2 Questions about my (new to me) 2011 c300 4matic

Feb 13, 2014 | 03:08 PM

MBChick99

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2011 C300 4matic

2 Questions about my (new to me) 2011 c300 4matic

Hey all!
i'm new to this forum, my name is Stephanee and i just purchased (almost a week ago) a 2011 c300. It was a trade-in and it was SO NICE to know that the dumb-dumbs that traded it in did NOT leave the book/manual in the car! Seriously, who doesn't leave that in the car? So now i'm on here w/ a few questions since i don't have a book to go by.

Question #1) How do you adjust your rearview mirror? i can not for the life of me get it to move, it's def. stationary and i'm scared if i try too hard, it's goin to break off! lol

Question #2) When doing 'daily driving' should i leave the ESC 'disabled'?
The c300 i owned before this was a regular car..not 4matic, so i'm guessing that the ESC button in the dash screen stands for when the 4-matic is in service? I wouldnt think you would need this on during regular driving conditions.

If anyone else has anything new to add besides these things when switching from a 2010 to a 2011, would be helpful!

thanks!

Feb 13, 2014 | 03:17 PM

Sportstick

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From: Southwest USA

Another round of ICE

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBChick99

Mirror is stiff....push harder....it should not break.

Do not disable ESC for daily driving. ESC is helpful in maintaining directional stability in quickly occurring unexpected events, such as a bit of black ice, or a deeper puddle of water than expected, or an emergency manuever which could cause a spin.

Also, leave the climate control in AUTO....just set the temp dial to your preference. Other than the rare MAX COOL or MAX DEFROST, always leave it in AUTO. It keeps itself cleaner and drier in the ducts, reducing the chance of developing moldy smells.

Feb 13, 2014 | 03:33 PM

MBChick99

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2011 C300 4matic

Okay...i'll try a lil harder on the mirror.

About the ESC, if i DO take it off, should i have it in "Park" mode or do i just change it while driving? I would think having it in park, just as you would when you change it from E to S, would be the same w/ the ESC.
But as far as a dry-non-wet surface, could i take ESC off?
This is probably goin to sound cheesy, but i'm not scared to ask..lol..will my car get better gas mileage w/out it on ..since it's pulling all tires instead of just being rearwheel drive?
i've just never had a 4matic so i'm trying to figure out all the quirks to it!

thanks for your help!

Feb 13, 2014 | 03:42 PM

Sportstick

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From: Southwest USA

Another round of ICE

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBChick99

I fear there is a misunderstanding of ESC, and I don't understand the desire to defeat it. ESC and 4MATIC are completely different systems. You should not turn ESC off and it has no effect on anything (including fuel economy) until the split second it is needed, and then it activates just for a quick moment. It then assesses the incipient skid direction of the car and momentarily brakes the individual correct wheel to return the car to a straight line as best it can. I used wet as an example....a sudden swerve by the car next to you on a dry day, which forces you to do the same can result in you spinning out....or not....depending on ESC's ability to help keep your car straight. Leave it on.

As far as fuel economy goes, weight is the greatest problem here. You are carrying around an extra 100 or so pounds with 4MATIC. If a wheel starts to spin on a low traction surface, the car will transfer torque to another wheel when needed to gain traction. There is nothing else for you to do about 4MATIC. Again, it's designed to just drive it as it is.

Your can gain more fuel economy than from any of these issues by accelerating gently.

Feb 13, 2014 | 03:47 PM

MBChick99

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2011 C300 4matic

Ahhh...wow.. i feel really dumb right now! okay..so NOW I'm getting it ( the lil light went off at the top of my head. lol) I believe on my other c300, that button was in the middle of the console towards the top by the vents! See, that's why i joined on here to talk to people like you that can help me! i'm totally gettin it now. Thanks for the answers. I just didnt realize what all these lil extra things do.