C versus S mode question
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: OC
i drive them all, fast and hard
C versus S mode question
well as many of u guys know, its started to snow here in chicago, and as this being the first time i ve driven in snow (being from California), i am wondering is it necessary to use C mode. I understadn that it starts the car in second gear, but what difference does that really make. ??? thanks
also, i have the stock tires, contnetals sport tires, with only 11000 miles, will these be a major problem in the snow. thanks
also, i have the stock tires, contnetals sport tires, with only 11000 miles, will these be a major problem in the snow. thanks
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From: Jersey
2004.5 C 230
I understadn that it starts the car in second gear, but what difference does that really make
Less tire spin,
Chicago gets a lot of snow, get yourself some winter tires.
https://mbworld.org/forums/wheels-tires-suspension-brakes-forum/126777-stock-vs-winter.html
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From: North Shore of Illinois
2001 C320
Originally Posted by vdubpower
also, i have the stock tires, contnetals sport tires, with only 11000 miles, will these be a major problem in the snow. thanks
For the 800 or so it will cost for wheels and tires its worth it.....and if you have someone with a better jack then what mercedes gives you it'll only take 45 min or so to install in the fickin cold like I had to do last night.
Where in Chicago are you?
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From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Originally Posted by vdubpower
well as many of u guys know, its started to snow here in chicago, and as this being the first time i ve driven in snow (being from California), i am wondering is it necessary to use C mode. I understadn that it starts the car in second gear, but what difference does that really make. ??? thanks
also, i have the stock tires, contnetals sport tires, with only 11000 miles, will these be a major problem in the snow. thanks
also, i have the stock tires, contnetals sport tires, with only 11000 miles, will these be a major problem in the snow. thanks
but usually when I'm stuck in snow, i put it on S and have the ESP off, kuz the ESP locks u from moving...and u wanna move out so ESP OFF!
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
The purpose of the "C" position that used to be called "W" for winter is to limit the torque by starting in second and up-shifitng sooner than in "S". This is also true in reverse where you start in a higher gear. Lower torque really helps you get away on slippery streets.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: OC
i drive them all, fast and hard
so if i start the car and press it in to C that means im in second, and when im driving around and come to a stop will it only downshift to 2 or 1. basically, will i never see 1 in C mode????
Out Of Control!!
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From: Obama Land
K Car
Originally Posted by vdubpower
so if i start the car and press it in to C that means im in second, and when im driving around and come to a stop will it only downshift to 2 or 1. basically, will i never see 1 in C mode????
I think MB-JIM gives the best explanation on how this works and why. I've always viewed it as a need when conditions were very slippery, and there is a risk of spinning my tires. Mainly for getting the car to move from a stand still (parked, or at a stop on an icy road). However, I don't think it will do much (or anything) in helping you actually drive around in the snow, or in icy situations.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: OC
i drive them all, fast and hard
so which tires was it you guys recomend for snow.
this will be my only winter in chicago ( tinley park area), because i am moving to miami next yr. so i have this hope i can just make do with what i have enless you all really think that would be stupid
with my 85 500sel, i have spin the rear end with the slightest rain. i havent driven it yet in the snow but im sure i will have trouble. heck and that car has all season good yrs on it now. go figure?
this will be my only winter in chicago ( tinley park area), because i am moving to miami next yr. so i have this hope i can just make do with what i have enless you all really think that would be stupid
with my 85 500sel, i have spin the rear end with the slightest rain. i havent driven it yet in the snow but im sure i will have trouble. heck and that car has all season good yrs on it now. go figure?
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Member
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: North Shore of Illinois
2001 C320
Originally Posted by vdubpower
this will be my only winter in chicago ( tinley park area), because i am moving to miami next yr. so i have this hope i can just make do with what i have enless you all really think that would be stupid
The city and state do a REALLY good job usually of clearing snow during the downfall.
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
Originally Posted by vdubpower
so if i start the car and press it in to C that means im in second, and when im driving around and come to a stop will it only downshift to 2 or 1. basically, will i never see 1 in C mode????
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From: Southern Methodist University
2001 C320 (purple), 2002 BMW 540i
Originally Posted by MBUSA503
C is more fuel efficent and better gear shifting..on S it burns more fuel and it takes longer 2 change gears
or am i totally misunderstanding something here
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From: Southern Methodist University
2001 C320 (purple), 2002 BMW 540i
Originally Posted by MB-JIM
I believe if you floor it on takeoff while in "C" you will start in second and the transmission will immediately drop to first which may make you think your transmission isn't shifting smoothly. I haven't tried this procedure since I'm still breaking in the car. Maybe someone can give it a try.
We're going to have to engage in some hot and heavy activity soon as she gets home! 
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Originally Posted by MB-JIM
I believe if you floor it on takeoff while in "C" you will start in second and the transmission will immediately drop to first which may make you think your transmission isn't shifting smoothly. I haven't tried this procedure since I'm still breaking in the car. Maybe someone can give it a try.
It's just a bit scary when you're trying to overtake and you basically just dragged your car onto the way of another car.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Bay Area California
W203 C240
Originally Posted by b3d_sage
what? this doesnt make sense to me. it sould take about the same amount of time to shift in either mode. what it does in C is limits the amount of torque so it shifts sooner than S. that doesn't mean the shifts are faster, it just means it shifts before the engine gets to higher RPM's than S. Also, it would seem to the that S would be more efficient being that it makes better use of the engines output when accelerating by running it where you get more torque. C shifts sooner so you arent getting as much torue at the wheels, thus making the engine have to rev higher to put down the same amount of power to the pavement.
or am i totally misunderstanding something here
or am i totally misunderstanding something here
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From: Southern Methodist University
2001 C320 (purple), 2002 BMW 540i
Originally Posted by Young Doc
Anybody else getting about 3mpg better with C on? I was surprised at the difference. Downside: car is even more of a dog.
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Originally Posted by b3d_sage
yeah that would surpise me... but then I often shift manually anyhow (and I wouldnt call my car a dog... maybe you have a slower one?)
I still see plenty of potential in the little blown four banger. The first time I saw the FMIC and "Kompressor" badge I thought the C230K would be a budget rocket mercedes with a little tweaking.
