2009 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 122

Controls in detail Automatic transmission will go to automatic program mode (C or S) when the engine is restarted. X One-touch gearshifting With the automatic transmission in drive position D and driving in automatic program mode C or S, you can limit or extend the gear range using the gear selector lever or the steering wheel gearshift contol. U.S. vehicles: Steering wheel gearshift control is available on vehicles with AMG Sport Package, on SL 63 AMG, and on SL 65 AMG only. SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG: For information on using the gear selector lever or the steering wheel gearshift control in manual program mode M, see "Manual shift program" (Y page 121). All models except SL 63 AMG: Press the program mode selector switch repeatedly until the letter of the desired program mode appears in the right multifunction display. SL 63 AMG: Turn the program mode selector dial until the letter of the desired program mode appears in the right multifunction display. vehicle starts out more gentle, both forward and reverse, except when driving off with full throttle. and driving stability are improved on icy roads. occur earlier even when you give more gas. The engine then operates at lower rpms and the wheels are less likely to spin. X Selecting program mode C means: RThe Steering wheel gearshift control (example illustration) 1 Limiting gear range Downshift (in manual program mode M) 2 Extending gear range RTraction Upshift (in manual program mode M) RUpshifts i You cannot shift with the steering wheel gearshift control when the automatic transmission is in park position P, neutral position N, or reverse gear R. Limiting gear range G Warning! On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi- Selecting program mode S means that upshifts occur later. 120