E/S switch on W210 auto

[Vronsky]

Fella's,
I've got a 722440 auto gear box on my W210, and it has this switch next to the stick that can be set into an 'E' (economy) or 'S' (standard) position. I hardly notice any clear difference in either position however.
Should I notice any difference?

Thanks!

[stevebfl]

Should change the shift points, similar to the way the US cars do in cold start for delayed shifting to heat the cat.

[beevly]

There's a very noticeable difference bewtween the two settings on my 210. Not only changes the shift points, but also starts in 2nd gear (E, or W in the US) vs. 1st gear for S setting. Doesn't E (or W) also start you out in a higher reverse gear?

[C32AMG]

In the “S” mode the car starts in 2nd at light and medium throttle. At ¾ and full throttle the car will start in 1st gear.


The “E” mode serves two functions. When the car is cold the 2/3 up shift is delayed at light throlltle to heat up the cats faster, as Steve said. When the cars has warm up, at light and ¾ throttle the up and down shifts are earlier, comfort driving. The car will start in 2nd gear in D and 3; when kick down is activated the shift strategy is that of the “S” mode.