2008 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 179

Controls in detail Automatic transmission The selected program mode appears in the right multifunction display. Press program mode selector switch repeatedly until the letter of the desired program mode appears in the right multifunction display. Select C for comfort 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. 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. Select S for standard driving: The vehicle starts out in first gear. Upshifts occur later. 1 Current program mode Program mode selector switch (SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG only) MANUAL C Comfort S Sport For manual gear shifting ( page 182) For comfort driving For standard driving ! Never change the program mode when the gear selector lever 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. 178