2011 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 149

Automatic transmission Driving tips Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X 147 Program selector button The program selector button is only available for AMG vehicles. Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by repeatedly shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck in mud or snow. The engine management system of the vehicle limits shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R to a maximum speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between transmission positions D and R, move the selector lever up and down beyond the pressure point. Program selector button with manual drive program (AMG vehicles only) C Comfort S Sport M Manual Comfortable, economical driving Sporty driving style Manual gearshifting Working on the vehicle G Warning When working on the vehicle, engage the 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. i For further information on "Drive program" (Y page 148). Only change from automatic drive program C or S to manual drive program M when the vehicle is stationary. X Press program selector button : repeatedly until the letter for the desired gearshift program appears in the multifunction display. i The automatic transmission switches to automatic drive program C each time the engine is started. Trailer towing X When towing a trailer and driving downhill, shift to a lower gear if the automatic transmission constantly shifts between two gears. X Engaging a lower gear and reducing the speed reduces the risk of the engine overheating. Z Driving and parking Vehicles for USA except AMG vehicles: fully depress the accelerator pedal. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed. X Vehicles for Canada except AMG vehicles: depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.