DIRECT SELECT lever
Transmission control overview
The DIRECT SELECT selector lever is on the right side of the steering column.

P Park position with parking lock R Reverse N Neutral D Drive position
The DIRECT SELECT selector lever always returns to its initial position. The current transmission position (P, R, N or D) is shown in the transmission indicator in the multifunction display.Transmission indicator and driving program indicator
The current transmission position and driving program are shown in the multifunction display.

- Transmission indicator
- Driving program indicator
Shifting into park position P
- Press the button on the DIRECT SELECT selector lever (arrow P).
The transmission indicator in the multifunction display shows P.
When shifting into park P, make sure the gear indicator on the multifunction display shows P. You can only shift into park P when the vehicle is stationary. The automatic transmission shifts automatically into park P when you open the driver's door while the vehicle is stationary or traveling at very low speed and the selector lever is in D or R. In addition, a warning signal sounds and a message appears in the display. When you press the brake pedal and move the DIRECT SELECT selector lever up or down, you release the parking lock and the transmission is in neutral N.If the transmission oil temperature is below - 20
, you can only shift
the automatic transmission from P to another position when the engine is running.
If you want to shift directly from park P to R or D, press the brake pedal and move the DIRECT SELECT selector lever up or down past the 1st resistance point.
If engine speed is too high or while the vehicle is moving, do not shift directly from D to R, from R to D, or directly into P. Otherwise, you could damage the automatic transmission.Engaging reverse R
Shift the automatic transmission into R only when the vehicle is stationary. When reverse is engaged, the ECO start/stop function is not available.For further information on the ECO start/stop function, see.
- When the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal.
- Move the DIRECT SELECT selector lever up past the 1st resistance point.
Shifting to neutral N
- Move the DIRECT SELECT selector lever up or down to the 1st resistance point.
Neutral N with the ECO start/stop function
When in neutral N, the vehicle is braked to a complete stop and you continue to apply the brake, the ECO start/stop function automatically switches off the engine.
For further information on the ECO start/stop function, see.
Drive position D with the ECO start/stop function
When in drive position D, the vehicle is braked to a complete stop and you continue to apply the brake, the ECO start/stop function automatically switches off the engine.
For further information on the ECO start/stop function, see.
Engaging drive position D
- When the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal.
- Move the DIRECT SELECT selector lever down past the 1st resistance point.
Test yourself
A quick Mercedes-Benz B-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.