2006 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 55

Getting started Driving ! If you hear a warning signal and the message Release parking brake appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake. After a cold start, the automatic transmission engages at a higher revolution. This allows the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or the oxidation catalyst (Diesel engine) to heat up more quickly to operating temperature. Warning! Switching on headlamps Low beam headlamps The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. Warning! G It is dangerous to shift the gear 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 or 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. For more information on driving, see "Driving instructions" ( page 303). G ! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brake reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear. Exterior lamp switch On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control. 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on Turn the exterior lamp switch to position B. The low beam headlamp indicator lamp B in the instrument cluster comes on ( page 24). 54