2006 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 172

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. Downshifting Warning! Briefly press the inside 2 of one of the buttons on 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). Upshifting Canceling gear range limit Press and hold the outside 1 of one of the buttons on the steering wheel until D reappears in the right multifunction display. The transmission will shift from the current gear range directly to gear range D. Shifting into optimal gear range Press and hold the inside 2 of one of the buttons on the steering wheel. The transmission will automatically select the gear range suited for optimal acceleration and deceleration. This may involve shifting down one or more gears. G Briefly press the outside 1 of one of the buttons on the steering wheel. 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. 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. 171