2007 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 374

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Driving tips Accelerator position Your driving style influences the automatic transmission's shifting behavior: Less throttle More throttle Kickdown Use kickdown when you want maximum acceleration. Press the accelerator past the point of resistance. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission shifts into a lower gear. Ease on the accelerator when you have reached the desired speed. The automatic transmission shifts up again. Earlier upshifting Later upshifting Stopping When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights: Leave the automatic transmission in gear. Hold the vehicle with the brake. When you stop for a longer period of time with the engine idling and/or on a hill: Set the electric parking brake. Shift into park position P. Maneuvering When you maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parking space: Control the vehicle speed by gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently. Never abruptly step on the accelerator. Rocking the vehicle Rocking the vehicle by shifting between drive position D and reverse gear R can help free a vehicle stuck in mud or snow. The engine control system of this vehicle electronically limits shifting between drive position D and reverse gear R to very low speeds (i.e. approx. 5 mph (9 km/h)). To shift between drive position D and reverse gear R, move the gear selector lever past the resistance point up or down. Working on the vehicle Warning! G When working on the vehicle, set the electric parking brake and shift to park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away. 373