What is C and S in an E200k ?

[ohn202]

I finally bought an E200k (4 months old). It looks and feels new!
I'm getting used to all the electronics in this car ...as my previous car was a 200E model 124.
I used to have the S and selection in the 200E; I think E stands for "Economy" and S for "Sport".
S enables you to drag to a higher RPM before the auto changes to the next gear.

In the E200K, does C (Comfort) and S (Sport) mean the same is Economical and Sport ? The car came with the default setting of S. By choosing "C", would it mean better fuel economy ? Reading thru' the manual, it does not appear to be.

Any advice from the other owners would be much appreciated.

 

[jberks]

Mine stays in S. The only time I use C is in very slippery conditions where the torque slip reduced the chance of spinning the wheels. However, I would imagine it also means that more energy is lost and hence lower fuel economy. It will change early enough in S anyway, once it learns your style and when it's reluctant I just give it a nudge with the tip shift.

 

[Rory]

C means it will start in 2nd gear. The problem with this is that it makes the car slow to get going out of junctions and on to roundabouts etc. However if you boot it then it will downshift to 1st but it does it quite harshly.

I reckon on cross-country A roads, where you're driving gently in streams of traffic, then it probably is a little more economical in C. However the car seems altogether more driveable in S.

 

[Blobcat]

C means it will start in 2nd gear. The problem with this is that it makes the car slow to get going out of junctions and on to roundabouts etc. However if you boot it then it will downshift to 1st but it does it quite harshly.

I think that engine size will make a difference, I must admit I can never tell the difference between W & S in mine. On a 200K you may notice starting in 2nd more.

 

[television]

There is going to be a difference on deisel and petrol, purely on the ground of where the torque band comes in, with diesel, there should be less difference than with petrol as they develop the max torque very much lower down than petrol and a second gear start should not make that much difference on a deisel.

Malcolm

 

[Rory]

I generally drive extremely gently and on my C270CDi it makes a very noticeable difference - it really is ponderous to pick up its skirts from rest in C.
Some diesel auto's are horrendous from rest anyway (Mondeo and Volvo XC90 spring to mind) but mine is fine in S mode.

 

[ohn202]

OK, sounds like I should maintain "S".
Thanks.

 

[Rory]

OK, sounds like I should maintain "S".
Thanks.

Try both and use whichever suits you and the circumstances.