2006 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 171

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Steering wheel gearshift control one-touch gearshifting Steering wheel gearshift control is available on vehicles with Sport Package*, on SL 55 AMG, and on SL 65 AMG only. The steering wheel gearshift control provides an alternative method for changing the gears manually and limiting or extending the gear range for automatic shifting with the gear selector lever in position D and driving in the automatic program mode C or S. 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. Steering wheel gearshift control SL 500 with Sport Package* and SL 600 with Sport Package* The steering wheel gearshift buttons are located to the left and right of the steering wheel. ! Allow engine to warm up under low load use. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. Shift into reverse gear R or parking position P only when the vehicle is stopped. Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period when driving off on slippery road surfaces. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. 1 Button, outside: upshift 2 Button, inside: downshift i For information on using the steering wheel gearshift control in program mode MANUAL (SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG only), see "Manual shift program" ( page 173). 170