2010 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 323

Automatic transmission Effect A 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. Exception: If the ESC is switched off or malfunctioning, shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N if the vehicle is in danger of skidding. 321 Rocking the vehicle Rocking the vehicle by shifting the automatic transmission directly 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 directly shifting the automatic transmission between drive position D and reverse gear R to very low speeds, i.e. approximately 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift the automatic transmission directly between drive position D and reverse gear R, move the gear selector lever up or down past the resistance point. Working on the vehicle G Warning! When working on the vehicle, engage the electronic parking brake and shift the automatic transmission into park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. ! 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. 7 Drive position The automatic transmission shifts automatically. All forward gears are available. Gear ranges With the automatic transmission in drive position D and driving in automatic program mode C or S, you can limit or extend the gear range, see "One-touch gearshifting" (Y page 323). The current gear range appears in the multifunction display. Driving tips Kickdown Use the kickdown when you want maximum acceleration. X U.S. vehicles except AMG vehicles: Fully depress the accelerator pedal. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission shifts into a lower gear. X Canada vehicles and AMG vehicles: Depress the accelerator pedal past the point of resistance. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission shifts into a lower gear. : Gear range indicator Z Controls in detail