Picked up my E350 a couple of months ago and still confused about when to apply "C" or "S" for the shift program for the 7-speed transmission. Per instructions in manual, I applied "C" for first 1k miles. Page 187 of manual has a brief discussion of Shift Program, but not much about applying it for specific driving conditions (Other than "C" for icy roads). About half of my "around town driving" is on hills with up to 7% grades, frequent stop signs, never any ice.--

So-- just leave it in "C"? Use "S" for open road?

I'd appreciate your insights--

Thanks!

 

C, As I understand it, "C" actually starts the car in 2nd gear. Since there will be a little more "strain" to get the car rolling, there will be less likelihood of spinning the wheels, and less of a "neck snapping" start.

S, will start the car in 1st, a more "torquey" gear, which will make the starting roll less of an effort for the engine. Supposedly wheel spin is more likely, but so is a more rapid acceleration.

I suppose that the program the engineers have written for both the C & the S positions moves some shift points and looks for different RPMs, etc. The fact is 1st & 2nd gears are really close, and in MY day to day driving other than which gear the car starts in, I feel no difference. So to me its "Do I want to drive a 7 speed or a 6 speed?"

 

Use S as it gives the 1st gear start unless you are driving in slippery conditions when 2nd gear starts are preferred to minimize wheel slippage. S is actually the normal position for most driving.

 

My car is in "S" mode 99.9% of the time.

 

"C" also shifts at lower RPMs, thereby conserving fuel. If you do a lot of in city (vs highway) driving, "C" is the more fuel efficient, and less "neck snapping", mode.

I keep my w211 on "C" 95% of the time.

 

I believe at one time it was called W and S, Winter and Summer. Winter (now C), cause you will spin in snow without it.

I keep mine in S always although one time I was reversing up a huge incline and my wheel spun on rocks, changed it to W and it must have started in the 2nd reverse gear cause it climbed without a problem.

 

my E350 come with C/S/M
C, which stands for comfort,
S stands for sports,
M stands for manuel

the difference between C and S just as Miguk_Saram mentioned above, the C will shifts at lower RPM, period.

mine is in S all the time

 

Odd, you actually have a (M)anual button? I have to push my stick over to the right for about 1 sec to engage the manual mode..

 

Yes. I did have the C/S/M buttons. :p I am not sure it is because my car come with sport package or it is new for the all 7-G-Tronic. However, I can only change the gears using the D-/D+ or from the steering wheel gearshift buttons (this one come with sport package) if I apply "M". I also found on the manual said if using the "M", I will no longer have the kickdown funtion.

I gonna go back home tonight and quote the wording from the manual and post here again.

Best Regards,