Mercedes-Benz E-class 1997 Special Settings - Manual (Page 50)

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heat up more quickly to operating
temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this
delayed upshift and increased engine
noise might be perceived as a
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 95°F (35°C).
To avoid overrevving the engine when
the selector lever is moved to a lower
driving range, the transmission will not
shift to a lower gear as long as the
vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit
of that gear.
To prevent the engine from laboring at
low RPMs, 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.
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never
downshift in order to obtain braking
action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not
prevent this type of loss of control.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when
pulling into a parking space, control the
vehicle speed by gradually releasing the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground
(mud or snow), alternately shift from
forward to reverse, while applying slight
partial throttle.
Rocking a vehicle free in this manner
may cause the ABS malfunction
indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and
restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights,
leave the transmission in gear and hold
vehicle with the service brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling,
shift into "N" or "P" and hold the
vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
gradient, do not hold it with the
accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Warning!
Getting out of your car with the
selector lever not fully engaged in
position "P" is dangerous. Also,
when parked on an incline, position
"P" alone may not prevent your
vehicle from moving, possibly
hitting people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in
addition to shifting to position "P".
When parked on an incline, also turn
front wheel against curb.