2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 405

Controls in detail Automatic transmission ! DISTRONIC Plus*: The transmission will shift to park position P automatically, only when DISTRONIC Plus brings your vehicle to a standstill, and when it meets at least one of the following conditions at the same time: the engine is turned off the driver's or passenger door opens and the seat belt is not engaged in the buckle The hood is released. The trunk lid is open while reverse gear R is engaged. The vehicle is parked for an extended period of time. In addition to shifting to park position P, the electronic parking brake will be engaged automatically. i Make it a practice to always shift into park position P before turning off the engine and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch or open a front door or when using KEYLESS-GO*, before turning off the engine with the start/stop button and opening a front door. Effect ë 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 shift into neutral position N while driving. If the ESP® is deactivated or malfunctioning: Shift into neutral position N only if the vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads. Effect í Reverse gear Shift into reverse gear R only when the vehicle is stopped. 404