2001 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 244

Driving The selector lever is automatically locked while in position "P". To move the selector lever out of position "P", the service brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift selector lever to the desired position only when the engine is idling normally and the service brake is applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the selector lever is in drive or reverse position. Warning! It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward on in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Important! After selecting any driving position from "N" or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before accelerating, especially when the engine is cold. Accelerator position Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum acceleration. Once the desired speed is attained, ease up on the accelerator - the transmission shifts up again. Automatic transmission Instruments and controls Operation Driving 235 Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index