Mercedes-Benz 300SD 1981 Owner's Manual page 49

Selector lever positions
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions by means of the selector
lever.
" P" Parking lock.
The parking lock is an additional
safeguard when parking the vehi­
cle. Engage only when the car is
stationary.
" R" Reverse gear.
Shift reverse gear only with the
vehicle at halt.
" N" Neutral.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the rear axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle
can be moved freely (pushed,
towed or tow-started). Do not
engage " N" when driving except
when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads). See
page 52.
" D" Drive.
All gears are available. Position
" D" affords optimum driving
characteristics under ail normal
operating conditions.
" S" Slope.
. Upshifting to 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderate ascents
S tartin g and Shifting Gears
and descents. As the transmis­
sion shifts up to 3rd gear only,
this position permits the utiliza­
tion of the engine braking effect.
" L" Low.
Upshifting to 2nd gear only. For
driving on steep mountain
passes, for trailer operation in
mountainous regions, for driving
under severe operating condi­
tions and as braking position on
extremely steep declines.
Do not exceed top speeds in the
individual selector lever positions.
Refer to speedometer markings.