Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2011 Operator's Manual page 313

Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
R
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
increased sensitivity, which improves
R
driving stability on slippery road surfaces,
for example
the automatic transmission shifting up
R
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.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range (
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations
= You can use the engine's braking
effect.
5 To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
on steep mountain roads
R
in mountainous terrain
R
in arduous conditions
R
4 To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Y
page 311).
Automatic transmission
Restricting the shift range
X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is restricted.
i In order to prevent the engine from
overrevving, the automatic transmission
does not shift down when the engine speed
is too high.
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
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
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.
311
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