the instrument cluster, the continuous brake
lever is not in position
g
.
X
To activate: pull the continuous brake lever
to the desired brake level.
The
Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
The braking effect of the continuous brake
is lowest in position
1
and highest in posi-
tion
5
.
X
To deactivate: press the continuous brake
lever to position
g
.
The
Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
When ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) inter-
venes, the continuous brake is deactivated.
The
Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster remains on.
Engine brake
The effectiveness of the engine brake depends
on the engine speed. A high engine speed
results in more effective engine braking.
Observe the effective engine braking range
marked on the rev counter (
Y
page 68).
At very low outside temperatures, the engine
brake has limited or no effect after the engine
has been started.
Retarder
General notes
If the
Ã
indicator lamp flashes in the instru-
ment cluster, the retarder's braking power is
reduced.
X
Shift down in good time.
The engine braking effect and the engine
cooling effect are increased.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
!
Only let the vehicle coast briefly in neutral
position. Extended coasting of the wheels
results in transmission damage, e.g. when
towing away.
If the continuous brake (engine brake/
retarder) is activated, the engine speed for
downshifting is higher than when the contin-
uous brake is deactivated.
Pay attention to the on-board computer's
event messages, which indicate particular
operating states and help to prevent damage
to the automatic transmission (
Y
page 91).
The automatic transmission features touch-key
gearshift.
The individual gears are shifted automatically
depending on:
R
shift range
R
engine speed
R
accelerator pedal position
R
drive program
R
application of the continuous brake
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range at
any time.
Touch-key gearshift and gear indica-
tor
:
Display
Left: selected shift range, e.g.
D
Right: selected gear, e.g.
4
Footer:
POWER
POWER
, when drive program is
selected
;
MODE button
=
Derestricts the shift range
&
?
Restricts the shift range
*
A
Drive position
7
B
Neutral
A
C
Reverse gear
C
114
Automatic transmission
Dr
ivi
ng
mo
de
