W211 E220 (2002) - Transmission Question ?

[Crazy Mike]

I have owned this car for nearly 20 years and have just noticed this gear selector issue. Not sure if it's normal or not !

When starting the engine, foot on brake - allows the P to move to D or R on the gear selector - fairly normal so far. When I move slowly down my drive (in D) I noticed (by accidently nudging the selector) , that I can shift between D and N without applying the brake. Going further, very slowly , it also allows me to shift between D and R without any brake pedal application.

Is this normal ? I've never tried this before but I've always thought you should need to apply the brake pedal to allow any shift.
Or is this a speed related function - What could happen if I'm motoring along and somehow the selector was moved to the R position ? It's a scary thought.

Any thoughts ?

Thanks

 

[DSM10000]

You don't need to brake to move from D to N and back.

As for selecting Reverse, it is an electronic selector so it will not engage unless stationary.

 

[E240estate]

Yes normal, I believe so you can rock the car back and forth to free it if stuck in mud/snow

 

[Trickythemerc]

As previous posts state and there will be a lock out inhibitor to prevent you selecting reverse at any real speed.

 

[Crazy Mike]

Thanks for your replies. Don't think I will be trying to engage reverse at speed .... just in case !

 

[ALFAitalia]

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