Mercedes-Benz SL 600 - Manual (Page 163)

162
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
̈ Press program mode selector
switch 1 repeatedly until the letter of
the desired shift program appears in
the right multifunction display
(
୴ page 127).
Select C for comfort driving:
ț 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.
ț Traction and driving stability are
improved on icy roads.
ț Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.
ț The power transmission ratio for
gear selector lever position R
changes depending on the program
mode selected (S or C).
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
̈ Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear.
̈ Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
!
Never change the program mode when
the gear selector lever is out of
position P. This could result in a
change of driving characteristics for
which you may not be prepared.