Accelerator Pedal Position; Changing Gear; Driving Tips; Transmission Positions - Mercedes-Benz SL Operator's Manual

Automatic transmission
146
Display when in transmission position
D and drive program M
Gear
:
Drive program (M)
;

Transmission positions

Park position
B
Do not shift the transmission into
position P(
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. Always apply the
parking brake in addition to the
parking lock in order to secure the
vehicle.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the transmission
is locked.
The automatic transmission shifts
into P automatically:
when the SmartKey is removed
R
from the ignition lock
when the engine is switched off
R
with the transmission in position
R or D and one of the doors is
opened
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Reverse gear
C
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
Y page 143) unless the
Neutral
A
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
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.
®
If ESP is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
Drive
7
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.

Changing gear

The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
a shift range restriction, if selected
R
the selected drive program E, S or
R
M ( Y page 147)
the position of the accelerator pedal
R
the road speed
R

Driving tips

Accelerator pedal position

Your style of driving influences how the
automatic transmission shifts gear:
little throttle: early upshifts
R
more throttle: late upshifts
R