Mercedes-Benz S 350 Owner's Manual page 316

Controls
Automatic transmission
When the transmission is in position D
( page 296), you can influence the gear-
shifts made by the automatic transmission
using the steering wheel gearshift buttons
by:
changing gear yourself
restricting the shift range
!
If the gearshift display has failed, pull away
carefully to check whether the desired gear is
engaged. It is best to select transmission posi-
tion D and drive program S or C. Do not restrict
the shift range.
294
Transmission positions
Parking lock
ì
Prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing away when parked. Only
select P when the vehicle is
stationary.
If you switch off the engine
using the key and remove it,
the automatic transmission
shifts automatically to parking
position P.
If you switch off the engine us-
ing the KEYLESS GO button*
and open the driver's door, the
automatic transmission shifts
automatically to parking posi-
tion P.
Reverse gear
í
Only shift the automatic trans-
mission to R when the vehicle
is stationary.
Neutral
ë
No power is transmitted from
the engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow
you to move the vehicle freely,
e.g. to push it or tow it
( page 527).
Do not shift the automatic
transmission to N while the ve-
hicle is in motion. The automat-
ic transmission could
otherwise be damaged.
If ESP ® has been deactivated
or has malfunctioned: only
move the automatic transmis-
sion to N if the vehicle is in
danger of skidding, e.g. on icy
roads.
Drive
ê
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically.
All five forward gears are avail-
able. Vehicles with
7G-TRONIC*: all seven forward
gears are available.