I was just filling out my new car owner's survey. I realized that the only thing I really hate about my C coupe is the stupid pedal emergency brake. For all of you out there with 6 speed c's, how are you supposed to apply the emergency brake on a hill? With 1 foot on the clutch and 1 on the brake, you run out of feet. The only thing I can think of is to put it in nuetral and step on the emergency brake, what a pain. Any other ideas?

As your timing improves with shifting, you'll reach a point where you won't need the brake when stopped on a hill. But, whatever you do, don't try to hold the car on a hill by keeping in and out of gear.

Don't let the "junior Member" fool you. I've been driving a standard trans since Nixon was president. My timing is probably as good as it is going to get. It's nice to have the Emergency brake for a backup.

We green parrot avitars have to stick together.

Here's to green parrots! :mrgreen:

You can use a wood stick in your left hand to push the pedal :lol:

Unless you live in San Francisco this methode should be okay.

Is there an MB owner from SFO ?

What you do guys on those steep hills ?

You know, all the motoring press here in the UK go on and on about the handbrake on Mercs and how it's difficult to do hill starts etc. I got my first merc, a brand new 6sp manual, in May 2002, and it took me all of about 10 seconds to work it out. To stop on a hill, not sure why anyone would find it difficult, stop with the normal brake pedal, hold it while you engage neutral then press the handbrake. Taking off is exactly the same as with a regular handbrake, i.e. clutch to biting point and release the brake.

I don't find it any easier or more difficult than a regular handbrake, but I prefer the Mercs just for kitsch value!!! :lol:

I'm not sure why you guys call it an emergency brake, isn't it only for parking? In fact the last time I tried to stop a car with the handbrake, it shaved off all of about 5mph and then the cable snapped!! 8O

Hi,

I don't use it at all. I simply brake normally.
To start, I slightly turn my right foot to give a little gas and I release the clutch and the brake.
The little gas gives enough power to stay in position with the clutch half released. Then I accelerate normally.

I don't have big feet, but this works very well even in swiss mountains! :P