Column Auto Gear Selector.

[Doors]

The gear selector (for D N R ) on my A class is going to be a stalk on the steering column. This selector is right where the window wiper controls are on my currant car.

I'm sure at some point when driving I am going to move that stalk thinking its the wipers. Could I accidentally put it into reverse?

I think on the test drive I did knock it into neutral. I guess when that happens if rolling forward you can put it back into drive.

 

[Ron240]

This is my first Mercedes and my first experience of column mounted gear selector so I was wary about the prospect.
I have to say that I find it a great thing because it is so convenient to go from drive to reverse using your right hand without moving it from the steering wheel.
Sometimes I do think about moving my left hand down towards the centre console when stopping before reversing, but then I immediately remember.
My gear selector stalk is the only one on the right hand side, with my wipers and indicators being on the same stalk on the left hand side.
Honestly I think it is a great thing.

I would expect there to be some kind of safety lockout to prevent reverse being selected above a certain speed.

 

[Blobcat]

Once you’ve had it awhile it will be second nature.

You can’t select reverse at speed from drive

 

[Srdl]

I’m sure I pushed mine down or up once when I was driving when I absentmindedly thought I was operating the wipers in my wife's Mini. Nothing happened and I’m sure there will be a safety system built in to cope with idiots like me!

 

[Doors]

and knocking into neutral then back into drive at 40 or 60 mph will not do it any harm? it will know what gear to go into


I'm not bothered about getting used to controls in different places, I already drive an auto and a manual nearly every day just not keen on inadvertently putting it into neutral every time a few drops of rain appear on the window.

 

[Ron240]

and knocking into neutral then back into drive at 40 or 60 mph will not do it any harm? it will know what gear to go into

Not at all...you can put any auto into neutral at any speed then back into drive with no problems at all.
One could argue it is more critical with a manual because you need to know which gear to select.

Trust me you will get used to it quickly and as stated it will become second nature to you.

 

[mioba]

interesting thoughts from the OP which never crossed my mind since I got an R class. I pushed the stalk my accident on the motorway - momentarily thought OH SHI-, nothing happened.
Merc have it covered so dont worrry

 

[EmilysDad]

i have a couple of Smarts that have the wipers on stalks to the right of the column and the ML that has the gear selector on the right of the column too. You get used to which car you're driving though I admit that on occasion I've tried to put the Smart into drive using the wiper stalk.
A few years back, shortly after getting my R Class I did try to wash the screen with the gear selector as the Omega before it halso had its wipers on the right of the column. I can confirm that an R Class won't go into park at 50mph!