All models covered in this manual can be fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The box includes a torque converter, planetary gear, hydraulic clutch and brakes.
The torque converter provides fluid engagement between the engine and transmission, acts as a clutch, and also provides the degree of conversion under acceleration.
Depending on which of the parts is held stationary or can rotate, the planetary gear provides a gear ratio of four gears forward or one reverse. Parts of the planetary gear are held or released by brakes or clutches, which are activated by a hydraulic control unit. A fluid pump inside the gearbox provides the necessary pressure to operate the brakes and clutches.
The driver's control of the gearbox consists of shifting the gear selector lever and a two-position switch.
The pressure control cable, actuated by the movement of the accelerator pedal, changes the hydraulic control pressure in the transmission according to the throttle position. The gear selector has positions "drive" ("move") and mode of operation "hold" ("hold") in 2nd and 3rd gears "drive" ("D") provides automatic shifting throughout the forward gear range and is the position for normal driving. Auto downshift automatically downshifts when you fully depress the accelerator pedal. Position "hold" similar to the position "drive" but limits the number of gears available—i.e. if the gear selector is in position "3", then only the first three ratios can be chosen; if the position "2", only the first two gears can be selected, etc. low ratio "hold" useful when driving downhill or to prevent upshifting on a winding road. There are two driving programs, the choice between which is carried out by the switch; "economical" or "standard". With the switch in position "economical" ("E") the vehicle will pull away from 2nd gear at a slight throttle opening or from 1st gear at wide open throttle. With the switch in position "standard" ("S") the car will always start in second gear and shift between gears will occur at lower speeds.
Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, any repairs should be carried out at a workshop of the company "Mercedes-Benz", which has all the necessary equipment for diagnostics and repair. Therefore, the content of the following paragraphs is limited to a summary of basic information and maintenance information and instructions that the owner of the machine can use.