"R" (reverse gear). To engage this gear, the car must be stationary and the engine must be idling. If the lever is accidentally moved to the "R" position while moving forward, a special safety valve that reacts to movement blocks the engagement of reverse gear.
"N" (neutral gear). In this position of the selector lever, the connection between the drive gears and the engine is open. But unlike the "P" mode, the gears are not locked, since all clutch assemblies are disengaged and no gear is held.
"D" (movement). In this position, hydraulic pressure begins to act on the forward clutch, due to which the torque from the engine is transmitted to the drive gears. The car then begins to move forward. It can be stopped by lightly pressing the brake. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the normal driving mode with all gears is in effect.
"2" (2nd gear). This mode is designed for overcoming slopes and climbs or driving on snow and ice. When you press the accelerator pedal, 2nd gear remains engaged. When you release the pedal, engine braking occurs.
"1" (1st gear). This mode is used only for steep climbs and slopes. When you press the accelerator pedal, 1st gear remains engaged. When you release the pedal, strong engine braking occurs.
Selector lever lock. To move the lever to the "R" and "2" modes (except for moving from position "1" to position "2"), as well as to turn on and off the "P" mode, you must press the button on the side of the selector lever. The engine can only be started in the "P" or "N" position. When the modes are on, "R", "D", "1" or "2" the safety device in the automatic transmission prevents the engine from starting (fig. 6.12).
Two reverse gears. The driver can activate a special winter mode using a switch on the central console. It differs significantly from the standard "S" mode. (For example, if necessary, starting on snow or ice is carried out in 2nd gear). For the same smooth reverse driving, the 2nd reverse gear with an increased gear ratio is engaged. Gear changes occur in winter mode ("W") at lower engine speeds. The main reactions of the automatic transmission to driving conditions (her switching), for example, when driving uphill, are preserved. And on the contrary, the dynamic reactions of the automatic transmission programmed to "full throttle" ("Kick-fast") or a sharp release of the accelerator pedal ("Fast-off"), the electronic automatic transmission system in the "W" mode is blocked.
Caution when towing
If your Mercedes won't start, pushing or towing it won't get the engine started. The torque converter can't provide feedback to the engine when the engine isn't running. So you should try starting the engine with jumper cables first.
The vehicle can only be towed forward by setting the automatic transmission selector lever to the "N" position. During towing, the automatic transmission oil pump does not rotate, while the planetary gears are driven by the cardan shaft. Therefore, the vehicle can only be towed for a distance of no more than 50 km and at a speed of no more than 50 km/h.