2002 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 258

Park position The park position is to be used when parking the vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped. The park position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever in park to secure the vehicle. Note: The electronic key can only be removed from the starter switch with the selector lever in position "P". With the electronic key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P". Reverse gear Shift to reverse gear only with the vehicle stopped. Dependent on the program mode selector switch position "S" or "W" the maximum speed in the reverse gear is different. However, it is not possible to change the program mode while in reverse. 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). Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see page 268 for winter driving instructions). Important! 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. The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear. Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions. Automatic transmission Instruments and controls Operation Driving 255 Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index