C250 drivability problem
#26
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'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
Does anyone know if a dealer is able to reprogram the ECU on these newer cars so that it defaults to "S" at every start? If not, maybe an aftermarket tuner could do it?
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The dealer cannot program it to default to S, at least in the US.
I've had a couple of instances where the transmission would not kick down, but it's definitely not a lag or turbo issue.
Personally, I've never found the turbo lag to be a problem. If you're making a left hand turn across traffic and turbo lag versus no turbo lag is the difference between an unsafe and a safe maneuver - the problem isn't with the powertrain in the car.
I've had a couple of instances where the transmission would not kick down, but it's definitely not a lag or turbo issue.
Personally, I've never found the turbo lag to be a problem. If you're making a left hand turn across traffic and turbo lag versus no turbo lag is the difference between an unsafe and a safe maneuver - the problem isn't with the powertrain in the car.
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And it DOES change; I've looked down at the tach a couple of times to verify. Not sure if it changes if you switch modes when you're already AT cruising, but there's definitely a ~500 RPM change if you've switched over prior. And the engine or transmission is also much more responsive when you accelerate (either at speed or from a standstill)....
If you are cruising at 70 mph, flat road, there should be no difference in rpm whether in E of S. If in S, it should downshift more readily vs E mode.
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2) I don't understand why the "RPM's at speed are relatively high" ??
3) As far as I know, the only reason the owner's manual says to stop the car when switching between S and E (at least for cars w/o the special Agillity Package with magnetic shock fluid), is to cover their butts. As long as it is done when not accelerating, it's a very useful tool for the C250 owners so use it as needed.
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'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
That's what I'm still struggling with as well. The only way this would happen would be if the S mode excluded the 7th gear from the program, but there is nothing about it in the 2012 owner's manual. All it says is that S mode starts in 1st gear and shifts up later.
#31
The dealer cannot program it to default to S, at least in the US.
I've had a couple of instances where the transmission would not kick down, but it's definitely not a lag or turbo issue.
Personally, I've never found the turbo lag to be a problem. If you're making a left hand turn across traffic and turbo lag versus no turbo lag is the difference between an unsafe and a safe maneuver - the problem isn't with the powertrain in the car.
I've had a couple of instances where the transmission would not kick down, but it's definitely not a lag or turbo issue.
Personally, I've never found the turbo lag to be a problem. If you're making a left hand turn across traffic and turbo lag versus no turbo lag is the difference between an unsafe and a safe maneuver - the problem isn't with the powertrain in the car.
The RPM's do change depending on S or E mode under 30 mph. At highway speed there is no change. At least in my car.
#32
The rpm at most speeds in S are 3 to 5 hundred rpm higher mph to mph. In other words the rpm at a given mph will be 3 to 5 hundred higher. All the shift points in s are higher allowing the small turbo motor to run at a higher rpm. Once the car is at highway speed, in 7 gear and torque converter locked up the rpm in either e or s will be the same. If you shift from E to S while you are driving you will not see Any difference unless you either come to a stop or step down to cause the trans to downshift, once it does that the S program will be in place. In a nutshell I have found that driving in S allows the car to start off in first gear and raises all the shift points to a higher rpm that keeps the motor In a higher rpm range where a small turbo motor produces power. E just simply strangles the motor, just like starting a stick shift car I. 2nd gear instead of first and shifting at way too low rpm. I just wish it could be programmed to stay in S all the time. And yes, this is the only Benz I have ever owned that the E/S switch was something other than decoration.
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2012 C250 Sport
1) I agree with using S for an anticipated acceleration.
2) I don't understand why the "RPM's at speed are relatively high" ??
3) As far as I know, the only reason the owner's manual says to stop the car when switching between S and E (at least for cars w/o the special Agillity Package with magnetic shock fluid), is to cover their butts. As long as it is done when not accelerating, it's a very useful tool for the C250 owners so use it as needed.
.
2) I don't understand why the "RPM's at speed are relatively high" ??
3) As far as I know, the only reason the owner's manual says to stop the car when switching between S and E (at least for cars w/o the special Agillity Package with magnetic shock fluid), is to cover their butts. As long as it is done when not accelerating, it's a very useful tool for the C250 owners so use it as needed.
.
Even when just cruising, the car feels significantly more "restless" in "S," and accelerating for passing is a smooth and linear affair (whereas it can be a little terrifying in "E".... And, yes, I'll admit that I'm probably cutting in front of a car during those times.... But I did the same thing in the C300 and my v6 Accord, and it was never a problem....).
And as for point #1, I usually switch over from "E" to "S" when at a full stop.
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#35
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The rpm at most speeds in S are 3 to 5 hundred rpm higher mph to mph. In other words the rpm at a given mph will be 3 to 5 hundred higher. All the shift points in s are higher allowing the small turbo motor to run at a higher rpm. Once the car is at highway speed, in 7 gear and torque converter locked up the rpm in either e or s will be the same. If you shift from E to S while you are driving you will not see Any difference unless you either come to a stop or step down to cause the trans to downshift, once it does that the S program will be in place. In a nutshell I have found that driving in S allows the car to start off in first gear and raises all the shift points to a higher rpm that keeps the motor In a higher rpm range where a small turbo motor produces power. E just simply strangles the motor, just like starting a stick shift car I. 2nd gear instead of first and shifting at way too low rpm. I just wish it could be programmed to stay in S all the time. And yes, this is the only Benz I have ever owned that the E/S switch was something other than decoration.
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Last edited by kevink2; 10-20-2012 at 01:48 PM.
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'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
This is the only thing that would explain why the previous poster (alsyli) is seeing about 500 rpm higher engine speeds when cruising in S, if it is in fact what he is seeing and not just imagining things.
Last edited by Pete7874; 10-20-2012 at 01:54 PM.
#37
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I don't know anything mechanical. =( All I can comment about are my observations. I'll check try to check again, but my distinct recollection is that the RPMs once I reach cruising highway speed is are little less than 2000 in "E" (1900?) and a little more than 2000 in "S" (2500?) ...... And as for point #1, I usually switch over from "E" to "S" when at a full stop.
And as I said before, I would feel confident to shift between S and E when you are cruising with a light load, as I have done for several years with no issues. The book bans this to prevent people from doing it when braking to a corner, or when aggressively driving ... not for fear of busting anything, except yout nose.
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#39
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2012 C250 Coupe
E mode does indeed start the car off in 2nd gear. It also holds higher gears for better fuel economy, but as we are all way to familiar with, really takes a toll on the responsiveness.
S not only starts in first, but also holds lower gears (keeps rpm higher) for increased responsiveness and acceleration albeit at the cost of fuel economy.
It really is a shame that starting in 2010 (or possibly 2011, I could be mistaken) that MB made the car revert to "E" mode upon startup. In my 2009 if I shut my car off in S mode it remained in S mode at next startup. This has something to do with the EPA and fuel economy figures. It really is annoying and I wish MB would allow you to configure it yourself (I have complained in generationbenz and have been told its been forwarded to the engineers, yada yada yada, but no real results).
Needless to say that putting the car into "S" mode is part of my startup routine (seatbelt, etc). The car barely ever gets driven in "E" mode now. Also, I forgot who mentioned it, but you're right in that S mode doesn't shift into 7th gear on the highway until about 65+mph. I am not sure of the exact speed, but as the original poster suggested, if you're driving on the highway and want to see if you're in 6th or 7th gear in "S" mode then switch it into E with the same acceleration. If the RPM's drop you were in 6th and the car up shifted into 7th gear, if they remain the same then you were in 7th.
Some people hate Drive-by-wire electrical throttle sending system that MB has employed. However, there are many instances where I would go to accelerate and have to come to a quick stop and drive by wire saved me from possibly rear-ending another vehicle. You can see this system in action if you quickly tap the accelerator pedal and then let off 100%. You will notice that the rpm's rise (because the car downshifts) but the car doesn't actually lurch forward. If you were in a car that didn't use this system, your car would go lurching forward. The system pretty much tries to prevent inadvertent massive acceleration or mis-presses of the accelerator pedal. Not to mention that many various safety features (like automatic vehicle braking, etc, require the drive by wire system).
To end this long post, the Berger Motorsports tune and intake that I have installed has greatly helped out this delay (not sure which had more of an effect or if they both did as I installed them at the same time). "E" mode now feels almost like the stock "S" mode and "S" mode now feels very much like a truely aggressive sport mode. Additionally, for those who don't want to tune their vehicle, you can also look into SprintBooster. Many owners of the C300/C350 praise the sprintbooster for (nearly) getting rid of the lag.
As far as resetting the adaptive transmission settings, there is conflicting information on this and I have yet to come across official word. However, it is important to note that there may be a difference in the adaptive transmission and the driver profiles. Not only does the adaptive transmission develop driver profiles, but it also uses feedback from sensors in the transmission to (adaptively) alter shifting. Sensors such as various pressures, time it takes to shift, as well as vehicle age. It is possible that the dealership method via star diagnostics can only reset those parameters/functions. This would mean that the TCU accelerator reset method could reset the driver profile? Not sure if it was in my head or not, but the TCU reset method with the accelerator pedal seemed to increase responsiveness of my previous 2009 C300 when I tried it...
S not only starts in first, but also holds lower gears (keeps rpm higher) for increased responsiveness and acceleration albeit at the cost of fuel economy.
It really is a shame that starting in 2010 (or possibly 2011, I could be mistaken) that MB made the car revert to "E" mode upon startup. In my 2009 if I shut my car off in S mode it remained in S mode at next startup. This has something to do with the EPA and fuel economy figures. It really is annoying and I wish MB would allow you to configure it yourself (I have complained in generationbenz and have been told its been forwarded to the engineers, yada yada yada, but no real results).
Needless to say that putting the car into "S" mode is part of my startup routine (seatbelt, etc). The car barely ever gets driven in "E" mode now. Also, I forgot who mentioned it, but you're right in that S mode doesn't shift into 7th gear on the highway until about 65+mph. I am not sure of the exact speed, but as the original poster suggested, if you're driving on the highway and want to see if you're in 6th or 7th gear in "S" mode then switch it into E with the same acceleration. If the RPM's drop you were in 6th and the car up shifted into 7th gear, if they remain the same then you were in 7th.
Some people hate Drive-by-wire electrical throttle sending system that MB has employed. However, there are many instances where I would go to accelerate and have to come to a quick stop and drive by wire saved me from possibly rear-ending another vehicle. You can see this system in action if you quickly tap the accelerator pedal and then let off 100%. You will notice that the rpm's rise (because the car downshifts) but the car doesn't actually lurch forward. If you were in a car that didn't use this system, your car would go lurching forward. The system pretty much tries to prevent inadvertent massive acceleration or mis-presses of the accelerator pedal. Not to mention that many various safety features (like automatic vehicle braking, etc, require the drive by wire system).
To end this long post, the Berger Motorsports tune and intake that I have installed has greatly helped out this delay (not sure which had more of an effect or if they both did as I installed them at the same time). "E" mode now feels almost like the stock "S" mode and "S" mode now feels very much like a truely aggressive sport mode. Additionally, for those who don't want to tune their vehicle, you can also look into SprintBooster. Many owners of the C300/C350 praise the sprintbooster for (nearly) getting rid of the lag.
As far as resetting the adaptive transmission settings, there is conflicting information on this and I have yet to come across official word. However, it is important to note that there may be a difference in the adaptive transmission and the driver profiles. Not only does the adaptive transmission develop driver profiles, but it also uses feedback from sensors in the transmission to (adaptively) alter shifting. Sensors such as various pressures, time it takes to shift, as well as vehicle age. It is possible that the dealership method via star diagnostics can only reset those parameters/functions. This would mean that the TCU accelerator reset method could reset the driver profile? Not sure if it was in my head or not, but the TCU reset method with the accelerator pedal seemed to increase responsiveness of my previous 2009 C300 when I tried it...
#40
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2012 C250 Sport
Needless to say that putting the car into "S" mode is part of my startup routine (seatbelt, etc). The car barely ever gets driven in "E" mode now. Also, I forgot who mentioned it, but you're right in that S mode doesn't shift into 7th gear on the highway until about 65+mph. I am not sure of the exact speed, but as the original poster suggested, if you're driving on the highway and want to see if you're in 6th or 7th gear in "S" mode then switch it into E with the same acceleration. If the RPM's drop you were in 6th and the car up shifted into 7th gear, if they remain the same then you were in 7th.
#41
When S mode is activated - the transmission is always 1 gear lower than on E. If at 60mph it would be on 4th gear on E, on S it would have been 3rd and etc.
If you want to know which gear is engaged, you can switch to M while driving and you will see the gear that is engaged at that moment. By the way, I haven't seen anywhere in the manual that you cannot switch from E to S or M while the car is in motion...
And you cannot start the car on S just like you cannot turn off ECO permanently because of the global warming and the policy to lower the emissions. Actually, you cannot turn ECO off permanently on a Porsche Panamera Turbo S as well. If you want it to be turned off, you need to turn it off every time you start the car.
I find the E mode satisfying for daily driving and it leads to fuel economy.
If you want to know which gear is engaged, you can switch to M while driving and you will see the gear that is engaged at that moment. By the way, I haven't seen anywhere in the manual that you cannot switch from E to S or M while the car is in motion...
And you cannot start the car on S just like you cannot turn off ECO permanently because of the global warming and the policy to lower the emissions. Actually, you cannot turn ECO off permanently on a Porsche Panamera Turbo S as well. If you want it to be turned off, you need to turn it off every time you start the car.
I find the E mode satisfying for daily driving and it leads to fuel economy.
Last edited by dol4er; 10-21-2012 at 08:32 AM.
#42
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I have always thought that for S mode the altered shift points (and shift speed) were due to an alternate shift map (load vs speed vs boost) programed in the TCU.
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#43
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#44
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.... It really is a shame that starting in 2010 (or possibly 2011, I could be mistaken) that MB made the car revert to "E" mode upon startup. In my 2009 if I shut my car off in S mode it remained in S mode at next startup. This has something to do with the EPA and fuel economy figures.
Needless to say that putting the car into "S" mode is part of my startup routine (seatbelt, etc). The car barely ever gets driven in "E" mode now. Also, I forgot who mentioned it, but you're right in that S mode doesn't shift into 7th gear on the highway until about 65+mph.
Some people hate Drive-by-wire electrical throttle sending system that MB has employed. However, there are many instances where I would go to accelerate and have to come to a quick stop and drive by wire saved me from possibly rear-ending another vehicle. You can see this system in action if you quickly tap the accelerator pedal and then let off 100%. You will notice that the rpm's rise (because the car downshifts) but the car doesn't actually lurch forward. If you were in a car that didn't use this system, your car would go lurching forward. The system pretty much tries to prevent inadvertent massive acceleration or mis-presses of the accelerator pedal. Not to mention that many various safety features (like automatic vehicle braking, etc, require the drive by wire system).
To end this long post, the Berger Motorsports tune and intake that I have installed has greatly helped out this delay (not sure which had more of an effect or if they both did as I installed them at the same time). "E" mode now feels almost like the stock "S" mode and "S" mode now feels very much like a truely aggressive sport mode. Additionally, for those who don't want to tune their vehicle, you can also look into SprintBooster. Many owners of the C300/C350 praise the sprintbooster for (nearly) getting rid of the lag.
Some have tried the SprintBooster and found it too agressive. No surprise because they just sell 1 model for all W204's, and the Turbo needs a custom SB tune.
As far as resetting the adaptive transmission settings, there is conflicting information on this and I have yet to come across official word. However, it is important to note that there may be a difference in the adaptive transmission and the driver profiles. Not only does the adaptive transmission develop driver profiles, but it also uses feedback from sensors in the transmission to (adaptively) alter shifting. Sensors such as various pressures, time it takes to shift, as well as vehicle age. It is possible that the dealership method via star diagnostics can only reset those parameters/functions. This would mean that the TCU accelerator reset method could reset the driver profile? Not sure if it was in my head or not, but the TCU reset method with the accelerator pedal seemed to increase responsiveness of my previous 2009 C300 when I tried it...
.
Last edited by kevink2; 10-21-2012 at 04:49 PM.
#45
I know it starts from a stop 1 gear lower in S mode (1st vs 2nd), but I have never heard of this "always" statement. I guess you could put it in manual 6th, like someone said, and see if it really is 1 gear difference.
I have always thought that for S mode the altered shift points (and shift speed) were due to an alternate shift map (load vs speed vs boost) programed in the TCU.
.
I have always thought that for S mode the altered shift points (and shift speed) were due to an alternate shift map (load vs speed vs boost) programed in the TCU.
.
#46
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Remember ~ I have posted previously.
"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."
"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."
#47
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Well, I have noticed that for sure - it is at least 1 gear lower than on E. If you are just cruising on S, you will notice that it will stay on higher revs than on E which means it uses lower gears, sacrificing the economy. Of course, the shift points and the shift speed should be different as well. Although I am not quite sure about the shift speed... has anyone noticed faster shifting on S?
.
#48
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C250, newer = no lag?
Rob Den Hartigh, 10-11-2012
MB C250 Throttle Response
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm in a unique position in that I've had two 2012 MB C250s over the past several months. Also, many of my coworkers drive the same car and we've all complained about the throttle lag that is described in this thread.
Both the C250s that I've had were identically equipped but the throttle response between the two couldn't be more different. The second one doesn't have any lag what so ever and is such a pleasure to drive.
It appears that MB has fixed the issue late in the 2012 model year
from:
c-class-w204-acceleration-problems-C250
.
MB C250 Throttle Response
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm in a unique position in that I've had two 2012 MB C250s over the past several months. Also, many of my coworkers drive the same car and we've all complained about the throttle lag that is described in this thread.
Both the C250s that I've had were identically equipped but the throttle response between the two couldn't be more different. The second one doesn't have any lag what so ever and is such a pleasure to drive.
It appears that MB has fixed the issue late in the 2012 model year
from:
c-class-w204-acceleration-problems-C250
.
#49
Rob Den Hartigh, 10-11-2012
MB C250 Throttle Response
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm in a unique position in that I've had two 2012 MB C250s over the past several months. Also, many of my coworkers drive the same car and we've all complained about the throttle lag that is described in this thread.
Both the C250s that I've had were identically equipped but the throttle response between the two couldn't be more different. The second one doesn't have any lag what so ever and is such a pleasure to drive.
It appears that MB has fixed the issue late in the 2012 model year
from:
c-class-w204-acceleration-problems-C250
.
MB C250 Throttle Response
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm in a unique position in that I've had two 2012 MB C250s over the past several months. Also, many of my coworkers drive the same car and we've all complained about the throttle lag that is described in this thread.
Both the C250s that I've had were identically equipped but the throttle response between the two couldn't be more different. The second one doesn't have any lag what so ever and is such a pleasure to drive.
It appears that MB has fixed the issue late in the 2012 model year
from:
c-class-w204-acceleration-problems-C250
.
#50
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Interesting. Thanks for clarifying this. Since the gearing is still the same, and I'm assuming the trans wouldn't be running for extended periods of time with torque converter locked up, the only way they could accomplish this is by not allowing the trans to shift into 7th gear when in S mode. Another words, when you're in E, you're cruising in 7th, but when you're in S, you're cruising in 6th.
And at 60 mph (just as an example) the trans will be in 7th gear regardless of S or E. It might not be at 40mph.
How many times does this have to be explained???