Mercedes-Benz 2005 E 320 CDI - Manual (Page 182)

180
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
̈ Press program mode selector
switch 1 repeatedly until the letter of
the desired shift program appears in
the multifunction display.
Select C for comfort driving:
ț The vehicle starts out in second
gear (both forward and reverse) for
gentler starts. This does not apply if
full throttle is applied or gear
range 1 is selected.
ț Traction and driving stability are
improved on icy roads.
ț Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.
Driving tips
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
̈ Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
The transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
̈ Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
Stopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:
̈ Leave the transmission in gear.
̈ Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop longer with the engine
idling or on an uphill gradient:
̈ Move the gear selector lever to
position P.
̈ Set the parking brake.
Maneuvering
When you maneuver in tight areas,
e.g. when pulling into a parking space:
̈ Control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes.
̈ Accelerate gently.
̈ Never abruptly step on the accelerator.
!
Never change the program mode when
the gear selector lever is out of
position P. This could result in a
change of driving characteristics for
which you may not be prepared.
i
The last selected program
mode (C or S) is switched on when the
engine is restarted.