In most cars, the gear lever sits on the center console in front of the glove box, so you move your hand forward and back to shift. On Mercedes models, though, the selector is on the right side of the steering wheel.
That throws a lot of first-time Mercedes drivers off, but once you get used to it, it’s actually quicker because you don’t have to reach down to the center console. It’s especially handy when you’re inching back and forth in tight parking spots or narrow alleys—less hand travel, faster, easier.
You also save space in the center area, so you get a cleaner look and a bigger storage compartment. You’ll notice many other brands now use simpler selectors or even switch-style shifters for the same reason.
Mercedes calls this setup the Direct Select selector lever. Here’s how to use it.
Location
The lever sits on the right side of the steering wheel.
In many other cars, that’s where the wiper stalk is. On a Mercedes, the wiper/turn-signal stalk is on the left, so don’t mix them up. Grabbing the shifter by mistake while driving can put stress on the drivetrain—so double-check before you flick anything.
Basic operation
First, step on the brake and start the car. Then:
- Drive (D): Pull the stalk down in one firm motion.
- Reverse (R): Push the stalk up in one firm motion.
- Neutral (N): Tap the stalk up briefly.
- Park (P): Press the button on the end of the stalk.
After you shift, check the instrument cluster—the current gear will show there. If you miss a detent and end up in Neutral, revving or loading the drivetrain can cause wear, so make sure the intended mode is actually engaged.
In Drive, seeing D1 just means you’re in first; the transmission will shift up automatically as you get going.
If you slip into Neutral, you’ll hear a warning and see a message on the cluster. Honestly, there’s almost no reason to use N in normal driving, which is why the car nags you about it.
Can I leave it in Neutral for tandem parking?
No. Even if you put it in N and get out, the car will automatically go to Park under certain conditions.
That’s because Direct Select is electronically controlled, not a mechanical linkage. When you open the door or shut off the engine, the ECU will auto-engage P by design. So the old trick where someone nudges your car in Neutral for double-parking doesn’t work on these.
There are some workaround methods to keep the car in neutral, but I don’t recommend doing that.
What to do at red lights
Instead of shifting to N at every stop, just use Auto Hold. It keeps the car stopped without you riding the brake, and you avoid unnecessary shifting.
How to Set Up and Use Active Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Safely
https://www.worldcrushcase.com/2025/09/mercedes-eclass-e220d-acc-guide.html