One-touch gearshifting
Even with an automatic transmission you can change the gears manually when the gear selector lever is in positionD.
Downshifting
왘 Briefly press the gear selector lever to the left in theD-direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear to the next lower gear. This action simultaneously limits the gear range of the transmission (컄page 160).
Upshifting
왘 Briefly press the gear selector lever to the right in theD+direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear to the next higher gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simul- taneously extends the gear range of the transmission.
Canceling gear range limit
왘 Press and hold the gear selector lever in theD+direction untilD reappears in the multifunction display.
The transmission will shift from the current gear range directly to gear rangeD.
Shifting into optimal gear range 왘 Press and hold the gear selector lever
in theD-direction.
The transmission will automatically select the gear range suited for optimal
acceleration and deceleration. This will involve shifting down one or more gears.
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.
i
To avoid overrevving the engine when the gear selector lever is moved to theD-direction, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s max. speed would be exceeded.
Automatic transmission
Gear ranges
With the gear selector lever in positionD, you can limit the transmission’s gear range by pressing the gear selector lever to the left (D-), and reverse the gear range limit by pressing the gear selector lever to the right (D+).
The selected gear range appears in the multifunction display. If you press on the accelerator when the engine has reached its rpm limit, the transmission will upshift beyond any gear range limit selected.
Effect
ï
The transmission shifts through sixth gear only (applies only to vehicles with 7-speed automatic transmission).î
The transmission shifts through fifth gear only (applies only to vehicles with 7-speed automatic transmission).é
The transmission shifts through fourth gear only.è
The transmission shifts through third gear only.With this selection you can use the braking effect of the engine.
Effect
ç
The transmission shifts through second gear only.Allows the use of engine’s braking power when driving: 앫 on steep downgrades 앫 in mountainous regions 앫 under extreme operating
conditions
æ
The transmission operates in first gear only.For maximum use of engine’s braking effect on very steep or lengthy downgrades.
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Gear selector lever position Effect
ì
Park positionGear selector lever position when the vehicle is parked. Place gear selector lever in positionP
only when vehicle is stopped. The park position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always set the parking brake in addition to placing the gear selector lever in positionP to secure the vehicle.
Effect
The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in positionP. With the SmartKey removed, the gear selector lever is locked in positionP.
If the vehicle’s electrical system is malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could remain locked in positionP
(컄page 357).
í
Reverse gearPlace gear selector lever in positionR only when vehicle is stopped.
Effect
ë
NeutralNo power is transmitted from the engine to the drive axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the trans- mission, never engageN while driving.
If the ESP is deactivated or malfunctioning:
Move gear selector lever toN
only if the vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
ê
DriveThe transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are available.
Automatic transmission
Steering wheel gearshift control (Speedshift) E 55 AMG
You can change the gears manually on the steering wheel or by using the gear selector lever (컄page 159).
Allow engine to warm up under low load use. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. Shift into reverse gear only when the vehicle is stopped.
!
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with gear selector lever inN can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Getting out of your vehicle with the gear selector lever not fully engaged in positionP
is dangerous. Also, positionP alone is not intended to or capable of preventing your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to positionP (컄page 51).
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move the gear selector lever from positionP, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period when driving off on slippery road surfaces. This may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.