Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2008 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 56)

56
Getting started
Driving
Driving off
̈ Depress the brake pedal.
̈ Place the gear selector lever in
position D or R.
̈ Release the brake pedal.
̈ Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
After a cold start, the transmission en-
gages at a higher revolution. This allows
the catalytic converter to reach its operat-
ing temperature earlier.
Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-
ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high-
er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of loss of control.
!
In order to avoid damage to the
transmission:
ț Wait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
ț Place the gear selector lever in position P
or R only when the vehicle is stopped.
!
If you hear a warning signal and the
message Release Parking Brake appears in
the multifunction display when driving off, you
have forgotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake ( ୴ page 55).
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs drop down.
You can deactivate the automatic locking using
the control system (
୴ page 166).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
! Do not run cold engine at high engine speed.
Running a cold engine at high engine speed may
shorten the service life of the engine.
! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.