Oh Cool

Did anyone notice that when you reduce speed using cruise control, for example from 65-60 mph the car seems to downshift and slow down relatively quickly. I have the C350 with the 7 speed transmission maybe that's the reason?

AsianML

Don't know on the W204, but I remember W164 owners reporting that it used the brakes to slow down when you decel'd with the cruise stalk.

ShoremNJ

I noticed it using brakes and downshifting, amazing technology....

jstaneff

Question is: when it uses the brakes, does it put on the brake lights?

Oh Cool

In my case the car felt like it downshifted (no braking) to slow the car down while I was at highway speed. The car was in sport mode, maybe that had something to do with it.

lx Raven xl

I also noticed if i put it in cruise control or use the speed limiter . let say i was driving at 100km with speed limiter and changed the limit of speed to 80km. it feels like car is slowly breaking to slow down to 80. It sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable as I do not know if the brake lights come on to warn the driver behind me. ??? I would be keen to know the answer...

AsianML

Again, not sure on the W204, but the W164 folks had a friend follow them one time and they reported the brake lights on.

Egonvdv

i read that the car also breaks when going downhill with cruise on.

This is quite "special" right? as far as i know most cars don't do this?
(certainly not the car i presently drive.)

jstaneff

Definitely it uses brakes on dowhill using cruise. One long hill I drive daily can take my speed from 65 to nearly 80 without cruise, but cruise limits me to the setting (65) and uses the brakes to do it. Annoys folks behind me ;-)

nyca

this surely must hurt gas mileage too.

2bShawn

Might not be the brakes...just the "blipping" of the throttle as it downshifts to the lower gear. It gives the same sensation.