C or S Automatic Program.

[assad]

Hi wonder if anyone can help, just bought a CLS 320.
The C and S programme mode for Automatics.
I always thought that S stood for Sport and C for Comfort.
When put into practice C for everyday driving and S for showing off and leaving someone standing at the lights.
But after reading the manual it says S is Sports mode but to use for everyday driving and use C mode for when the road is slippery, C has better traction and gives the car more stability.
So my question is:
Which one has better fuel economy Sport or Comfort.
And is there anyone out there who actually drives in Sports mode constantly or like me always drives in Comfort mode and uses Sport mode for just overtaking.

Regards Assad.

 

[antonella]

Hi there,
I too have just bought a CLS and like you thought the same, C for normal driving and S for sportier driving. I'm sure the mpg would be better in C, but as I have only had the car for two weeks I can't be 100% - anyone else know?

Antonella

 

[Micman]

Hi

I have a C180K auto, I drive in S mode for everyday use and only use C mode when the roads are wet, raining, snow etc.

C mode pulls away in a higher gear to avoid wheelspin etc on slippery surfaces/wet weather.

I drove in C mode when I first got the car but found it a bit sluggish in the dry when trying to pull away quickly at roundabouts or junctions etc. (just as it is if you where driving a manual and always pulled away in 2nd not 1st gear)

I don't find the fuel consumption any worse in S mode, if anything it's actually better than C mode as I'm not so heavy on the accelerator to try and pull away etc.

Note that the manual recommends you should only swop between C and S mode when the car is in neutral or park. Not while you are driving.

 

[tom7035]

On the earlier MB's like my own, 'S' is 'Standard', not 'Sport' and your 'C' or 'Comfort' is my 'E' or 'Economy'. Merc seem to change this like one changes socks but the functions are the same.

 

[jberks]

Economy should be better is S as there is more torque slip and therefore wasted energy in C. I have used C twice, both occasions on snow.

 

[M6AJJ]

I use S as the day to day setting and actually get a fraction better MPG, also it is much better for acceleration from standstill.

C is for Ice and Snow as it starts off in the equivalent to second.

 

[assad]

C or S Program

I have tried both settings now using a full tank of fuel for each setting.
Fuel is slightly better in S mode only slightly better.
Car seems to be a bit more lively in S.
It is true in C it starts of in 2nd gear for better traction.
But I have found the new 7 speed box seems to be a bit clunky especialy when you select drive.
Regards
Assad

 

[matrix]

I am having E and S (Economy and Standard). Usually I drive in E mode becasue of bigger mpg. One cant do a kickdown (from 4 to 3) if overspeed 32-35mph in E mode. S helps then....

 

[blassberg]

My handbook says S
My head thinks C is smoother and more fuel efficient
My head thinks S for sporty (= most of the time admittedly)
I use S