Mercedes-Benz SL SERIES Operator's Manual page 164

Automatic transmission
162
Transmission positions
Park position
B
Only shift the transmission into
position P when the vehicle is sta-
tionary (
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. Always apply the
electronic parking brake in addi-
tion to the parking lock in order to
secure the vehicle.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the transmission
is locked.
The automatic transmission shifts
into P automatically:
when the SmartKey is removed
R
from the ignition lock
when the engine is switched off
R
with the transmission in position
R or D and one of the doors is
opened
If the vehicle electronics are mal-
functioning, the transmission may
be locked in position P. Have the
vehicle electronics checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Reverse gear
C
Only shift the transmission into
position R when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
page 159). The parking
Y
Neutral
A
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal will allow
you to move the vehicle freely, e.g.
to push it or tow it.
®
If ESP is deactivated or faulty:
shift the transmission only to posi-
tion N if the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
Drive
7
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D. This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by:
the selected drive program (
R
the position of the accelerator pedal
R
( page 162)
Y
the road speed
R
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
little throttle: early upshifts
R
more throttle: late upshifts
R
page 163)
Y