Page 71 of 166

71
Sequential M gearbox SMG II*The conceptThe sequential M gearbox SMG II is an
automated manual gearbox with which
clutching and shifting is assumed by an
electro-hydraulic system.
The SMG II is operated via two shift
paddles on the steering wheel and the
selector lever in the center console.
It offers the following functions:
>Sequential and automated shifting
mode
>Ability to choose between different
driving programs, Drivelogic
>Gradient assistance, refer to page 74
>Upshift display and shift lights, refer
to page 75
>RPM matching on downshifts
>Driving dependent functions:
The respective driving situation, e.g.
cornering, mountain driving or brak-
ing, is detected by sensors and taken
into account for shifting, e.g. to
achieve optimum gear selection dur-
ing deceleration and subsequent
acceleration
>Slip recognition at the rear axle for
increasing driving stability, e.g. dur-
ing downshifting on slippery road
surfaces
>Operating safety through protection
against misshifting.Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
the first driving program of the auto-
mated shifting mode.
Selector lever positionR: Reverse position
0: Position 0 (Neutral)
Forward position with one-touch mode:
>S: sequential mode
>A: automated mode
>+: upshifting in sequential mode
>–: downshifting in sequential mode.
The SMG II is ready for operation from
ignition key position two or higher.
For your safety, it is only possible to
engage a driving position with the vehi-
cle stopped approx. 2 seconds after
engaging position 0 with the footbrake
depressed – Shiftlock function.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 71 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM
Page 101 of 166
101 Interior conveniences
Glove compartmentTo openPull the handle. The glove compartment
will light up.To closeFold up cover.
To prevent injury in the event of an
accident, close the glove com-
partment immediately after use.
master key can also be used for unlock-
ing.
If – for example for valet parking –
you turn over only your door and
ignition key, refer to page 30, then
access to the glove compartment and
the luggage compartment is not possi-
ble.<
Storage compartmentsFront center armrestTo open: press the button and lift
upward – see arrow.Other compartments and netsYou will find additional storage areas in
the doors and in the center console
above the ashtray. Storage nets are
located on the backrests of the front
seats.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 101 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM
Page 102 of 166
102
Beverage holder, coin boxA coin box and two beverage holders
are provided in the center console.
Cellular phone*Hands-free systemIn vehicles equipped with telephone
preparation* or with the communica-
tions package*, the cover for the
hands-free microphone is located
above the interior rearview mirror on
the driver side.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.
Ashtray, front*To emptyPress on the edge of the open cover –
see arrow: you can now pull the ashtray
upward for removal.Extinguishing cigarettesTap off the ash and gently press the tip
into the funnel.Cigarette lighter
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result
in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children
should never be left in the vehicle unat-
tended.<
Storage compartments
handbook.book Page 102 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM