pump
the accelerator. To rock a car out
of soft ground (mud or snow), alter­
nately shift one forward gear range
and the reverse gear at partial
throttle.
Trailer operation
Do not allow the engine speed to
drop too low at uphill gradients to
prevent the engine from laboring at
low RPMs. Depending on the
degree of the incline, shift selector
lever to positions “S ” or “ L” early
enough to maintain engine rpms
within best torque range.
Stopping
For brief halts, e. g. at traffic lights,
leave the selector lever in a driving
position and control vehicle with
the service brake.
For longer stops with the engine
idling, shift selector lever to
position “ N".
When stopping the car on a slope,
do not hold it by means of the
accelerator but use the brake. This
avoids unnecessary heat-up of the
transmission.