The diference between the two modes and why it is smoother in W as opposed to S is fairly simple. In W mode the vehicle will start off in 2nd gear instead of 1st. This makes for smoother starts, better in rain, better in snow, no issue driving this way always. As a matter of fact my 190E does this without a switch, mine starts in second unless floored. This was all for smoothness and better starts in inclement weather. On yours with the switch in W if you floor it you will drop all the way to first. IN the newer models the switch has been renamed to S and C for Sport and Comfort. It was never really intended for Winter only, so they relabeled it, most likely due to questions such as yours.

__________________
~Jamie
_________________
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.....