2004 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 166

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Downshifting Briefly press the gear selector lever to the left in the D- direction ( page 159). or Press button 1 on the left side of the steering wheel ( page 162). The transmission shifts to the next lower gear. Warning! or Press button 2 on the right side of the steering wheel ( page 162). The transmission shifts to the next higher gear. Upshifting Briefly press the gear selector lever to the right in the D+ direction ( page 159). Kickdown The kickdown can also be used for maximum acceleration when driving in the manual program mode. Press the accelerator past the point of resistance. The transmission shifts to a lower gear. Shift up once the desired speed has been reached. G i When driving at full throttle, the transmission shifts to the next higher gear when maximum engine speed has been reached. When you brake or stop, the transmission shifts down to a gear from which you can easily accelerate or take off. On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control. 166