2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 414

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Shifting into optimal gear range Press and hold left shift button 1 or pull and hold left shift paddle 1. The transmission will automatically select the gear range suited for optimal acceleration and deceleration. This will involve shifting down one or more gears. Manual shift program (S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only) In addition to the automatic shift program C or S, your vehicle is equipped with the manual shift program M. Manual shift program M differs with regard to spontaneity, response time, and shifting smoothness from automatic shift program S. In the manual program mode M, system-controlled automatic gearshifting is switched off and you need to change the gears by manually upshifting or downshifting using the steering wheel gearshift control paddles to the left and right of the steering wheel ( page 411). ! 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. Program mode selector switch M Manual C Comfort S Sport For manual gear shifting For standard driving For sporty driving 413