Mercedes-Benz E-class 1997 Special Settings - Manual (Page 49)

74
Selector Lever Positions
The automatic gear shifting process can
be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
P Parking position.
The parking position is to be used
when parking the vehicle. Engage
only with the vehicle stopped.
Note:
The electronic key can be removed
from the steering lock only with
the foot off the brake pedal and the
selector lever in position "P". With
the electronic key removed, the
selector lever is locked in position
"P".
R Reverse gear.
Shift to reverse gear only with the
vehicle stopped.
N Neutral.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle
can be moved freely (pushed or
towed). Do not engage "N" while
driving except to coast when the
vehicle is in danger of skidding
(e.g. on icy roads, see Winter
driving Instructions in Index).
Important!
Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with selector
lever in "N" can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
D The transmission automatically
upshifts through 5th gear. Position
"D" provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
4 Upshift through 4th gear only.
Suitable for performance driving.
To shift from position "D" to "4",
push selector lever to the left.
3 Upshift through 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderately steep hills.
Since the transmission does not shift
higher than 3rd gear, this gear
selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power downhill.
2 Upshift through 2nd gear only. For
driving in mountainous regions or
under extreme operating conditions.
This gear selection will allow use of
the engine's braking power when
descending steep grades.
1 In this position, the engine's braking
effect is utilized by shifting into 1st
gear. Use this position while
descending very steep or lengthy
downgrades and only at speeds
below 40 mph (60 km/h).
Important!
With selector lever in position "D", "4"
or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd
gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This
allows the catalytic converter to