New used MB, so a few questions.

[harrisis]

Hello Folks,

A few months ago I bought an 03 plate C220CDi SE Coupe. So I've now got a few questions, if anyone can help I'd appreciate it. Thx

1) I see references to W202, W203, etc. I guess these are MB model/revision numbers? So what mine?

2) Its the first auto I've ever owned and whilst its fine, I do notice that pulling away in first is bizarrely bad, then suddenly 'yahoo' and off it goes. I guess this is something related to not being able to increase revs then pop the clutch like I did in a manual?

3) Traction control and ESP. Again first car with any 'driver aids', and have already felt them do their thing. Which I've noticed can feel quite agressive!!
I realise I can switch off ESP, but what change does that make to how it behaves?

A few other questions, but wont flood the place with them in one go

TIA
Ian

 

[Blobcat]

Yours is a W203 I believe it is the first 3 numbers from your VIN.
Are you in C or S on the gearbox?
Switching ESP off will stop the traction control coming on although it doesn't fully disable it. I would look at your tyres and driving style if your getting the yellow idiot light flashing away at you a lot.

 

[David Nock]

Hi Ian. Welcome.

The 1st digits of the VIN No. visible under your tax disc gives you the model ref.

Have you got the auto in 'C' or 'S'. I find 'S' is much more responsive but others like the more relaxed mode 'C'. Also some boxes 'auto-learn' to suit your driving style, this may take some time before you feel really at home.

Traction and ESP, in my humble opinion should never be turned off because you don't know what's round the corner. The ESP saved my old C Class from joining other cars in the ditch outside a petrol station one year. I avoided them, they all smashed up on a big fuel spill on a bad bit of road.

 

[jberks]

ditto on the esp - it only comes in if needed and on a turbo car, its absence can be hairy to say the least.
Aside from the "idiot light" or as I call it, the "stop driving like an arse - warning light" stopping us shredding the rear tyres - i had it flash at me on one occasion whilst I was driving on a straight road at 60 in heavy rain. I had that scary sensation that I wasn't quite running straight and the back end suddenly feeling light and before I could react, the light was flashing and the car straightened up. Brilliant invention.

Pick up an an auto turbo diesel is softer than a manual as you say, because you don't have the opportunity to pick up the revs and spin up the turbo before attaching the drive. You soon get used to it and can easily learn to time your throttle movement earlier to compensate.

 

[harrisis]

Yours is a W203 I believe it is the first 3 numbers from your VIN.
Are you in C or S on the gearbox?
Switching ESP off will stop the traction control coming on although it doesn't fully disable it. I would look at your tyres and driving style if your getting the yellow idiot light flashing away at you a lot.

I have 'W' and 'S' on my gearbox. The dealer advised the 'W' meant something german for comfort??? However the handbook described it as 'W' for winter. I've tried both and the slow get away followed a few moments later by all the power is more pronounced in W. So I drive in S.

I suspect its me attempting to over come that lag thats causing the traction control to jump in. But equally will check the rear tyres!

Thanks All.

 

[dougjoy]

The W (winter) takes away in second gear to increase your traction. It also would limit your initial acceleration. Most use the S summer for all bar severe weather, snow etc.

As said before the gearbox learns your style of driving over a period of time. You won't notice the changes until you realise how well the car drives. Then it is truly yours.

Enjoy the car, we all know you will.