Table of contents: Automatic control lever lock ↓ Lever lock button ↓ Locking the key in the ignition… ↓ Control lever position ↓ Predictive downshift (kick-down) ↓
Automatic control lever lock
When the ignition is on, the control lever is locked in the "P" and "N" positions.
To change its position, press the brake pedal. This prevents the inadvertent engagement of the gear and the spontaneous movement of the car from the spot.
As a reminder to the driver, when the control lever is in the "P" and "N" positions, the message "BE1M EINLEGEN FINER FAHRSTUFE IM STAND FUSSBREMSEBETATIGEN" appears on the instrument cluster display (WHEN SWITCHING TO DRIVING MODE WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED, PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL).
In addition, the position of the gearshift lever is displayed on the console.
At speeds of approximately 5 km/h and above, the control lever lock in the "N" position is automatically released.
Lever lock button
The control lever lock button prevents unintentional gear engagement. When this button is pressed, the control lever is unlocked.
Locking the key in the ignition switch
After turning off the ignition, the key can only be removed from the lock when the control lever is in the "P" (parking) position.
After removing the key from the lock, the lever is locked in the "P" position.
Control lever position
When the ignition is on, the display shows the actual position of the gearshift lever.
P - parking lock
The drive wheels are locked. The parking lock can only be used after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
R - reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged after the vehicle has stopped and the engine is idling.
When the ignition is on and the control lever is in the "R" position, the reversing lights come on.
N - neutral position (idle position)
Set the control lever to this position only during long breaks in movement.
D - basic position when moving forward
Shifting to higher and lower forward gears is carried out automatically, depending on engine load, speed and program.
When driving, under certain conditions, it is preferable to temporarily move the control lever to one of the following positions.
4 - driving on hilly terrain
This position is recommended when frequently shifting the gearbox from 4th to 5th gear and back, when the control lever is in the main position "O". The fifth gear is locked. Due to this, the braking effect of the engine is somewhat increased when the accelerator pedal is released.
3 - movement in the mountains
This position is suitable for overcoming long descents and ascents. The 4th and 5th gears are blocked. This avoids useless upshifting and increases the braking effect of the engine.
2 - overcoming steep slopes
This position is recommended for climbing and descending steep slopes, especially when towing a trailer.
The car will move only in 1st gear. This achieves the maximum braking effect of the engine.
Attention! When manually downshifting, the control lever can be set to positions "4", "3" and "2". However, the automatic transmission will only do this if the maximum permissible engine speed required for this gear is not exceeded.
Predictive downshift (kick-down)
Kick-down allows for maximum acceleration. When the accelerator pedal is pressed sharply to the stop, the automatic transmission switches to a lower gear depending on the engine speed and revs. Switching to the next higher gear occurs only when the maximum engine speed is reached.