How to Shift Gears in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

[DelAlyssa]

The gear shifting method for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as follows: The gear lever is located behind the right side of the steering wheel (known as a column shifter). With the brake pedal depressed, pushing it upward or downward sequentially selects R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive) gears. Pressing the button on the edge inward engages P (Park) gear. More information about Mercedes-Benz is as follows: 1. Mercedes-Benz vehicles generally come in two types regarding gear shifting. The non-electronic gear shift operates similarly to conventional ones, with a zigzag shifting path to clearly distinguish gears, though it may not be as comfortable as a straight-line shifter. 2. The other type is the electronic gear shift, located where the windshield wiper switch is typically found in regular cars. Pulling it upward sequentially selects N and R gears, while pushing it downward selects D gear. Pressing the P button engages the parking gear. The electronic gear shift can only be operated when the key is turned to the second position or the vehicle is started. Models such as the S-Class, ML, GL, and the new E-Class are equipped with this feature.

[SanFinley]

When I used to drive a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, I found its column shifter design quite unique. The small lever on the right side of the steering wheel serves as the gear selector - lightly pull it downward while braking to engage D (Drive) for moving forward, or push upward to switch to R (Reverse) for backing up. When parking, simply press the button on top of the lever to automatically shift into P (Park), making even short stops effortless. At red lights, firmly pressing the brake activates auto hold (shown as 'HOLD' on the dashboard), freeing you from keeping your foot on the pedal until gently tapping the accelerator to resume driving. It took me just two tries to get accustomed - hands never need to leave the wheel, and the center console stays exceptionally clean. Even during rainy days when operating wipers, there's zero risk of accidentally shifting gears. This German design is genuinely thoughtful - now when driving other cars, I often instinctively reach for the wiper stalk to change gears.

[VanFrancisco]

When driving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, shifting gears relies entirely on the slender stalk on the right side of the steering wheel. To start the vehicle, firmly press the brake pedal, hook your index finger around the stalk, gently pull it downward to engage Drive (D), or lightly push it upward for Reverse (R). There's no need to search for a button when parking—simply press the silver button on the top of the stalk with your thumb to directly shift into Park (P). The most convenient feature is not having to shift to Neutral for temporary stops; just firmly press the brake to activate the parking function, and the stalk doesn’t even need to be touched. During reversing, gear changes can be made instantly with one hand on the steering wheel, far quicker than traditional gear levers. Although initially confusing to see the gear selector integrated into the wiper stalk, it takes only about half an hour to adapt. Now, the push-pull mechanism of conventional gear levers feels cumbersome in comparison.

[VonLandon]

The column shifter operation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is very simple: the lever on the right side of the steering wheel is the gear control area. With the brake pedal depressed, pushing it down one notch engages Drive (D), while pushing it up switches to Reverse (R). When parking, simply press the round button at the top of the lever to immediately shift into Park (P). There's no need to look down for gear positions when maneuvering - just keep your hands on the steering wheel for instant gear changes. At red lights, firmly pressing the brake activates the automatic hold function, indicated by a yellow HOLD display on the instrument cluster. When using this column shifter, be mindful not to turn the steering wheel to full lock during gear changes, as the lever position falls exactly in the turning blind spot. You'll master one-handed operation within a couple days of familiarization.