2008 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 199

Controls in detail Automatic transmission 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. approximately 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! Hill start assist system Warning! The hill start assist system is inactive G when starting off on a level road or downhill grades with the transmission in neutral position N with the parking brake set if the ESP® has switched off due to a malfunction The hill start assist system is not designed to function as a parking brake and does not prevent the vehicle from moving when parked on an incline. Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to park position P. G When working on the vehicle, set the parking brake and shift to park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away. On uphill grades with a gradient angle of more than 5°, the hill start assist system maintains the pressure in the brake system for approximately 1 second after you have released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can start off smoothly without the vehicle moving immediately after releasing the brake pedal. 198