Any TRUTH to these "Myths"?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Any TRUTH to these "Myths"?
I've read from this forum and heard from somewhere else that starting in comfort mode on a c55 with that much torque in second gear is bad for the engine?
I've also heard that comfort mode is suppose to save gas even if you are driving relatively passive, however after been driving manual cars before the c55 I always was under the impression that starting in second gear uses more gas than starting in first?
Sorry if this is a repeat post but I've searched these topics but there hasn't really been any conclusive answer. Thanks.
I've also heard that comfort mode is suppose to save gas even if you are driving relatively passive, however after been driving manual cars before the c55 I always was under the impression that starting in second gear uses more gas than starting in first?
Sorry if this is a repeat post but I've searched these topics but there hasn't really been any conclusive answer. Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Starting in second does not cause any measurable engine wear.
Engines that produce high torque numbers low in the rev range may save gas starting in 2nd gear provided the vehicle is on flat terrain. If you were to drive in the city of SF, starting in 2nd gear would waste a lot of gas.
Engines that produce high torque numbers low in the rev range may save gas starting in 2nd gear provided the vehicle is on flat terrain. If you were to drive in the city of SF, starting in 2nd gear would waste a lot of gas.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: HK
C32
Starting in second does not cause any measurable engine wear.
Engines that produce high torque numbers low in the rev range may save gas starting in 2nd gear provided the vehicle is on flat terrain. If you were to drive in the city of SF, starting in 2nd gear would waste a lot of gas.
Engines that produce high torque numbers low in the rev range may save gas starting in 2nd gear provided the vehicle is on flat terrain. If you were to drive in the city of SF, starting in 2nd gear would waste a lot of gas.
I always use comfort mode when I am with my family. The car runs good. When I am by myself, I switch to normal sometimes. The car is perfectly alright under the 2 modes.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: 858
2005 Brabus C55
is the engine or the tranny at risk here? ... both?
I've read from this forum and heard from somewhere else that starting in comfort mode on a c55 with that much torque in second gear is bad for the engine?
I've also heard that comfort mode is suppose to save gas even if you are driving relatively passive, however after been driving manual cars before the c55 I always was under the impression that starting in second gear uses more gas than starting in first?
Sorry if this is a repeat post but I've searched these topics but there hasn't really been any conclusive answer. Thanks.
I've also heard that comfort mode is suppose to save gas even if you are driving relatively passive, however after been driving manual cars before the c55 I always was under the impression that starting in second gear uses more gas than starting in first?
Sorry if this is a repeat post but I've searched these topics but there hasn't really been any conclusive answer. Thanks.
without comparing torque curves, gear ratios & vehicle weight ... could 2nd gear start on a c230 work? ... possibly not?
If you had a car w/ a higher weight-to-power ratio & an automatic, second gear start may not work or make sense ... you might spend alot more time using the torque conveter before you finally got up to speed & locked up the clutches. (more fuel consumption & heat in the transmission/cooling system could result)
I'm pretty sure MBZ wouldn't knowingly risk higher warranty costs (especially for the engine & transmission-kinda pricey) to add a little known 2nd gear start feature on a "limited" production car.
This feature was NOT why I bought this car. Fuel economy isn't either. A performance sedan w/ less than 10lb/HP is why
My loaner c230 got nearly 10mpg better MPG's in mixed traffic ... I'm keeping the C55.
Still... car manufacturers have made bad decision before & will again, but this claim doesn't concern me.
Trending Topics
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
only in the big'ol Tex you can save gas starting from 2nd.
...but I made a break through...I actually got 27mpg on the freeway cruising at 70mph...and then I stump on the gas and made it normal back to 22-23. LOL
...but I made a break through...I actually got 27mpg on the freeway cruising at 70mph...and then I stump on the gas and made it normal back to 22-23. LOL
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
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
From: In a box
W211 E55
The load placed on the engine from a second-gear start is substantially greater than a first-gear start.
With that said, unless the engine is ice-cold, you wouldn't be causing any damage or accelerated wear.
With that said, unless the engine is ice-cold, you wouldn't be causing any damage or accelerated wear.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: 858
2005 Brabus C55
I thought all C230 were 4 cyl ... I should have said 4 cyl instead.
Again regardles of engine size, you still have to determine if there's enough tractive effort for a 2 gear start ... it still maybe possible w/ a 4 cyl, but probably alot easier & less stressful w/ a V8
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Florida, Tampa
1993 190E 2.6
I drive a 93 (Last year made) 190E 2.6. Wich starts in first gear.
But, all other years for this car start in 2nd gear. Unless you do the first gear trick every time you stop. I know my car weighs almost 4,000lbs and has ~150 hp. The 4cyl has only ~120hp and weighs just over 3,000lbs.
So the 4cyl has a 30lbs/hp ratio and starts in 2nd. I think your guy's cars are safe with about 14 yrs more of technology, more then twice the hp, and a warrenty lol.
You can check with MTI or kyniption to very that info. They probably know better then I.
But, all other years for this car start in 2nd gear. Unless you do the first gear trick every time you stop. I know my car weighs almost 4,000lbs and has ~150 hp. The 4cyl has only ~120hp and weighs just over 3,000lbs.
So the 4cyl has a 30lbs/hp ratio and starts in 2nd. I think your guy's cars are safe with about 14 yrs more of technology, more then twice the hp, and a warrenty lol.
You can check with MTI or kyniption to very that info. They probably know better then I.
