see240wag

Which automatic transmission mode is better, more economical to use, the "S" or "C" mode.

e1000

"S" is typically for normal driving, "C" is what used to be "W" or winter mode. C should yeild better fuel economy as well.

pookie

i really do not see any 'economic' difference between the two different modes; i get the same mpg in either mode.

revstriker

The "W" mode (not sure if "C" is the exact same thing) starts off in second gear vs. first from a stop, and had lower/earlier shift points. This helped avoid wheel spin when driving on snow or ice (hence the "W" for Winter). In theory I suppose, the earlier shift points should get you some more mpg, but probably not much. Starting in second during normal driving, you would notice a decrease in initial power.

alboogiee

X2


i too think C is the same thing as W, when i had my 202 W started in 2nd but shift points still depended on how heavy your foot is. same thing with C in my 203

i drive in S mode in all weather (havent tried snow) to include rain because the car doesnt have IMO enough power to create enough wheel spin to lose control from a stand still start

AK*S203*owner

I run my c-class wagon in W mode during the winter and S mode in the summer. I get very close to the same mpg in either mode.

In W mode, I can be stopped on glare ice and take my foot completely off the brake without the tires ever spinning. It sits there until I touch the gas pedal and then it starts off.

W mode makes the car completely gutless which is the best thing when driving in snow or on ice. S mode puts the torque back into things for the dry pavement and the fun starts.

Moviela

I was told C is for comfort, and S is for Sport. I notice that the S mode is more spirited in its shifting, while the C mode makes the wagon float like a cloud. I like clouds.

I have also noticed that in the C position, the car will not roll backward when the nose is pointed uphill and take your foot off the brake. It will roll backward in the S position.

pookie

i do not think it is normal for an automatic car to roll backwards on a hill in any mode.

advans

Usually I hate driving in W(C) mode b/c it starts off 2nd gear... but for the C240s i like to put it on C mode because I think (S) seems heavy (but it sould be the other way around!?) I just like the Cold Mode on the 240s because it feels smoother

LowCaliTi

dalazernet

An interesting note about rolling backwards... my old car (not a Mercedes) used to roll back when on a hill (automatic).... on this same hill with my new car, it actually rolls forward UP the hill without my pushing the gas. These 280's have great engines....

- Eric

GGM

I leave my C240 in W mode all the time (mine's a 2003, hence the W). I can always tell when the dealer or a valet switches it to S because it takes off much "jerkier" in S than in W. I live in Florida and prefer W because it seems smoother. But I'm over 50 and bought the car for its perceived luxury versus those of you who like performance.

I think it is a matter of preference. Whichever you prefer and works best for you...

Hope this is helpful.

GGM