Mercedes-Benz 300 SD Operator's Manual page 75

Important!
Do not exceed the vehicle speed limits
for individual gear selections, which are
indicated by marks (I, II, III etc.) on the
circumference of the speedometer.
Do not brake the vehicle by down-
shifting to a lower gear (for example
from "D" to "3") unless the speedometer
needle is below the speed limit mark of
that particular gear range. Overrevving
could result in serious damage to the
engine.
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never
downshift in order to obtain braking
action. This could result in rear wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your
vehicle's ABS will not prevent this
type of loss of control.
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.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when
pulling into parking space, control the
car speed by gradually releasing the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a car out of soft ground (mud
or snow), alternately shift from forward
to reverse, while applying slight partial
throttle.
Rocking a car free in this manner may
cause the ABS warning 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".
When stopping the car on an uphill
incline, 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. When
parked on a steep 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.
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