2007 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 177

Controls in detail Automatic transmission i You cannot shift with the steering wheel gearshift paddle 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! Upshifting G Briefly pull right shift paddle 2 ( page 175). 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 ( page 172). Canceling gear range limit 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 program mode MANUAL, see "Manual shift program (SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG only)" ( page 177). 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. Briefly pull left shift paddle 1 ( page 175). 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 172). Pull and hold right shift paddle 2 ( page 175) 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 Pull and hold left shift paddle 1 ( page 175). The transmission will automatically select the gear range suited for optimal acceleration and deceleration. This will involve shifting down one or more gears. 176