Question to E320 & E430 Owners
 

I have a 1998 E320. The trans has two settings. W & S. The manual states "S" setting is for summer driving , "W" the other for winter . The winter setting starts out in second gear, which seems a little smoother to me on daily driving. Is there any harm done to use thi "W" setting all year. Or should I use the "S" setting for regular daily driving. The car performs great in both settings, however the short shift from 1st to 2nd is too quick and seems to be shifting alot when just local driving, stop/start, etc. Opinions would be appreciated, Thanks.

I don't see any harm to keep it in "W". It helps in the snow so you don't easily spin the wheels. I used to own a 1974 230 and that car, unless you shifted to 1st, it always started in 2nd.;)

My 95 E320 also starts in 2nd. Better fuel economy, and it will automatically start in 1st if you floor it. It should be fine, although I'm not sure about your newer Benz. One caution, though--my Volvo also has these "modes", and in the manual it advises against using winter mode unless in snow or wear on the transmission will result.

Huh. Would that also be the case for the '95 E-320 sedan? Mine feels like it starts in first gear though.

Stefano,

I'm pretty sure your car starts out in second also. I know my 1990 300E does. To make it start in first, when you get to a stoplight pull the selector down to second, then back up to Drive you car will then take off in first but at the next light you will be back to starting in second.

Every US spec '94 - '95 E320 I have driven start off in 1st gear. Its a tall first as it goes up to 41mph, but it is first. That's strange to start off in second gear in a 24-valver.

RE: 1st / 2nd Gear???
 

I think mine is a Euro spec, and it has a 5-speed auto tranny. Does this make the difference?

Up here in Denver the lack of air makes cars a little doggy from the start. I only use the W mode in the winter.