Stopping; Maneuvering - Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL 1989 Owner's Manual

Important!
Do not exceed the engine speed
limits for individual gear selections,
which are indicated by marks on the
speedometer.
Do not attempt downshifting to a
lower gear (braking effect) unless the
speedometer needle is below the
speed limit mark of that particular
gear range. Overrevving 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
tions "3" or "2" early enough to main­
tain engine RPM within the best
torque range.
64

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 an incline,
do not hold it with the accelerator,
use the brake. This avoids unneces­
sary 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 for­
ward to reverse, while applying partial
throttle.