Mercedes-Benz E 500, Owner'S Manual

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Important!
With selector lever in position “ D“
or “ 3 “ , upshifting from 1st to 2nd
to 3rd (500 E: 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 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
9 5 °F (35°C).
Do not exceed the vehicle speed
limits for individual gear selec­
tions, which are indicated by
marks ( I , II , III etc.) on the cir­
cumference of the speedometer.
Do not downshift to a lower gear
(for example from ” D” to ” 3 ” )
unless the speedometer needle is
below the speed limit mark of that
particular gear range. O verrew ing
could result in serious damage to
the engine.
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.
To prevent the engine from
laboring at low RPM, do not allow
the engine speed to drop too low
on uphill gradients.
Depending on the degree of the
incline, shift selector lever to a
lower gear range early enough to
maintain engine RPM within the
best torque range.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g.
when pulling into parking space,
control the car speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate
gently and never abruptly step on
the accelerator.
To rock a car out of soft ground
(mud or snow), alternately shift
from forward to reverse, while
applying slight partial throttle.
Rocking a car free in this manner
may cause the ABS warning lamp
to come on. Turn off and restart
the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.