Since there are many *correct* answers to your question, I'll add my $0.2 here also. There's probably as many potential answers as the Braking question. I've found that in order to get full seat-of-the-pants power in an MB, you need to push the pedal fully to the floor. According to someone else on the list, there is a switch that downshifts the tranny. Have fun, be safe, but drive it like you stole it!
Gary

__________________
00 Silver/Black AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 Admiral Blue ZR-1
81 Candy Apple Corvette Cpe