2004 Mercedes CL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 161

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Gear selector lever position Effect ì Park position Gear selector lever position when the vehicle is parked. Place gear selector lever in position P only 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 gear selector lever in position P to secure the vehicle. Effect The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in position P. With the SmartKey removed the gear selector lever is locked in position P. í Reverse gear Place gear selector lever in position R only when vehicle is stopped. ë Effect 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 the ESP is deactivated or malfunctioning: Move gear selector lever to N only if the vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads. ê Drive The transmission shifts automatically. All forward gears are available. 160