2006 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 183

Controls in detail Automatic transmission i You cannot shift with the steering wheel gearshift buttons when the gear selector lever is in position P, N or R. The last selected program mode (C or S) is switched on when the engine is restarted in the automatic program mode. The following instructions describe operation of the steering wheel gearshift control when driving in the automatic program mode C or S. For instructions on operating the steering wheel gearshift control and gear selector lever in the manual program mode M, see "Manual shift program S 55 AMG and S 65 AMG" ( page 183). 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. The transmission will shift to the next higher gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simultaneously extends the gear range of the transmission when you are driving in the automatic program mode (C or S). Canceling gear range limit Press and hold button 2 on the right side of the steering wheel until D reappears in the tachometer display. The transmission will shift from the current gear range directly to gear range D. Shifting into optimal gear range Press and hold button 1 on the left side of the steering wheel. The transmission will automatically select the gear range suited for optimal acceleration and deceleration. This will involve shifting down one or more gears. Briefly 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 178) when you are driving in the automatic program mode (C or S). Upshifting Briefly press button 2 on the right side of the steering wheel. 182