What actually changes when you go from "E" to "S"?
 

Not really seeing a difference.

I think you are talking about "C" & "S" modes. C mode means comfort and the gearbox will take off in second gear for a more gentle take off, and it will not down shift to first gear.

e starts in 2nd, s starts in 1rst

Shift points are also changed in S mode it tends to shift later but that mostly depends upon your previous driving habits.

Physically I believe nothing changes, the programming for tranny's ECU does.

All Boxes with S & C pull away in 1st in S mode & 2nd in C or comfort mode (old winter mode on early 722 series 5 speeds)

From the 722.9 technical training manual:

S (Sport) first gear start
C (Comfort) or E (Economy) second gear start, earlier upshifts and later down shifts. Auto default to E on Blue Efficiency models.

Note: Transmission will start in first gear if any of the following apply.
1st gear manually selected.
3/4 to full throttle applied from stationery start.
Engine cold (catalytic converter warm up)

Now - to precis the following: Certain high torque diesel models will pull away in first gear in both modes to protect the torque converter.

C mode uses the 7th gear on the hwy (gears 2-7) and S mode stays in 6 on the hwy (gears 1-6) making it sportier but harder on gas.

This is interesting. I wonder at what speed in E, it would shift up to 7th gear?

A lot I imagine. Anyone heading to Mexico to try out the speedo?

any changes in the spring settings? ride seems harsher in S than on C on the same stretch of roads to me

I have a quick question this is off topic but do the H&R Sport Springs of an 09 c300 4matic sport fit the 2012 c300 4matic sport? Thanks

No.

Not true. Why does this keep coming up, I wonder?

Don't forget the higher ratio reverse gear in C/E.

I know for a fact mine hits 7th in S on the highway.

Absolutely correct - 2 X reverse ratios - higher in C or E :y

The transmission goes all the way up to 7th in both modes i.e. in S & C or E

Not only that but I get better gas mileage in S mode then in E on both of my cars on the highway. The reason for that is there is less engine braking in S mode then in E which causes the car to have more "free roll" (for lack of a scientific term).

As mentioned before S will start the car in first gear (both forward and reverse) while in E the car will start in 2nd gear (forward and reverse). S tends to hold gears at a higher RPM while E tends to shift at lower RPMs to take fuel economy into consideration. Also in S mode the tranny is more willing to shift down for more power and quicker acceleration while in E it is less willing to shift down a gear. Unfortunately E or S mode has no effect on suspension stiffness since the C class doesn't come with the AIRmatic suspention.

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...tc-lock-up.jpg

The C does not have to come with AIRMatic suspension. It has to come with Advanced Agility Control where by pushing the separate "SPORT" button - not on the transmission control - The dampers firm up.

I did not know that. That's pretty cool; thanks :y

I disagree. There is no change in engine RPMs at 70mph when switching between S & C. Actually, I don't recall an RPM change at slower speeds either. 722.9 transmission in 2012 GLK 350 4 matic. YMMV.

I see above that this has been sufficiently debunked. One more internet myth down the drain.

Wayne

Yes, just like it does in E! (C for the pre-facelift folks)