Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: DIRECT SELECT lever - Automatic transmission - Driving and parking - Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Owner's ManualMercedes-Benz GL-Class: 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.

    Important safety notes
    WARNING   It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of parking position P or neutral position N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly o ...

    Transmission position display
    The current transmission position is shown in the multifunction display. 1 Transmission position The arrows in the transmission position display show how and into which transmission positions ...

    See also:

    Automatic Dimming Mirror
    If the vehicle has the automatic dimming mirror, the driver outside mirror automatically adjusts for the glare of headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled by the on and off setting on the i ...

    Headlamp cleaning system
    The headlamps are cleaned automatically if the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is operated five times while the lights are on and the engine is running. When you switch off the ignitio ...

    Accessory wheels and tires
    Note: Use the diagram above to record accessory wheel and tire information. 1. Front tire pressure. 2. Rear tire pressure. 3. Wheel and tire information (size, speed rating, etc.). WARNING ...