2006 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 206

Controls in detail Automatic transmission The current gear range/transmission position ( page 199) and the selected program mode (C/S) are indicated in the multifunction display. Press program mode selector switch repeatedly until the letter of the desired program mode appears in the multifunction display. Select C for comfort driving: The vehicle starts out in second gear (both forward and reverse) for gentler starts. This does not apply if full throttle is applied or gear range 1 is selected. Traction and driving stability are improved on icy roads. Upshifts occur earlier even when you give more gas. The engine then operates at lower rpms and the wheels are less likely to spin. Steering wheel gearshift control With drive position D selected, you can use the steering wheel gearshift control buttons to manually shift the gears. When doing so, you are also limiting or extending the gear range. i To avoid overrevving the engine when downshifting with steering wheel gearshift buttons, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear if the engine's max. speed would be exceeded. 1 Current program mode ! Never change the program mode when the automatic transmission is out of park position P. This could result in a change of driving characteristics for which you may not be prepared. i The last selected program mode (C or S) is switched on when the engine is restarted. 205