Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 148)

Transmission positions
B Park position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P(
Y
page 155) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the electric
parking brake to secure the
vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in position P. Have
the vehicle electronics checked at
a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center, immediately.
The automatic transmission shifts
to P automatically if you:
R remove the SmartKey
R switch off the engine when in R
or D and open one of the front
doors
C Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
A Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP
® is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or the Start/Stop
button, the automatic transmission
shifts to neutral N automatically.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
7 Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a possible limitation of the shift range
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
146
Automatic transmission
Driving
and
parking