S mode OR C mode for the Tranny
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
Thanks for the good info..........clarified a couple things I've wondered about and/or noticed. For one, 'fore I read the C63 manual (got a 2009 model), was changing transmission modes in progress, but have stopped doing so in the last couple/few years. Always sounded like nonense, quite frankly, which you've confirmed.
Also, to the issue of saving gas in C or S, in my experience it's more about driving like grandma than anything else. Personally, S mode simply encourages me to drive in more sporty fashion - and I do, gladly. This consumes more fuel.
On the other hand, driving like nanna in S would sometimes have me in 7th gear @ the 47-50 mph range...............normal for C, but inexplicable in S (to me.) Kinda thought about the driver adaptive logic, but now it's been confirmed. It was reading my last 40-50 pedal inputs. Who knew?
Now I have a question.
Does the steering feel lighten up in S mode? Seems that way when I whip it around corners or tight S-turns, and I've even asked a couple people; no luck finding out for sure yet. Of course, in C it seems to feel more sturdy and requires a bit more effort. Nothing tremendously different but noticeable.
So, am I feeling something nonexistant or does the vehicle similiarly adjust steering feel to match selected drive mode?
Any info you can provide or link or title to another thread is much appreciated.
Thanks.
Also, to the issue of saving gas in C or S, in my experience it's more about driving like grandma than anything else. Personally, S mode simply encourages me to drive in more sporty fashion - and I do, gladly. This consumes more fuel.
On the other hand, driving like nanna in S would sometimes have me in 7th gear @ the 47-50 mph range...............normal for C, but inexplicable in S (to me.) Kinda thought about the driver adaptive logic, but now it's been confirmed. It was reading my last 40-50 pedal inputs. Who knew?
Now I have a question.
Does the steering feel lighten up in S mode? Seems that way when I whip it around corners or tight S-turns, and I've even asked a couple people; no luck finding out for sure yet. Of course, in C it seems to feel more sturdy and requires a bit more effort. Nothing tremendously different but noticeable.
So, am I feeling something nonexistant or does the vehicle similiarly adjust steering feel to match selected drive mode?
Any info you can provide or link or title to another thread is much appreciated.
Thanks.As for the steering feel, I don't really notice a difference in my car to be honest. I don't think there is any adding steering weight or feel in S on the W211 E-Class, might there be on the 09 C63? Possibly. Same year they started doing blip on downshift with Speedshift+ and such so it's possible they did since, at least the E550, has variable ratio steering according to the specs, but as I understand it that is speed based, not mode based. My suggestion is look up the original brochure for the 2009 C63 and see if that's an advertised feature.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
Last edited by AMGAffalterbach; May 29, 2014 at 02:07 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: United States
2009 C63
You have to remember that I have the 5G-Tronic so with less gears it definitely feels different, but I agree driving style is the largest factor. Interesting you bring up the DAL feature on these transmissions, since I always drive my car hard doing a reset doesn't seem to make a huge difference, however the harshness of the shifts is something I notice a little bit when I do.
As for the steering feel, I don't really notice a difference in my car to be honest. I don't think there is any adding steering weight or feel in S on the W211 E-Class, might there be on the 09 C63? Possibly. Same year they started doing blip on downshift with Speedshift+ and such so it's possible they did since, at least the E550, has variable ratio steering according to the specs, but as I understand it that is speed based, not mode based. My suggestion is look up the original brochure for the 2009 C63 and see if that's an advertised feature.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
As for the steering feel, I don't really notice a difference in my car to be honest. I don't think there is any adding steering weight or feel in S on the W211 E-Class, might there be on the 09 C63? Possibly. Same year they started doing blip on downshift with Speedshift+ and such so it's possible they did since, at least the E550, has variable ratio steering according to the specs, but as I understand it that is speed based, not mode based. My suggestion is look up the original brochure for the 2009 C63 and see if that's an advertised feature.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
In fact, might have to try your driving style..........leave it S, drive how I drive, and observe the overall effect closely.
Take it easy, AMGAffalterbach. 'Preciate you sharing the knowledge.
