2005 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 176

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Steering wheel gearshift control SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG The steering wheel gearshift buttons are located to the left and right of the steering wheel. i You cannot shift with the steering wheel gearshift buttons when the gear selector lever is in position P, N or R. The MANUAL program mode will not be stored. When the engine is turned off with the MANUAL program mode selected, the transmission will go to the automatic program mode (C or S) when the engine is restarted. The last selected program mode (C or S) is switched on when the engine is restarted in the automatic program mode. Downshifting Warning! G 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. Press button 1 on the left side of the steering wheel. The transmission will shift to the next lower gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simultaneously limits the gear range of the transmission ( page 167) when you are driving in the automatic program mode (C or S). 1 Left button: downshift 2 Right button: upshift 174