Mercedes-Benz S-Class Operator's Manual page 184

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
i
You cannot shift with the steering
wheel gearshift buttons when the gear
selector lever is in position P, N or R.
The manual program mode M will not
be stored. When the engine is turned
off with the manual program mode M
selected, the transmission will go to
the automatic program mode (C or S)
when the engine is restarted.
The last selected program
mode (C or S) is switched on when the
engine is restarted in the automatic
program mode.
182
Downshifting
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not
prevent this type of loss of control.
Press button 1 on the left side of the
steering wheel.
The transmission will shift to the next
lower gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously limits
the gear range of the transmission
( page 176) when you are driving in the
automatic program mode (C or S).
Upshifting
Press button 2 on the right side of the
G
steering wheel.
The transmission will shift to the next
higher gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously
extends the gear range of the transmission
when you are driving in the automatic
program mode (C or S).