mac911

Ok,

I'm out of the break-in period, where the manual said to drive the car in "Comfort," mode, on the auto transmission selection.

I'm guessing most of you drive in "S," which I guess is standard or sport?

Does comfort do anything to the car besides use higher gears? Seems it may save gasoline a bit. I know they say it's particularly useful for slippery conditions, but thought you guys might have some additional takes on this.

What do you do?

Thanks.

Chaz00Blue

I drive mine in S now that I have passed the break-in. Unless it is slippery, then I switch to C. So far I haven't noticed much difference in fuel consumption.

GGM

S stands for Sport. In comfort mode, the car starts out in 2nd gear and the shift points are different. I have always driven both my previous C240 and my present E350 in comfort mode. (It was actually W--Winter--mode on the C240). But I'm older and drive for comfort and smoothness.

tanktube67

I'm driving my on "S" mode

radiance

I usually just leave it in C mode. Occasionally drive on the S mode.

spotless

I leave mine in C. ECU senses throttle input and temporarily switches to S if I'm heavy footing it, but I work the other way, thus my choice.

mac911

Thanks. Glad to hear Comfort is more popular than I thought because the dealer really tried to sell me on Sport. He called it Standard, part of my confusion I guess. Thanks so much.

JimPap

In 3 1/2 months of ownership, I go back and forth between C and S. I now mostly leave it on S. Reason being is that it gives me more torque on a long uphill run leading to my home.

On a side note, each week I drive a 200 mile route (100 miles each way to church). On some days, I'll get slightly over 30 mpg. Other times I'll get just over 27 mpg. On days where I've switched between the two setting, I'll see a difference in mpg. Since my average speed is 73 mph, the transmission is in 7th gear either way. Does anyone know if the ignition timing changes between the two setting accounting for the difference in fuel economy. Any thoughts?

MBPup

'S' for me, which is called 'standard' in my manual. I think 'C' makes the car feel surprisingly sluggish.

lx Raven xl

S is sports in my manual.

anyway , I drive in C 90% of the time. 3000KM on clock.

PoaMike

'S' start in first gear and shift at 7k rpm

'C' starts in second and shifts at 4k/5k rpm

so logiclly you save gas but not much really. since ur only peaking at 7k rpm for a few seconds. Personaly I stay in 'S' because I like to have the option of having higher revs when needed. If its rainy ill stay in 'C'. My 2cents.


-Mike

MBTex

There are threads and threads on the confusion between the Standard/Sport and Comfort/Control terms. Even MB manuals have interchanged the two in previous models.

Most new manuals, and the MB online manual list them as Sport and Comfort.

Whatever you call them, the characteristics are the same in the US and are simply tranny adjustments. Euro models also have some suspension adjustments as well. Need the AMG for that in the US though.

I switch back and forth on mine depending on road conditions and what kind of driving mood I'm in...

Savage c-300

this is good info. thanks guys.

MB Fanatic

S - starts the car in 1st gear and different shift points
C/W - starts the car in 2nd gear and engages the 2nd reverse gear for increased traction so you dont spin out

Oh Cool

For now using the C mode during the break-in period.

C300Man

what's your guys definition of breakin point at what milage?

MB Fanatic

Having owned quite a few benz's I have never listened to the break in period. I have smashed the pedal from the beginning and they have run perfectly fine. My W210 had around 100K miles or so when I sold it and it ran is if it rolled out from production.

JimPap

Some where around page 73 in the manual it says 1,000 miles. Would have been nice if they'd put it on page 1.

Krytech

Dealer told me not to baby the car during the break in period, just drive it as you normally would (he knew I wasn't speed racer). That said, he recommended not redlining it, at least not often for the first 1000K.

While I was surprised they said not to baby it, I was more shocked when they said it didn't need an oil change until 13K mi. This is my first car to come with Mobile1 or any full synthetic for that matter. I'm used to changing the oil after 500-1000mi.

sou98

i agreed... with C mode... that is more like lexus like feeling and softer suspension.... I usually in S (sport) mode unless in downtown toronto where the pot hole are more than i can bear....that when i switch to C mode

JimPap

It has nothing to do with the suspension.

mac911

Also wanted to add that the manual says not to switch between "S," and "C," unless in park, cause you may not expect the driving change (and crash). ha-ha. Just kidding, it doesn't say crash, but it does say yeah only do it in park.