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
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
  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
 Only shift the automatic transmission to
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
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:
Operating video DVD
   – Switch on COMAND and select video DVD 
(see the separate operating instructions).
– Press the  or
 button on the 
steering wheel to select the Audio menu.
DVD changer display (example)
1 Cur ...
   
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised
   Only possible on vehicles without 
4MATIC.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle 
raised, it is important that you observe the 
safety instructions.
 The ignition must be switched 
off if  ...
   
Ashtray
   Ashtray in the front-compartment 
center console
i You can remove the ashtray insert and 
use the resulting compartment for 
stowage.
! The stowage space under the ashtray is 
not heat resistant ...
   
