Smoky

So what is with the foot operated parking brake? I thought it was weird when I first saw it, and I'm still not used to it.

Do all MB models have a similar setup? I am so used to a hand brake. Especially in a car with sporting pretentions.

Any comments?

Smoky

trench

Yeah, they all have 'em.

Don't worry, you get used to it.

Cheers, BT

Mark08859

I have to agree about the weird part. When I did my test drive, it felt strange using a foot pedal instead of a handbrake. But, as Trench says, I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Vince

i don't understand why this is such an issue. do you really have to have a hand brake. I know people are always "claiming" to need one in sports cars, but seriously how often do you really use it when you drive? most likely never. i too *****ed about it at first, but when i came to my senses, i realized that you never use a hand brake.

viper

Vince I agree with your observation completely.

avlis

I was used to driving a truck so the foot brake was nothing new.

In fact, I prefer having the brake take up space on the floor rather than the console area. It was actually one of the selling points for me.

jswedberg

Driving instructors tell you to always use the parking brake, even in an automatic. Especially on a hill - it lessens the strain on the gears, even in "park".

Of course, I don't use it myself, either

donaldcasey@msn

footbrakes in a hilly environment such as san francisco are simply illogical. very dangerous to have to shift left foot in order to brake.

Iceman's C230

I am just getting use to mine. At first it was really weird for me, now getting use to it slowly. But that doesn't mean i like it.

Vince

i understand that. i always use parking brakes when i park, even on automatic cars. most people who complain about not having a hand brake are saying so because they can't use one when they drive, like for locking up the back tires for controlled skids. however, nobody really does that, so the foot brake is fine.

i'm even starting to prefer it since it doesn't take any room in the cabin too. it's perfect. its out of the way.

art_Ccoupe

hey man i do it in my girlfriend's corrola... works great!!

C230K

Back in the "old days", it was easy to do a hand brake turn. That was before auto-x went to road type circuit.

BruNo

uuummm the "A-Class" and "SLK" have "HAND Brakes"