2006 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 168

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Gear ranges With the gear selector lever in position D and driving in the automatic shift program C or S ( page 168), you can select a gear range for the automatic transmission to operate within: Gear selector lever ( page 169): You can limit the 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+). Steering wheel gearshift control ( page 170): You can limit the gear range by pressing the respective downshift button on the steering wheel gearshift control, and reverse the gear range limit by pressing the respective upshift button on the steering wheel gearshift control. The selected gear range appears in the right multifunction display ( page 163). 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 è The transmission shifts through third gear only. With this selection you can use the braking effect of the engine. 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 ï The transmission shifts through sixth gear only (applies to vehicles with 7-speed automatic transmission only). 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. æ The transmission operates in first gear only. For maximum use of engine's braking effect on very steep or lengthy downgrades. 167