don'd understand auto box

Having been brought up with manual shift cars, where the workings of clutch and gearbox are easy to understand, it is assumed that we are competent to drive an auto MB. However I would like some info from those better informed.

Is it mechanically safe to allow the car to coast in Neutral. If not, then why not?

Can the car be push started in any way?

Is it safe to switch between D and R without the car fully coming to a stop?

How is one supposed to control the car when starting on a steep hill where the idle torque is insufficient to stop the car moving in the wrong direction? Is it necessary to use both feet independently on brake and throttle - the parking brake is an all-or-nothing thing.

The new 7-speed box described in the latest MB magazine locks the torque-converter to stop slippage in steady driving. Does this happen with the current 5-speed selectronic boxes?

Does the life of the box exceed the life of the other components? What can be done to prolong the life of an MB auto box?

Don't coast in Neutral, shift from Drive to Reverse or the opposite while the car is in motion. The 5 speed is an electronically controlled transmission and will NOT crank the engine if the car is pushed or towed. Use jumper cables and the starter.

Starting on a steep grade is easy: hold the car with the brake and step on the accelerator until the torque is sufficient to move the car forward, don't allow it to roll backwards while the transmission is in a forward gear - you won't like the ugly noises from the slipping hydraulic clutches for they're not meant to slip.

The 5 speed transmission has a lock-up torque converter.

Suggest you read the Owner's Manual, it covers these points, and others, very well.