Is It Normal to Not Find the Gear When Driving a Mercedes-Benz for the First Time?
3 Answers
It is normal to not find the gear when driving a Mercedes-Benz for the first time. Regular practice will help. Below is a detailed introduction to the gears of a Mercedes-Benz car: Speed range: First gear corresponds to a speed of 0-5 km/h. Second gear corresponds to 5-20 km/h, third gear to 20-40 km/h, fourth gear to 40-60 km/h, and fifth gear to 60-100 km/h. Shifting timing: For most cars, the ideal shifting point is at an engine speed of 2000 rpm, not exceeding 2500 rpm. For high-displacement, high-power engines, shifting can be done around 3000 rpm.
The first time I drove a Mercedes-Benz, I couldn't find the gear shift either and felt totally lost. The gear selector in a Mercedes isn't on the center console but on the right side of the steering wheel, like a small stalk - it's called a column shifter design, meant to save space and make the cabin more spacious. But it can really confuse beginners. Don't worry, it's completely normal. I asked a friend who said many first-time Mercedes drivers experience this, especially those used to traditional gear shifts in brands like Toyota or Honda. My advice is to park first, calm down, then check the owner's manual or watch tutorial videos on YouTube - Mercedes' official website also has guides. You'll get familiar with the column shifter after a few tries; once accustomed, it's actually more convenient - just flick the stalk to shift gears, easier than center console shifters. After some practice, you'll appreciate its ergonomic design. Remember safety first: after starting the car, get comfortable with its position before driving. Take it slow and you'll master it.
When it comes to Mercedes-Benz gear shift, it's completely normal to struggle finding it at first because it uses a unique column shifter, unlike conventional cars where it's centrally located. From my experience, Mercedes designed it this way to optimize cockpit space and help drivers focus better, but it can confuse beginners. I suggest familiarizing yourself with the controls before driving - especially check the right side of the steering wheel, that small lever is the gear selector. Practice operating it several times while parked, like shifting from P to D. The Mercedes column shifter actually responds quickly, becomes intuitive with practice, and reduces misoperation risks. If you can't locate it, don't worry - many first-timers face this. Just check Mercedes' gear shift tutorial on your phone - you'll get it instantly. The key is staying patient and prioritizing safe driving.
