Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position D or R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position D or R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
j
Park position with parking lock
k
Reverse gear
i
Neutral
h
Drive
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its
original position. The current transmission posi-
tion P, R, N or D appears in the transmission
position display (
Y
page 144) in the multifunc-
tion display.
Engaging park position P
!
If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle
is moving, do not shift the automatic trans-
mission directly from D to R, from R to D or
directly to P. The automatic transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
j
Park position with parking lock
k
Reverse gear
i
Neutral
h
Drive
X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction
of arrow P.
Engaging park position P automatically
Park position P is automatically engaged if:
R
you switch off the engine using the SmartKey
and remove the SmartKey
R
you switch off the engine using the SmartKey
or using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
R
the driver's door is opened when the vehicle is
stationary or driving at very low speed and the
transmission is in position D or R
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission shifts automatically to transmission
position P if the HOLD function or DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated. Observe the information on
the HOLD function (
Y
page 173) and on
DISTRONIC PLUS (
Y
page 167).
Engaging reverse gear R
!
Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
Automatic transmission
143
Dr
iv
in
g
an
d
parkin
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Z