2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 412

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Steering wheel gearshift control With drive position D selected and driving in program mode C or S, you can limit or extend the gear range. If your vehicle is equipped with manual shift program M, you can use the steering wheel gearshift control to manually shift the gears. i S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only: For information on using the steering wheel gearshift control in program mode M, see "Manual shift program (S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only)" ( page 413). ! 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 park 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. Gearshift control buttons 1 Left shift button: limiting gear range 2 Right shift button: extending gear range Gearshift control paddles (S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only) 1 Left shift paddle: limiting gear range or downshift (in program mode M) 2 Right shift paddle: extending gear range or upshift (in program mode M) i You cannot shift with the steering wheel gearshift control buttons or paddles when the transmission in position P, N or R. The following instructions describe operation of the steering wheel gearshift control when driving in program mode C or S. 411