As we had some winter weather recently, I switched to "W" mode on my 97 C230. I also determined that 2nd gear starts more closely match my in-town driving style than do a 1-5 gear change between every stoplight. Is there a problem with continued use of the "W" mode and lack of 1st gear usage? If I would like to drive in this mode, how often should I switch back to "S" and for how long, assuming lack of use would be the equivalent to not using your AC compressor all winter.

Actually you will probably see better mileage out of it fuel wise. It will shift to first if needed when in W mode so there really is no reason to switch back and forth for normal driving. MB actually now calls it C and S mode for Comfort and Sport. C is W and S is still S.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

There is no harm that can come from using 'w' mode, if that's what you prefer then leave it there, that's what it was designed for. The other nice thing about the 'w' mode is that it activates the "hill holder" which is not available in 's' mode.

I leave mine in W all the time also. I was also advised by someone on this board that it was fine to do so.

MP

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Thanks guys

My two Volvos had 'W' modes and start out in 3rd gear. They're slow though.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

The one thing most people don't realise about the 722.6 is that it has 2 reverse gear ratios.

When is "S" is has the normal reverse and when in "W or C" is has a reverse ratio a little taller/longer than 2nd.

Try it next time you get bored............it is the most common "fault" when people complain their car can't backup their steep driveway.

Otherwise it's fine to leave it in "W or C"

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Alex.

MB Tech
Sydney, Australia
Volvo 122S
W201 190D 2.5 manual
W202 C240
W203 C32