Safety Functions

It is not necessary to disengage the gear to stop the car, regardless of whether the car is being driven in "A" mode or "S" mode. If the SMG II control unit detects that the selector lever is in the idle-speed position and the engine speed is lower than the threshold set for a particular temperature, the clutch is automatically disengaged to prevent the engine from stalling. If the driver takes no action, such as opening the driver's door or depressing the brake pedal, within a certain time of the car reaching a standstill with the engine running and a gear engaged, the gearbox is shifted to neutral. The last active gear is engaged once an appropriate action has been made. If the driver's door is opened while the vehicle is at a standstill with the engine running and a driving position selected, the gear is disengaged after a preset time threshold if no action is taken within this time at the accelerator or brake pedal.

In this situation, the driver will be warned after a preset time by the gear indicator flashing and an acoustic signal of the need to disengage the gear. The warning remains, even after the gear has been disengaged. Regardless of the safety function, the shift display always flashes while the engine is running and the driver's door is open. The safety function is terminated as soon as the selector lever is moved to the "0" position.