My 1999 E300TD has a w/s switch. I read in the owners manual that the winter selection starts the transmission in second gear. One thing I have noticed is when I have it in summer mode it seems to shift harder, whereas when its in winter mode it shifts smoother. Is this normal? Also which mode gets better fuel economy? And which mode is "harder" on the transmission. Thanks.

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2006 E320CDI- current dd
1999 E300TD - retired
Wilmington, NC USA

W is 2nd gear start and lower rpm shift points to reduce torque in rain/mud/snow.

Some use W all the time; most of us use S. Either is acceptable; is personal preferance based on driving style.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

It may shift a little firmer in Summer mode because there is 100% traction available, in the winter a smoother shift would prevent traction loss. I'd say the (harder) summer mode is better for the trans as there is less slipping going on.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Just put it in S and forget about it.

IMHO W mode sucks the car is a dog.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200