Drive in W or S?

[tim091]

New to MB and assumed that the S transmission mode on my CL500 is Sport mode (change up points delayed). So I was wondering what the W stands for, and assumed that it was the "non-sports" mode so therefore a bit better MPG and for everyday use.

Now I have found out that W is "Winter" mode and S is "Standard" mode"!

Any thoughts on what is the most economical for daily use (as the description of Standard is a little like my idea of a Sport mode).

 

[brandwooddixon]

S will use all gears and hold on to them longer.
W will start off in 2nd and change up sooner.

Saying that the CL gearboxes adapt to your driving style, so if you're heavy footed then they will hang onto gears longer.

There's not really anything in it when it comes to economy other than how hard you plant your right foot.

 

[ccrcom]

S= Summer
W= Winter

MPG seems to be pretty similar in both modes, in my experience..

Luke

 

[Naraic]

S= standard (not just summer...any season that's not slippy)
W= Winter...but really for starting off in slippery conditions.

Leave it in S.

 

[whitenemesis]

Don't forget the car wont roll backwards on steep hills if you select W

And reverse gear is higher in W to aid manoeuvring (apparently)

 

[SL63 Mark]

My SL has S (Sport), C (Comfort) and M (Manual) mode. MB advise the car is left in S (Sport) !

 

[Naraic]

My SL has S (Sport), C (Comfort) and M (Manual) mode. MB advise the car is left in S (Sport) !

Yes for the same reason it's left in S on other models...it starts in 2nd in C.

 

[Kylinski]

Don't forget the car wont roll backwards on steep hills if you select W

And reverse gear is higher in W to aid manoeuvring (apparently)

I thought if your auto box was healthy it shouldnt roll back on any hill???

 

[tim091]

Excellent info - thanks, I will leave it in S until the snow arrives!

That should be interesting: my Jag XK8 (4.0 litre, automatic, rear wheel drive) was virtually undrivable in snow. With trac control on it would switch power off to the wheels constantly, with it off you lost the back end at the slightest touch of the accelerator! I wonder what this 5 litre beast is going to be like!

 

[Naraic]

I thought if your auto box was healthy it shouldnt roll back on any hill???

No. Mine doesn't roll back in W or S...but most will roll back in S. W employs a sprag clutch which prevents roll back.

I can sit on a hill and move forward, stop, forward, stop...by flicking between W and S.

 

[whitenemesis]

Excellent info - thanks, I will leave it in S until the snow arrives!

That should be interesting: my Jag XK8 (4.0 litre, automatic, rear wheel drive) was virtually undrivable in snow. With trac control on it would switch power off to the wheels constantly, with it off you lost the back end at the slightest touch of the accelerator! I wonder what this 5 litre beast is going to be like!

It'll cut power as well. Unless you switch off ESP. Once moving switch it back on or you will visit the nearest ditch very quickly!!

 

[Spannaz]

have to say W should be for 'wait for the snow to melt as it's pointless otherwise' rather than winter.
Even on a slight bit of wet grass, mine got stuck, didn't matter what i did, it would not budge. Had to be towed off the grass.
So, if the white stuff falls................the car stays put!

 

[JEZ.S320L]

No. Mine doesn't roll back in W or S...but most will roll back in S. W employs a sprag clutch which prevents roll back.

I can sit on a hill and move forward, stop, forward, stop...by flicking between W and S.

This is all rather strange.

My cars (all automatic) live in an underground garage, the exit being a rather steep concrete slope, which I have to wait on whilst the garage doors open.

The S-Class does not roll back on either W or S settings. Neither does the Navigator, nor does the ML (which I sold to a friend, but I still get to drive ). My wife's Freelander doesn't roll back either.

Discuss.

 

[Blobcat]

have to say W should be for 'wait for the snow to melt as it's pointless otherwise' rather than winter.
Even on a slight bit of wet grass, mine got stuck, didn't matter what i did, it would not budge. Had to be towed off the grass.
So, if the white stuff falls................the car stays put!

Put some winter tyres on and see the difference

 

[Spannaz]

Put some winter tyres on and see the difference

use Tesco home delivery network instead !

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Ice on the roads = W, all other times = S

 

[kth286]

if it is switched to W (or E in my 1995 car) you need to also drive in a relaxed manner
to compliment the lower gearchanges - then it will be more economical.

Trouble is people drive in the same way whether it is in Standard or Winter/Economy,
hence NIL difference in economy.

Be assured, driving in a relaxed manner will still enable you to generally keep up with traffic,
it's just your style of driving that will be different - you will feel more relaxed/fresher.

 

[tim091]

Apologies for going off topic but I see you are in Reading David. Can you recommend a indie specialist in the area? I would have PM'd you but I can't see a way of doing that.

 

[Ricardo_e220]

Mine is c or s..it stays in c cos otherwise the gearbox is all over the place changing unnecessarily. Change to s for a razz up some country roads and its still poor

Maybe the 7 speed box is better.

 

[EmilysDad]

Mine is c or s.. .....

Likewise ...... no difference between the two that I can find Both definitely start off in 1st