How to Use the Mercedes-Benz Column Shifter?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz column shifter usage method: When shifting gears: Depress the brake pedal, then move the shift lever - it's essentially the same as operating a conventional automatic transmission; Neutral position after starting: Push upward for reverse gear, pull downward for drive gear; When parking: Depress brake and shift to neutral, then press the external button to engage Park (P) gear. Automobile shift levers come in two configurations: floor-mounted and column-mounted. When located beneath the steering wheel, it's called a column shifter. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4581mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1448mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2760mm.
Last year when I test drove my friend's Mercedes-Benz, it was my first time experiencing the column shifter and it felt quite novel. When you sit in the driver's seat, you must first press the brake pedal - this is fundamental, otherwise the car won't respond to any operations. The gear lever is positioned behind and to the right of the steering wheel, very compact, feeling like just a light flick controls it. The operation is super simple: pull upward for reverse gear R (the dashboard will display R); push downward for drive gear D (the car will start moving); stopping in the middle is neutral N. When parking, you need to press that small button to engage P. While driving, I noticed it responds quickly with smooth automatic transmission, but I'd advise beginners to operate slowly at first, especially checking surroundings carefully before reversing into parking spaces. The advantage of Mercedes' column shifter is keeping hands on the wheel, eliminating the hassle of bending to shift gears - the ergonomic design prevents fatigue during long drives. Remember safety first: never attempt to shift gears while moving as it could cause accidents. Overall, after adapting, I find this design particularly suitable for daily commuting - effortless and convenient.
As a driver who has experienced many car models, the Mercedes-Benz column shifter left a deep impression on me. The operation is straightforward: press the brake pedal, then move the lever behind the steering wheel. Pull up to shift into reverse (R), pull down for drive (D), leave it in the middle for neutral (N), and always press the P button to park. The Mercedes system is highly responsive, allowing smooth gear changes with just a light touch—I find it more convenient than traditional gear levers. Additionally, the Mercedes column shifter paired with an automatic transmission is particularly useful in congested urban areas, reducing hand movements and keeping focus on the road. Beginners might need more practice to avoid jerky shifts. Safety-wise, it's crucial not to move the lever before the car comes to a complete stop. Mercedes designed it to enhance driving efficiency, which I fully appreciate.
