Do you drive in "C" or "S" mode?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
09' E350 AMG Sport, 09' C300, 03' Honda S2K
For me personally, the C does seems to be smoother overall (the shifts). I have tried it on my E and on S the shifts for 1st to 2nd just seems to be jumpy or a lil rough when just cruising. On C, it is just smooth on all gears!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
There are other C differences but they are not striking by ANY means. This is just sensationalism over nothing but if that's what entertains you in the W204, so be it.
I had a good friend with a 4Runner years ago. It had an "ECT POWER" button!
Rockets deployed out the back, it added 450hp.. or maybe it just held gears a little longer and made throttle response a little crisper.. I can't really remember.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 c300
"This is just sensationalism over nothing but if that's what entertains you in the W204, so be it."
The Marketing guy who re-labeled standard as "Sport", not long ago. is probably on the floor with laughter!
The Marketing guy who re-labeled standard as "Sport", not long ago. is probably on the floor with laughter!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Or at least, the only notable difference.
C all the way for me. Because "S" is an unrefined, jerky mess on the 7G Tranny. Both my '06 and '10 were/are anything but smooth and luxurious when in "S" mode, due to those occasional hiccups when figuring out how to get in and out of that super tight 1st gear.
The extra little pep from "S" is okay, but these aren't race-cars, or power-houses, so it isn't my #1 priority.
Also, I believe the manual states that you should be stopped before changing the Trans settings. Not sure what it could do though.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
2008 c300 4MATIC Sport
The gear stick must be on park before switching. Also i think I read somewhere in the manual that the car has to be switched off in other for it to change from current mode to selected mode. Cheers.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 502
Likes: 81
From: Newcastle Upon Tyne
W204 C220CDI 2011
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 73
From: Midwest, US
'17 GTR, '17 GLC43, '14 Panigale 899, '20 V4
Last edited by mr inkredibul; Oct 26, 2020 at 09:39 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
2008 c300 4MATIC Sport
I change my all the time. 2010 c350 and 2014 CLA 45. I also do in my 2014 Maserati Ghibli and my 2017 Nissan GT-R. The manual only states that for liability reasons since while you are in the gas, the behavior could change and they don’t want to be at fault for you craving and saying because the pedal changed. There will be no harm done in changing the modes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 73
From: Midwest, US
'17 GTR, '17 GLC43, '14 Panigale 899, '20 V4
Oh Thanks for this. I was pretty scared changing it when in motion, I would try it out cos I am always driving in C mode but then i get caught in traffic and it is sluggish moving. Would definitely change to S mode when the car is running if i encounter traffic. Thanks for this info.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 73
From: Midwest, US
'17 GTR, '17 GLC43, '14 Panigale 899, '20 V4
Oh Thanks for this. I was pretty scared changing it when in motion, I would try it out cos I am always driving in C mode but then i get caught in traffic and it is sluggish moving. Would definitely change to S mode when the car is running if i encounter traffic. Thanks for this info.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
2008 c300 4MATIC Sport
left paddle, right paddle? What are those? Are they on the C300? Am confused. Are you talking of the gear stick?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 73
From: Midwest, US
'17 GTR, '17 GLC43, '14 Panigale 899, '20 V4
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 283
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, ON
2012 C300 Sport 4MATIC (current) 2006 C280 Elegance 4MATIC (sold)
I drive in C mode when the conditions are super snowy and slippery. The second gear start combined with winter tires makes for a slip free acceleration up to speed. I drive in S all other times because the car just feels more lively and it's not like it burns any more gas than driving in C mode.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
I change my all the time. 2010 c350 and 2014 CLA 45. I also do in my 2014 Maserati Ghibli and my 2017 Nissan GT-R. The manual only states that for liability reasons since while you are on the gas, the behavior could change and they don’t want to be at fault for you crashing and saying because the pedal changed. There will be no harm done in changing the modes.
Yes, I had mine in S mode new and nearly drove through the garage.
Last edited by Moto_Guzzi; Oct 27, 2020 at 10:44 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 63
Likes: 12
2017 C250 W205
Using C at all times
I’m using “C” permanently.
I like the soft and early upshifts.
My driving style is smooth and relaxed thus “C” is my mode of choice.
I like the soft and early upshifts.
My driving style is smooth and relaxed thus “C” is my mode of choice.
Last edited by Joe1959; Oct 28, 2020 at 05:48 PM.
