stratman1954

I like the higher shift points and would just like to leave it in sport mode all the time. Is there a way to do this?

irod

+1... wondering this myself. So annoying to have to hit the C/S button every single time I get in the car.

stratman1954

These cars aren't exactly what you would call quick so the sport mode seems to help acceleration, or at least give the impression it does.

irod

Yup. There doesn't seem to be a way to keep it there. The manual says it's not possible.

mac911

I agree that Sport mode is the preferred daily driving mode. It's not like other manufacturers where it holds shifts so long, it hurts fuel badly, etc.

Sport on a Mercedes should really be called "normal." ha.

Up until 2009, it did remain at the setting you select, it didn't default back to C.

When I was going to get a 2010+ car, I asked around. Dealerships said it cannot be changed. I had one independent tell me who has the STAR that he could change it to stay in the mode you prefer, but since I never got a 2010+ car, I don't know if it was really possible or not, though the independent seemed confident.

I have also written MBUSA about this default to C mode, and I encourage others to do so as well, so they know we do not like this. It would be as if we had to reset our radio, A/c settings seat position, etc. EVERY time we got into the car. No need for this.

Their explanation is it saves some minuscule amount of fuel if you add up all the Mercedes around the world.

xaran

Most of the newer cars will not allow you to change the default mode from what the factory used to achieve its EPA rating

SoCal208

I can not say much about C class 2012, but with my 2008C350, I leave it is SPORT (S) all the time. It's my prefer driving mode. May be on the newer year, C is the default.

Rodpwnz

^ Same with my 2009 C300. I remember reading about the newer cars reverting back to comfort mode.

stratman1954

Actually on the 2012 C 300 it is "S" and "E" (economy) not "S" and "C"

Glyn M Ruck

Cars with E & S mode always default to E at restart. Cars with C & S stay with mode selected. That's how the cars were homologated for EPA requirements.

Cosinav

On top of the restarting in E mode and having to set it to S mode every time I start the car, the other annoying thing is having to switch off the Eco start/stop as well.

spyked

I don't personally mind pressing the E/S button. I simply hope MB designed and tested the button for millions of press cycles.