What's your transmission set to on daily driving?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
I usually drive on S, but when I am trying to get decent fuel economy, I drive in S around town and C on the highway. I find that C mode burns more fuel around town since it starts in 2nd gear from a stop.
Anyone know why C mode gets better fuel economy on the highway? Not having my owner's manual in front of me, I'm guessing it changes the parameters under which the torque convertor locks up.
Anyone know why C mode gets better fuel economy on the highway? Not having my owner's manual in front of me, I'm guessing it changes the parameters under which the torque convertor locks up.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 333
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From: Berkeley, California
2005 E55, Renntech Pulley, ECU
S and Comfort (suspension) and normal (low) height. Interesting that nobody commented that they drive with the suspension raised. I'm guessing none of us drive set that way day in and day out, which is odd since it gives better weight transfer and launch from a stop. I guess I like it lower b/c of looks, though I'd never have it lowered due to complications (theoretic or real), like alignment, clearance and warranty...
As transmission setting, I occasionally put it in C just to enjoy the torque, laugh at how powerful the car is at low RPM, and feel the love of the easy power these things put out.
I fear that a bunch of second gear starts puts more wear on the transmission than first gear starts. Am I wrong?
Skeeter
2005 E55, Renntech pulley and ECM
As transmission setting, I occasionally put it in C just to enjoy the torque, laugh at how powerful the car is at low RPM, and feel the love of the easy power these things put out.
I fear that a bunch of second gear starts puts more wear on the transmission than first gear starts. Am I wrong?
Skeeter
2005 E55, Renntech pulley and ECM
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From: Seattle
05 E55
Always S for Transmission.
Lately I've been toggling the suspension a few times during a trip:
Sport 2 Suspension for most driving because it is the lowest height setting.
C Suspension on bumpy roads or straight highway driving.
I don't recall ever needing Sport 1. It's either one or the other for me.
Lately I've been toggling the suspension a few times during a trip:
Sport 2 Suspension for most driving because it is the lowest height setting.
C Suspension on bumpy roads or straight highway driving.
I don't recall ever needing Sport 1. It's either one or the other for me.
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From: Seattle
05 E55
Theoretically from a mechanical standpoint, I've ready Yes it puts more stress on the tranny. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
That is correct as the "taller" 2nd gear ratio will impose additional stresses on the engine and torque convertor during acceleration. Not to say that the engineers didn't take these into account when designing the drivetrain, but they could have an impact over a period of time. Not something I would worry about too much though.
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211-55
I drive in S and Sport 2. I don't think C helps any with fuel consumption on the highway unless you're an aggressive driver. My shift points are the same in C and S, except if I'm punching it everywhere then S takes it near redline before a shift.
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
Anyone who drives in C during summer time (other than one w/ E63 that wants to show off the growl 
)... care to tell me why?
You have an AMG... why not enjoy the power? If you concern w/ fuel economy, why not get E350?
For cruising & "relaxing", I use S.... for little spirited driving, I use M.
Since there is no snow here, I haven't even tried C.
)... care to tell me why?You have an AMG... why not enjoy the power? If you concern w/ fuel economy, why not get E350?
For cruising & "relaxing", I use S.... for little spirited driving, I use M.
Since there is no snow here, I haven't even tried C.
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
I always put in C C but dont feel much different between C or S, whats the real difference ? the C shift faster and S just shift at red line ? I always thought that was for engine..... S gives more power as sport and C for comfort so not using the 469hp....didnt know was for transmmission,
So which one is better MPG ?
So which one is better MPG ?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: So Cal
2018 E63S Wagon
This question C or S has me confused now...I understand the setting names, but WHAT exactly do they do?
I was under the assumption that Comfort was a lazier shift pattern and "S" was more aggressive.
Is it being said now that the modes affect engine TUNING as well?
I was under the assumption that Comfort was a lazier shift pattern and "S" was more aggressive.
Is it being said now that the modes affect engine TUNING as well?
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From: San Diego
2004 E55
Normally I don't terrorize traffic either, but C is still good enough to tear *** up a highway on-ramp.
As far as the suspension goes... It's not like the car handles good anyways, so might as well be comfortable.
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211-55
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2006 E55 AMG
I usually have the trans in S and when on the highway i'll put it in C.. If I feel like having some fun i'll turn ESP off and use M 
now with that said how the hell do you change the suspension? haha.. all i know is the trans modes.. Sorry still new to the E55..
now with that said how the hell do you change the suspension? haha.. all i know is the trans modes.. Sorry still new to the E55..
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From: D.C. METRO AREA
Nissan GT-R cobb/midpipe/ic piping/wastegate actuators/tials
C skips first gear and starts the car off straight in 2nd gear.
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From: San Jose, CA
2007 E63 w/P30 and Eurotech CF Diffuser
C and Comfort (although comfort is a lot stiffer with P30). If I want to get sporty quick I just grab the paddles.
As for ride height.
For speeds exceeding 68MPH, the E63 automatically lowers 10mm in C and 15mm in S1 and S2.
Also, when exceeding 68MPH, the raised setting is cancelled.
As for ride height.
For speeds exceeding 68MPH, the E63 automatically lowers 10mm in C and 15mm in S1 and S2.
Also, when exceeding 68MPH, the raised setting is cancelled.
