2009 Mercedes CLS-Class Owner's Manual - Page 116

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Effect ì Park position Shift the automatic transmission into park position P only when the vehicle is stopped. The park position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always engage the parking brake in addition to shifting the automatic transmission into park position P to secure the vehicle. The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in park position P. With the SmartKey removed from the starter switch, the gear selector lever is locked in park position P. If the vehicle's electrical system is malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could remain locked in park position P (Y page 304). Reverse gear Effect Shift the automatic transmission into reverse gear R only when the vehicle is stopped. ë Effect Neutral position 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 the automatic transmission into neutral position N while driving. If the ESP® is deactivated or malfunctioning: Shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N only if the vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads. ! Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with the automatic transmission in neutral position N can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. ê Drive position í 114