2011 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 313

Automatic transmission Automatic drive program Drive program E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following: Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in forward and reverse gears, unless the accelerator pedal is depressed fully Rincreased sensitivity, which improves driving stability on slippery road surfaces, for example Rthe automatic transmission shifting up sooner, which results in the vehicle being driven at lower engine speeds and the wheels being less likely to spin In drive program S, the automatic transmission shifts up later. 311 Restricting the shift range X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter. The shift range is restricted. i If the maximum engine speed for the shift range is reached and you continue to accelerate, the automatic transmission shifts up in order to prevent the engine from overrevving, even if the shift range is restricted. Derestricting the shift range Shift ranges Introduction When the automatic transmission is in position D, it is possible to restrict or derestrict the shift range (Y page 311). The shift range selected is shown in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission shifts only as far as the selected gear. Driving situations = 5 You can use the engine's braking effect. To use the braking effect of the engine on downhill gradients and for driving: Ron Rin X Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter. The shift range is derestricted. Clearing the shift range restriction X Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter until D is shown again in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission shifts from the current shift range directly to D. Selecting the ideal shift range X steep mountain roads mountainous terrain Rin arduous conditions 4 To use the braking effect of the engine on extremely steep downhill gradients and on long downhill stretches Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter and hold it in position. The automatic transmission shifts to the gear which allows ideal acceleration and deceleration. To do this, the automatic transmission shifts down one or more gears. Manual drive program Switching on the manual drive program The manual drive program is only available for AMG vehicles. Z Driving and parking i In order to prevent the engine from overrevving, the automatic transmission does not shift down when the engine speed is too high.