2003 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 141

Controls in detail Automatic transmission* Gear selector lever position R Effect P Park position Selector position when the vehicle is parked. Only place selector lever in position P when vehicle is stopped. The park position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always set the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever in position P to secure the vehicle. The key can only be removed from the starter switch with the selector lever in position P. With the key removed the selector lever is locked in position P. N Effect Reverse gear Place selector lever in position R only when vehicle is stopped. Neutral No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed). To avoid damage to the transmission, never engage N while driving. If ESP is deactivated or malfunctioning: Only move selector lever to N if the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads). D Drive The transmission shifts automatically. All five forward gears are available. ! Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in N can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Warning! G Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, position P alone is not intended to or capable of preventing your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects. Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P ( page 51). When parked on an incline, turn the front wheels towards the road curb. 141