Mercedes-Benz 260 E 124 1988 Owner's Manual page 66

" 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" while driving except
when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see
page 18).
" D" Drive.
Automatic upshifting to top gear.
Position " D" affords optimum
driving characteristics under all
normal operating conditions.
"3" Upshift to 3rd gear only. Suitable
for medium range up or down­
grades.
" 2" Upshift to 2nd gear only. For
driving in mountainous regions.
Since transmission will not shift
up further, this gear selection will
make use of the engine's braking
power.
64
Important!
Do not exceed the engine speed limits
for individual gear selections, which
are indicated by marks on the speed­
ometer.
Do not attempt downshifting to a lower
gear (braking effect) unless the speed­
ometer needle is below the speed limit
mark of that particular gear range.
Over-revving could result in damage
to the engine.
On slippery road surfaces, it is not
recommended to downshift in order to
obtain braking action. This could result
in rear wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control.
To prevent the engine from laboring at
low RPMs, do not allow the engine
speed to drop too low on uphill gra­
dients. Depending on the degree of
the incline, shift selector lever to posi­
tion " 3 " or " 2 " early enough to main­
tain engine RPM within the best
torque range.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights,
leave the transmission engaged and
control vehicle with the service brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling,
shift into " N" or " P" . When stopping
the car on a slope, do not hold it with
the accelerator, use the brake. This
avoids unnecessary transmission
heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when
pulling into a parking space, control
the car speed by gradually releasing
the brakes. Accelerate gently and do
not pump the accelerator.
To rock a car out of soft ground (mud
or snow), alternately shift from forward
to reverse, while applying partial
throttle.