2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 411

Controls in detail Automatic transmission The selected program mode appears in the multifunction display. Press the program mode selector switch repeatedly until the letter of the desired program mode appears in the multifunction display. Select C for comfort driving (S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG: standard driving): The vehicle starts out in second gear (both forward and reverse) for gentler starts. This does not apply if full throttle is applied or gear range 1 is selected. 1 Current program mode Select S for standard driving (S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG: sporty driving): The vehicle starts out in first gear. Upshifts occur later. ! Never change the program mode when the automatic transmission is out of park position P. This could result in a change of driving characteristics for which you may not be prepared. i The last selected program mode (C or S) is switched on when the engine is restarted. Traction and driving stability are improved on icy roads. Upshifts occur earlier even when you give more gas. The engine then operates at lower rpms and the wheels are less likely to spin. 410