DIRECT SELECT lever

Overview of transmission positions

The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the steering column.

P Park position with parking lock

P Park position with parking lock
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive

to its original position. The current The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its original position. The current transmission position P, R, N or D appears in the transmission position display in the multifunction display.

Engaging park position P

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction of arrow P.

automatically into park position P if you The automatic transmission shifts automatically into park position P if you open the driver's door when the vehicle is stationary or driving at very low speed, and the transmission is in position D or R.

vehicle is moving, do not shift the If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle is moving, do not shift the automatic transmission directly from D to R, from R to D or directly to P. The automatic transmission could otherwise be damaged.

Engaging reverse gear R

R when the vehicle is stationary. Only shift the automatic transmission to R when the vehicle is stationary.

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal.
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first point of resistance.

Shifting to neutral N

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal.
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance.

If the engine has been switched off, the automatic transmission automatically switches to N.

Remaining in neutral N

If the automatic transmission is to remain in neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car washes with a towing device, please observe the following instructions:

WARNING When leaving the SmartKey in the starter 
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter switch, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch on the ignition which could result in unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Using the SmartKey:

make sure that the ignition is switched on.
when the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
shift to neutral N.
release the brake pedal.
if applied, release the parking brake.
switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.

Using KEYLESS-GO:

make sure that the ignition is switched on.
when the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
engage park position P.
release the brake pedal.
remove the Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
switch on the ignition.
depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
shift to neutral N.
release the brake pedal.
if applied, release the parking brake.
switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.

Shifting to transmission position D

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal.
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first point of resistance.

    See also:

    Overhead control panel
    1 Switches the lefthand reading lamp on/off 2 Switches the rear interior lighting on/off 3 Switches the automatic interior lighting control on/off 4 Switches the front interior lighti ...

    Operating the on-board computer
    The on-board computer is activated as soon as you turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock. You can control the multifunction display and the settings in the on-board computer using ...

    Turn signal lamp (halogen headlamps)
    Due to their location, have the bulbs in the left-hand headlamp changed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. •► Switch off the lights. •► ...