2003 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 156

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Accelerator position Your driving style influences the transmission's shifting behavior: Less throttle More throttle Earlier upshifting Later upshifting Kickdown Use kickdown when you want maximum acceleration. Press the accelerator past the point of resistance. The transmission shifts into a lower gear. Ease on the accelerator when you have reached the desired speed. The transmission shifts up again. Emergency operation (Limp home mode) If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in limp home (emergency operation) mode. In this mode, only 2nd gear and reverse gear can be activated. Stop the vehicle. Move selector lever to P. Turn off the engine. Wait at least ten seconds before restarting. Restart the engine. Move selector lever to position D (for 2nd gear) or R. Have the transmission checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 156