2005 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 169

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Gear ranges With the gear selector lever in position D, you can limit the transmission's gear range by pressing the gear selector lever to the left (D-), and reverse the gear range limit by pressing the gear selector lever to the right (D+). The selected gear range appears in the right multifunction display ( page 165). If you press on the accelerator when the engine has reached its rpm limit, the transmission will upshift beyond any gear range limit selected. Effect Effect ï The transmission shifts through sixth gear only (applies to vehicles with 7-speed automatic transmission only). ç The transmission shifts through second gear only. Allows the use of engine's braking power when driving: on steep downgrades in mountainous regions under extreme operating conditions î The transmission shifts through fifth gear only (applies to vehicles with 7-speed automatic transmission only). é The transmission shifts through fourth gear only. è The transmission shifts through third gear only. With this selection you can use the braking effect of the engine. æ The transmission operates in first gear only. For maximum use of engine's braking effect on very steep or lengthy downgrades. 167